Why the iPhone app store matters

The Open/Close Conundrum

Apple was applauded when it “opened up” its ecosystem to third-party developers. Of course, that ecosystem – funneled through Apple and iTunes – isn’t really *that* open at all. But as long as developers are happy (and if they sell apps, they are happy) and users are happy (with a great user experience), the value of openness tends to diminish a bit. Like all things Apple, keeping strong control over its products tends to bruise a few egos but results in a better user experience. By comparison, it’s always been possible – but never easy or particularly fun – to purchase apps for other phones, such as Windows Mobile. So just as competitors have been playing catch-up with the iTunes music/video purchase experience, it looks like they’ll be chasing Apple in the apps game as well.

Native vs. Web

It’s difficult to see why or how iPhone users would opt to use a Web-based application versus a native iPhone application. Not only do the native apps look great, they work better with the iPhone’s innovative controls. As we all know, the Web has never really “worked” on a phone; iPhone apps could make pure Web browsing less relevant than ever – even as the device’s Safari browser offers a compelling browsing experience. The share of user time between Web and native apps will be very interesting to watch over the next year or so.

Not Everyone Thrilled

We’ve been among those skeptical – or at least realistic – about the iPhone. In a succinct post, blog MSMobiles lists 12 reasons to buy Windows Mobile phone instead of iPhone 3G. Among the reasons, a few (but only a few, notably) apply to the iPhone app story, including the inability to run apps in the background on the iPhone and some screen resolution and keyboard concerns.

Those are fair complaints, but the application gauntlet has been thrown down, and rivals – most notably Nokia, Microsoft and the soon-to-launch Android community – had better do more than just complain about this formidable new rival.