Apple updates dev tools in light of iPhone OS 3.1.3 release

Feb 3, 2010 08:18 GMT  ·  By

In a routine move, Apple has updated the iPhone Software Development Kit to version 3.1.3, following the release of a new iPhone OS carrying the same version number. Multiple versions of the iPhone SDK now exist, with the most prominent of the bunch being SDK 3.2 for the Apple iPad, and now SDK 3.1.3, for developers working with iPhone-only software.

“With this software you can develop applications that run on iPhone and iPod touch. Includes the Xcode IDE, Instruments, iPhone simulator, frameworks and samples, compilers, Shark analysis tool, and more,” Apple explains. “With over 1,000 new APIs, iPhone SDK provides developers with a range of new possibilities to enhance the functionality of their applications. New APIs also provide support for applications to communicate with hardware accessories attached to iPhone or iPod touch,” the company states on its website.

On the Downloads section of its website, Apple reveals that iPhone SDK 3.1.3 delivers the following changes: support for targeting non-Mac OS X platforms, including iPhone OS SDK; GCC 4.2 & LLVM GCC 4.2 optional compilers for use with Mac OS X 10.5 SDK; updated assistants to create new projects, targets, and source files; toolbar uses a single popup to choose platform, target, and debug/release; integrated SCM support now works with Subversion 1.5.

iPhone SDK 3.1.3 requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later and an Intel processor. Weighing in at a hefty 3.05GB, the software is freely available for download, unlike SDK 3.2, which is only accessible to developers enrolled with the company’s iPhone Developer Program.

As for the new iPhone OS 3.1.3, Apple claims it improves the accuracy of reported battery level on iPhone 3GS units, resolves an issue where third-party apps would not launch in some instances, and fixes a bug that may cause an app to crash when using the Japanese Kana keyboard. A full-length support document has been posted on the last one.

Download iPhone SDK (Free)