iPhone 3.0 SDK to offer developers in-app upgrades, push notifications, and hardware integration

Today Apple announced developer-related details for its iPhone OS 3.0, a major update to all iPhone and iPod Touch devices. The company unveiled details of an in-app purchasing system, push notifications, peer-to-peer connectivity, and more.

In OS 3.0 SDK, developers will have the ability to charge customers for "in-app" purchases such as subscriptions, additional levels in games, or any new content after an app is purchased. The purchasing model will only be available in paid applications.

Apple announced peer-to-peer connectivity, which allows for automatic discovery of devices and supported applications wirelessly over Bluetooth. Users of the technology will be able to share contact information, compete with others in peer to peer games, and more.

IPhone OS 3.0 also allows accessory developers to build custom applications that talk directly with the iPhone hardware by dock connector or over Bluetooth. Senior Vice President of iPhone Software Scott Forstall showed examples of the technology that included a "smart" FM transmitter, an equalizer application that could control the equalizer on a stereo system dock from within the iPhone, and even a blood pressure reader that integrates with the device.

The company also announced that it will integrate a push notification system instead of a background processes system for applications. Forstall said that push notifications save battery life and maintain performance.

According to Apple, the iPhone is now available in over 80 countries and the company sold more than 13.7 million iPhones in 2008. Users have downloaded more than 800 million apps in eight months time.

A beta version of the iPhone 3.0 SDK is available to developers now.