According to a statement made by Apple, the new SDK allows “existing iPhone projects to include the necessary files to support” the new Apple tablet computer – the iPad. Therefore, it can be clearly assumed that many developers are awaiting these helpful SDK features - particularly since the release of the first model of the iPad is impending.

Furthermore, this latest version of the iPhone OS also includes, in Apple’s words - a new Universal Application binary format for applications. This module will facilitate developers to deliver a single application that can take advantage of all of the features of the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the new iPad. This can be done by placing the code into a single package for easy distribution and management.

This new introduction will facilitate developers and make things much easier for them to produce software that will run on all three Apple mobile platforms. As stated in an official Apple announcement on January 27, via its iPhone Dev Center, “iPhone Developer Program Members can start developing the next generation of innovative applications for iPad with iPhone SDK 3.2 beta, now available in the iPhone Dev Center.”

Apple has further reiterated that the iPhone Dev Center also provides members with additional resources including the iPad Programming Guide, iPad Human Interface Guidelines, Preparing Universal Applications, and sample code." For your information, the beta is only available for registered developers.

As of now, developers who are working with the iPhone and Touch only, are using v.3.1.3. However, now members of the iPhone Developer Program may also download and use the new 3.2 beta, which includes support for the iPad. These development tools should be incorporated once again when the final build of 3.2 is released, which is expected to be soon.

Stay tuned to this space for further updates.