Only being able to install apps on your iPhone through Apple’s app store coupled with Apple’s policy of not allowing any apps to be sold on the store that compete with and do a better job of inbuilt apps means that innovation on the iPhone is stifled. You’re limited to one web browser, one email client, one music player and so on. If Apple doesn’t feel like updating them or adding the features you want then you get left behind.
Skyfire and Opera Mini are two amazing apps that are available on all the open platforms – Win Mobile, Symbian and RIM. No one can deny that they are the next leap in bridging the gap between the desktop and mobile web experience but as an iPhone user. You’ll never get to experience them.
Unless Apple changes their harsh policies or open the iPhone up to installing software from third parties without the need for “jail-breaking” your handset then I’m afraid you’re at the mercy of Apple’s own developers, designers and the marketing machine.
The lack of openness of the iPhone platform for me is the biggest failing of the iPhone. Imagine if Apple opened up the platform. 99% of the reasons the iPhone sucks would be eradicated overnight. By what is undoubtedly a truly huge developer community.
