Third party applications are the main reason why Apple's latest gadget will not do well according to the iPhone Doomsayers. Apple has repeatedly stated that they want to be able to offer developers the possibility of making programs for the iPhone, but cannot risk compromising the stability and security of the platform. Steve Jobs stated that they are working on a solution, and that they will need time. At WWDC, that solution arrived.

Apple announced that the iPhone will run applications created with the Web 2.0 Internet standards when it begins shipping on June 29. This gives developers the freedom to create Web 2.0 applications which look and behave just like the applications built into iPhone, and which can seamlessly access iPhone's services, including making a phone call, sending an email and displaying a location in Google Maps. Third-party applications created using Web 2.0 standards can extend iPhone's capabilities without compromising its reliability or security.

"Developers and users alike are going to be very surprised and pleased at how great these applications look and work on iPhone," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, in the press release. "Our innovative approach, using Web 2.0-based standards, lets developers create amazing new applications while keeping the iPhone secure and reliable."

Not only do Web 2.0-based applications react better than traditional web applications, but they are more interactive, can be easily distributed over the Internet and painlessly updated by simply changing the code on the developers' own servers. The modern web standards also provide secure data access and transactions, like those used with Amazon.com or online banking.

This is big news, as the iPhone will be as open as can be with developers being able to create just about any kind of program for it. Furthermore, it is a boon, as Web 2.0 applications are not iPhone exclusive and can also be used on other platforms, meaning less redundant porting work is needed.