Apple announced changes to its rules for developers making applications for its iOS devices and App Store. Apple said the changes to the iOS Developer Program licence "relax some restrictions" put in place earlier this year. In particular, developers will now be able to use development tools from outside companies. This opens the way for the use of third-party advertising platforms such as Google's AdMob, which welcomed Apple's decision, and Adobe Systems' Flash software. Adobe said as a result of Apple's changes, it will resume work on its Packager for iPhone, a feature for developing iOS apps with the Flash Professional CS5 tool. Apple said the use of outside tools was permitted "as long as the resulting apps do not download any code". This is expected to give developers more flexibility, while preserving the security Apple demands. In addition, Apple published for the first time the App Store Review Guidelines to help developers understand how it reviews submitted apps. The increased transparency is expected to help developers finetune apps and more quickly pass the review stage before listing in the App Store. The two changes come under pressure from the FTC, which is investigating the company's dominant market position. People familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that the FTC inquiry had been heading toward filing a lawsuit against Apple.
