Cupertino, Calif. - Apple (NASD: AAPL) on Thursday introduced a beta version of the software tools developers will need to create third-party applications for its iPhone, in an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

The iPhone 2.0 software, set for official release in June, will include support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, so corporations can use the iPhone for push e-mail, contacts and calendars on private corporate networks.

It will also provide a set of APIs that let developers access the iPhone's audio, video, touch screen, accelerometers and other features.

"We're excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

"iPhone's enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device."

Third-party applications will be sold both through the iTunes Store and on the iPhone itself, through an App Store icon, with developers able to set their own pricing and keep 70% of the revenues.

Related Links:
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/03/06iphone.html

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program

http://www.macworld.com/article/132400/2008/03/iphonesdk.html

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