"Analysts expect that instead of equipping anyone who wants to build iPhone software, Apple will handpick the companies and individual programmers to be given the software-development kit..."
Great. This is worse than a closed platform. Apple will just keep out startups that threaten them and let in those who are aligned with their interests. If history is any indication, this type of move from Apple would not surprise me.
At least in a closed platform, only Apple can reap the benefits. The playing field between 3rd party mobile software startups is level when no one else can get in.
In a selectively open platform, companies that are "picked" to develop for the iPhone have a distinct competitive advantage over those who do not. How can you compete if your most feared competitor is allowed to build software for the iPhone and you are not? It is potentially a very unfair situation.
It might be unfair for you or for developers on the iPhone, but it will at least be a step forward for the end users. Hand-picked software is better than no software at all.
If there is no competition, the quality of the software is dependent only on Apple's standards, which are generally quite high. I doubt the software that is approved by Apple will be crap.
I still agree with you though-- it should be freely open.
Great. This is worse than a closed platform. Apple will just keep out startups that threaten them and let in those who are aligned with their interests. If history is any indication, this type of move from Apple would not surprise me.