I like Apple products. But I hate Apple. I bought a mac mini and an iPhone 3g when it came out. I loved it. I bought everything just to make apps, and I did it. But I learn one thing: Apple doesn't care about me, only about the money that I bring them. Everyone always says how great their Customer Support is, everyone that is not a developer. They do not care about your problem, they will not try to help you. No info, no help. And this will not change because as soon as you step out other ten will take your place. They do not care about your need as a developer. If you are not fine with this, leave, you will not be missed. And I left. Never to return.
You bought products, you're a customer. You make products, you're not a customer. You need them more than they need you (unless you're talking about roadblock problems for an insignificant portion of developers.
Are you sure? how do you think makes more money with the AppStore? Also i paid to be a developer so i still am a customer. And if it was for that even normal customers need more a computer than what Apple needs them...
You are also forgetting that if it wasn't for the developers that created the content in the AppStore the iPhone would have been just a phone like all the others.
You essentially countered your own argument there. The fact that you've admitted you understand that the immense profits they made last quarter were a direct result of their closed policy is evidence that deep down, even you don't truly believe they should be more open.
I think a more correct title would be, "Wouldn't it be nice if Apple was more open?"
> I thought I could happily develop using them for the next 2-2.5 years
If we want the market and ecosystem to continue to grow (thus keeping your job) then it's a damn good thing things like this happen. Be happy Apple continues to deliver you a mass audience with a solid distribution network.
I don't see that this is any worse than android where you have a huge number of differing screen sizes.
One problem though with the growing number of devices is the cost involved in testing web apps. Especially if you want to support retina screens and such.