While Microsoft and Adobe are getting together on mobile Flash technology, Apple isn’t in such a big rush with the iPhone, according to JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg. Apple’s close relationship with Google makes a decision not so urgent, according to a story at Computerworld on Monday.

"There’s no doubt that Flash is important for mobile and will become even more important," said Mr. Gartenberg. "But for Apple, it’s not as urgent as Microsoft. People want Flash primarily to get videos on YouTube, and Apple already has a tight relationship with YouTube. So there’s less pressure for it to react," he added.

That relationship means that YouTube videos on Google are converted to H.264 when possible for those using an iPhone. That doesn’t happen at all sites, however.

Apple’s Steve Jobs and Adobe have not seen eye-to-eye lately on adding Flash support for the iPhone. "Apple has been particular about what goes on the iPhone and wants something that meshes with the rest of the [iPhone] applications," Mr. Gartenberg said.

"We’d love to see Flash come to the iPhone," said Anup Murarka, Abobe’s director of technical marketing told Computerworld in an e-mail. "Hopefully, when we have the opportunity to review the SDK, and if it’s a vehicle to deliver a solution, we would look forward to working with Apple."

Mr. Gartenberg was optimistic. "It’s only a matter of time before the iPhone gets some sort of Flash support," he said.

Some observers, like Mr. Gartenberg, believe that Apple wants something from Adobe, either with respect to Flash security or something else. If that’s true, and both sides work things out, then Mr. Gartenberg’s prediction looks safe.