Apple’s SDK for the iPhone will do more than enable iPhone developers to write native software, according to Wired on Friday. It may also enable Apple to expand on its iTunes as a media distribution center, and that has some developers concerned if that’s how Apple forces them to go.

"I think a lot of developers simultaneously see this as the best thing and the worst thing in the world," said Daniel Jalkut, the developer of the blogging tool MarsEdit.

The concern is that if Apple makes iTunes the only venue for the distribution of iPhone native applications, there will be a loss of control by developers. A lot of trust in Apple is required.

Even so, the ability to dock an iPhone, purchase and download an application has a lot of appeal. Apple has turned iTunes into a world-class media distribution system, having sold for than 4 billion songs. Some estimate that 20 percent of the U.S. population buys its music in iTunes.

"From a consumer perspective, the experience of looking for and purchasing software for their devices will come from this one unified and familiar platform, and that adds a lot of value," said John Chuang, an economics professor at the University of California.

Despite the plusses, developers still have issues about whether iTunes will inhibit competition, whether the licensing terms will dictate the kinds of applications available and even the eligible developers, and whether will other channels of distribution will be prohibited.

Bryan Gardiner wrote that it’s unlikely Apple will muck up its relationship with developers, and Apple will want as many new natives apps as possible. In addition, a few killer apps could propel the iPhone even further than it gas gone so far. Even so, the new scheme likely won’t make 100 percent of the developers happy.