CUPERTINO, Calif. – Apple CEO Steve Jobs today announced major updates for the iPhone, including enterprise-friendly features, a new App Store, and a $100 million developer fund, during a high-profile event at the company’s Cupertino headquarters.
Enterprise Integration & Push Services
Apple revealed full compatibility with Microsoft Exchange, enabling push email, calendar, and contacts—key demands from corporate users. Phil Schiller, SVP of Worldwide Marketing, demonstrated seamless wireless syncing, highlighting partnerships with Genentech and Stanford University, where iPhones are already widely used. Security features like Cisco VPN and remote wipe were also added.
App Store & Developer Ecosystem
Jobs introduced the App Store, a centralized hub for third-party applications, set to launch in June with iPhone’s free 2.0 software update. Developers will keep 70% of revenue, with Apple taking 30%, and no fees for free apps. Restrictions ban porn and malware.
Venture firm Kleiner Perkins committed $100 million via the “iFund” to support iPhone app startups. Partner John Doerr praised Jobs as the “supreme commander of the rebels,” calling the iPhone a transformative platform.
Developer Demos
EA showcased Spore, a game leveraging the iPhone’s accelerometer, built in just two weeks. Other demos included:
- Salesforce.com: Enterprise SaaS tools.
- AOL AIM: A working chat app developed in five days by a first-time Mac user.
- Sega’s Super Monkey Ball: Highlighting the SDK’s flexibility.
Market Momentum
Jobs noted the iPhone captured 28% of the smartphone market within eight months, trailing only RIM (41%). Bank of America reported 25% of mobile banking transactions came from iPhones.
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