Early SDK Access Means iPhone Apps at Launch

A few developers are getting early access to the SDK, according to sources who spoke with Electronista.

"A handful of companies are said to be getting rough versions of the tools to help code more advanced applications than would be possible with the current web-only solution. Exact details of what the kit allows are unknown, though it is confirmed that it produces native programs and somewhat resembles Google's OpenSocial in that it mediates between the programmer and the iPhone operating system."

Having a few apps to look at and buy during the February unveiling of the SDK will give iPhone users and the press something concrete to examine while waiting for the post-SDK wave of apps to arrive. It will also help Apple test out its system for selling the apps and for maintaining the security of the iPhone. One thing is for sure, the first apps had better not only be slick, but extremely useful, especially in light of Apple's failure so far to add user-relevant functionality to the phone. Of course, I have no problem with the iPhone as is.