iPhone java

Sun has announced that it will be bringing java to the iPhone.

This is good news, as it will bring quite a number of existing applications to the iPhone (notably, many which have made RIM's platform so popular). It is also good news because in many ways, the iPhone is the platform java has been looking for since its inception.

Given the generally close relationship between Sun and Apple, and the long time commitment by Apple for quality java implementations on their platforms, it's a little odd that this had not been in the works earlier. Does apple have some reason for being less interested in java on the iPhone, or are they just too busy rolling out new elements?

Sun plans for the reduced ME version of the JVM. This makes sense, but likely underestimates the power of the iPhone. More than that, it underestimates the likely growth of the iPhone into a likely range of new products (PDA, tablet, ?) which may finally hit the mark. Sun hints it may provide more, but I'm guessing that everyone needs a little experience on the platform, and of course, wants to get things out as soon as possible.

The real impact of java, though, will only be if a new class of devices emerges which compete with Apple's offerings, or better, expand the variety of devices in the marketplace. It is unlikely that other manufacturers will immitate Apple's development environment, and java already is doing a great job of providing for cross platform development.

On the other hand, java has never provided the best route to access the true power of the Apple frameworks. Apple has a real leg up in the mobile market at this moment. Time will tell whether other platforms will be able to compete.