Apple could face antitrust inquiry over development tools exclusivity
US government poking around
Apple could potentially face an antitrust inquiry due to its decision to limit iPhone developers to certain development tools.
As reported by the New York Post, various US government watchdogs seem to be considering launching the formative stages of an inquiry into the matter.
Whose platform is it anyway?
Apple claims the new agreement has been put in place to ensure the continued high quality of the apps it sells. However, Adobe feels it has been designed to block Flash development on iPhone and iPad.
The restrictions that have been put in place have already started to have repercussions too, as attested to by ex-Apple employee and owner of developer InfoBridge, Shaun Meredith.
Meredith says that many of his customers are choosing to finance games which will work on all of the many competing devices, rather than just iPhone or iPad.
Bear in mind that the launching of an inquiry does not equate to a full scale investigation though. But it will be fascinating to see Apple's reaction should one be launched.
For more analysis, head over to Pocketgamer.biz.
