iPhone SDK / Dev Program Now Available Worldwide

Apple's iPhone developer website reveals that the Cupertino-based electronics and software giant has seemingly extended the availability of its iPhone Dev Program to some 26 other countries outside the US and UK, AppleInsider is reporting. That's right, UK folks have already been accepted, according to another source.

Apple's official iPhone developer website previously stated that "the iPhone Developer Program will initially be available to a limited number of developers in the U.S. and will expand to other countries in the coming months." Now, the same message reads the same words with a slight modification: that it "will initially be available to a limited number of developers during the beta period." No more "devs in the US", no more mentioning of expansion plans.

Further confirmation that Apple is indeed accepting appliances from all over the world comes from Tuaw website reader and UK resident Skaro, who claims he's been accepted into the iPhone developer program. He has already paid up his £59 worth of fees, according to the website.

Also, a screenshot of the international enrollment process suggests the program is not available everywhere, but just in a select 26 other countries in addition to the US and UK. There it is on the left (click to enlarge).

Apple confirms that using its iPhone SDK, developers, big and small, can make applications that run natively on the company's touchscreen and accelerometer-enabled devices, the iPhone and the iPod touch. In order to download the iPhone SDK (1,4 GB), you will need to log in with your Apple ID. The download is free of charge.

For those who've applied for the iPhone Developer Program, Apple's answer to you could be positive, but also negative. Just so you don't get your hopes up if you get an email from Apple, here's what the negative answer sounds like: "Thank you for applying to the iPhone Developer Program. We have many more requests than we can serve during this initial beta period, so we must limit the Program at this time. We plan to expand it during the beta period, and we will contact you regarding your enrollment status at the appropriate time. We appreciate your patience."

The fourth beta version of the iPhone SDK includes Xcode IDE, iPhone simulator with Open GL ES support, Interface Builder, Instruments, frameworks and samples, compilers, and Shark analysis tool.