App developers wary of Apple's influence

When Apple insisted on making all its own computers and software a decade ago, it talked up its integrated products so thoroughly that it barely mentioned any allies. Now it can hardly shut up about them: it knows the most important thing about the iPhone is the online App Store, where 65,000 programs (and counting) are available for download. Its debut about a year ago reversed Apple's drive for complete control of its products and services, drawing thousands of partners who see it as an obvious route for reaching consumers with disposable income. But the very success of this new model of co-operation has exposed Apple to interest from regulators and is provoking a backlash in parts of Silicon Valley, where some say the new collective stewardship has turned Apple from outlier to dictator. One big developer frustrated with Apple's opaque review process for applications said this week the company should just allow everything on the store.