A Call To Open-Source The iPhone

Um, big factor left out is the very large Java developer base for Android versus the Apple ObjectiveC minority.

Problematically, the post - as written - doesn't actually have any particular thesis.

In fact, Whurley himself hedges on the assertion for Open Sourcing it in his response to reader comments.

So, is Hurley saying that Linux is becoming the "default way"?

Apple is using "open source" selectively. It created WebKit, which is now open source". It did so as a counterpoint to Internet Explorer. It's done quite well, becoming the basis for Safari, Android, Adobe AIR, S60, and many others.

Developers only benefit if they can monetize their work, and make a living. We haven't seen Android's openness be a "key differentiator" yet.

I 100% agree and some fantastic open source apps for the iPhone are already in abundance, but you have to hack your iPhone to break Apples constraints (not that it's difficult to do anymore with all the software based iPhone hacking tools now available). But unfortunately, unless Apple can find a way to make money off open source software, I don't see them welcoming the open source idea.

The chances of the Apple Operating System becoming an Open Source Platform are none and none!

Apple's iPhone and application ecosystem are only a year old and their sales have already caught what it took RIM ten years to accomplish.

Apple iPhone and its development platform are a goldmine, not a utilatarian's panacea. My advise? Buy some Apple Stock. Publically available. Open Source. Terrific potential.