If you are interested in developing applications for the Apple iPhone there are few things you should keep in mind. The underlying theme is that Apple does things the way it does, because it works for them. This does not necessarily mean that the Apple’s processes are the best or that they are flexible enough to suit your needs.

One of the key rules in iPhone apps is that only one application can run at any given time. This means that if the user is playing a game or entering data into an app, the app will have to quit if the user decides to answer an incoming call. This is something you will have to keep in mind while designing your app. This sort of problem can be circumvented by moving the active app to the background while the user takes the call. This approach is easily done using operating systems such as Symbian. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the iPhone and the iPod Touch do not allow multi-tasking apps.

The Sale of apps is another area where Apple does not make exceptions. All apps must be sold through the Apple Store. There is no other outlet and the apps entry is carefully regulated by a monitoring team. This goes towards ensuring quality and security, which benefits Apple, not being a bad thing at all. However, the team also decides on how long the app stays in the store, which is done by considering various factors.

Since all apps run only if they have the necessary digital certificates in place, it offers Apple a quick and easy way to terminate an app when conflicts arise. Even if a customer is using your app, it will stop working on their iPhone or iPod Touch if Apple revokes your certificate.

There are many other issues as well which you need to be aware of before you get into app development. However, the aim of this article is not to deter you from developing apps, rather it is to inform you so that you know the limitations that exist so that you can work within and around them to produce a successful app.