Apple Blocks iPhone Apps

Oooooh, Apple’s in trouuuuuuuuble!

The blogosphere seethed this week as Apple Inc. (APPL) rejected some applications, notably a podcasting app that is reportedly much better than the one available from iTunes; in fact, it allows you to bypass iTunes all together.

The word “bypass” was apparently the wrong way to pitch it because Apple informed the developer, Alex Sokirynsky, that it would not be allowing his app in the App Store. Apple claimed it was simply because of “duplicate functionality.”

It’s not the only application deemed not cool enough to run with the cool kids. Apple also rejected NetShare, which turned the iPhone into a modem (AT&T Inc. (T) probably had some issues there — since it does want to sell those data cards), and something called eFartz, which, well, you can imagine.

Apple takes 30 percent of all app revenue and has claimed a penchant for open access, which leaves many scratching their heads as to the sudden monopolistic control grab. Some developers are questioning the value of writing iPhone apps in the first place.

Not all is lost: Sites like Apptism and others are providing a home for blocked and unblocked iPhone offerings.

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