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The extremely onerous iPhone development process

The iPhone development process seems to be challenging when it comes to dealing with Apple.

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headshots_Dave_Rosenberg_140x100.jpg
Dave Rosenberg Co-founder, MuleSource
Dave Rosenberg has more than 15 years of technology and marketing experience that spans from Bell Labs to startup IPOs to open-source and cloud software companies. He is CEO and founder of Nodeable, co-founder of MuleSoft, and managing director for Hardy Way. He is an adviser to DataStax, IT Database, and Puppet Labs.
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Dave Rosenberg

Software developer Mike Ash just outlined the 22 steps he went through to get his application onto your iPhone:

Development for iPhone is an incredibly difficult process, much more difficult than it needs to be. The arduous process of shipping an application for the Mac suddenly appears to be absolutely straightforward after going through this mess. I really don't envy those companies who have staked their success to the iPhone platform. The amount of arbitrary hassle, uncertainty, and delay in the process can only feel vastly worse when your livelihood depends on it.

Based on Mike's notes, the process clearly leaves a bit to be desired, but doesn't seem all that different than developing for other closed-wall systems, like video games. And because a mobile phone has to deal with the FCC and other restrictions there will always be inherent difficulties.

A lot of what Mike went through seems bad/weird communication, but at least Apple put the app through bug testing and eventually got it out the door. His post is a great read to shed some light on what developers go through to get you great software.