iPhone Software Creation Kit Coming in Feb.

Apple will release a software development kit for the iPhone and iPod touch in February, CEO Steve Jobs wrote in a letter on Apple's website. The kit will allow third-party developers to create native applications for the devices. Jobs said the delay was needed to ensure that the platform would both satisfy developer's needs and provide security for users.

“Some claim that viruses and malware are not a problem on mobile phones — this is simply not true," said Jobs, adding that the iPhone's high profile makes it a guaranteed target. Apple faced harsh criticism when early programmers who invented new apps for the phone —and more importantly, owners who started to use them—had their phones disabled permanently by Apple's first iPhone update. (More Steve Jobs stories.)