Unauthorized apps stores for iPhone emerging

March 10, 2009 — 11:24am ET | By Paul Mah

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Forget unauthorized iPhone applications; in a bid to satisfy the voracious appetite of iPhone users for new software, unauthorized iPhone application stores are starting to emerge.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the developer of some popular iPhone software plans to open an online store called Cydia Store to sell hundreds of iPhone applications not available on Apple's official store. Jailbroken iPhones will be required to run software purchased in this instance, though another developer Rock Your Phone plans to put up an app store without the requirement for modified iPhones.

With the appearance--or imminent launch--of other "official" online stores catering to the major smartphone platforms, any legal action taken by Apple will certainly have ramifications on what would certainly be a lucrative business model.

To read more on the article:
- check out this article from CNET News
- check out this article from WSJ.com