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iPhone Applications To Be Limited To 2 GB In Size

It looks like developers for the iPhone will have to keep their applications under an absolute limit of 2 GB, set by Apple. Apple didn't specify any reason for the limit, but it probably isn't a bad thing.

AppleInsider is reporting that it stumbled onto internal Apple documents that provide some information about the nature of the iPhone Application Store. First and foremost is the discovery that applications won't be permitted to exceed 2 GB. While this may prevent some companies from developing the most ridiculous cell phone application ever, I see this as a good thing.

I've spoken to some gaming developers who were excited about the idea of producing games that are just 50 MB to 100 MB in size, let alone 2 GB. That the iPhone has more capacity to handle large applications will certainly give developers all the enticement they need to go hog wild. From my perspective, I still want phone applications to be as small as possible. Sure, the iPhone may have up to 16 GB of storage, but I'd like to reserve that for content, not enormous applications.

Other tidbits of info to come from AppleInsider include pricing information for applications. The system looks like it will be tiered. Apps can be given away for free, but the minimum charge for an application that is to be sold (v. given away) will be $0.99. The most a developer can charge will be $999.99. Who on earth would create (and, for that matter, buy) an application that costs more than three times the cost of the device is beyond me. Most believe that the bulk of applications will be available for $10 or less.

There also are some standards set for what sort of apps Apple is willing to sell through its store. For example, no games that are rated for adults will be permitted, and games must have the proper parental warnings about their content.

These standards aren't terribly surprising, though I'm sure people will find ways around them.

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