Same old, same old control-freak Apple: they'll be "gatekeeper" for third-party iPhone apps

Jeremy Horvitz from iLounge has been listening to some developers with apparent knowledge of the iPhone SDK due next week.

He's gleaned that Apple plans to require that all mobile applications be distributed through its iTunes Store.

Perhaps more important, Jeremy notes his sources tell him that Apple’s SDK intends to specify that Apple has the right plan is its intention to formally approve or deny all SDK-based software releases for its devices.

"Our sources confirm that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for applications, deciding which are and are not worthy of release, and publishing only approved applications to the iTunes Store; a process that will less resemble the iTunes Store’s massive directory of podcasts than its sale of a limited variety of iPod Games," Jeremy writes.

"Sources told iLounge that the collective impact of Apple’s decisions will be to control and stifle third-party development at a critical juncture in iPhone and iPod history, limiting what could be an open, thriving Mac-like collection of applications and accessories to a smaller, more stagnant iPod-like controlled environment," Jeremy adds.

Apple as "gatekeeper?" Imagine that!