14 DAY TRIAL // Applications and websites specifically made for the iPhone were pouring in even before the device actually shipped. Now, with the device in the hands of thousands, even more applications are being developed every day.
While the pioneers of iPhone development were largely working blind as the device was not out yet, today things are a lot easier with the device being available for purchase in the United States. Developers in other parts of the world, however, still have to make do with guesses and information they can deduce from other sources. Fortunately, Apple is staying on top of things and has published web development guidelines for the iPhone, available directly from the company's Developer Connection website.
While not as good as actually having an iPhone in your hands, the information in the guides is invaluable both for new and existing developers that want to get the most out of the device and the user interface. These guidelines are intended to help developers understand the iPhone, both in terms of capabilities and in terms of the subtle differences that set it apart from other browsers on other devices. Apple offers advice on established design practices for the web and furnishes developers with iPhone-specific design principles. While the version of Safari installed on the iPhone employs the same Web Kit engine as Safari on a computer, there are big differences in the way the browser is controlled and displays information. These guidelines should help developers prepare web content and design a website or web-based application for iPhone.
The document deals with iPhone interaction, tried-and-tested design tips, integrating with iPhone functions, optimizing pages and more. Apple offers information that ranges from general guidelines to very specific details about what the phone will do in certain situations and what the available screen real estate is.