Apple today released a statement regarding their App Store development tools. Beginning today, Apple is allowing developers to use third-party development tools for building applications for iOS, as long as the app doesn't download any code from third-parties. The company specifically stated that they are relaxing their restrictions for developers, giving them flexibility in building applications for iOS.

We are continually trying to make the App Store even better. We have listened to our developers and taken much of their feedback to heart. Based on their input, today we are making some important changes to our iOS Developer Program license in sections 3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 3.3.9 to relax some restrictions we put in place earlier this year.

In particular, we are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need.

Earlier this year, Apple blocked Adobe's Flash-to-iPhone compiler which was designed to take code written in Flash and convert it into the native coding language of iOS. However, Apple quickly blocked the software from all developers.

Apple also lifted the ban of analytics data collection for iOS apps, following a third-party company inserting their code into apps and tracked down prototype devices that Apple was testing on their campus. The most notable of their analytics collection services is Google AdMod.

Finally, Apple published guidelines for App Store approval processes. The guidelines show what developers must do to have their applications accepted into the App Store. Previously, this has been kept a secret by Apple, despite harsh criticism from developers.

Surprisingly, Apple uses a very direct tone to developers in their guidelines:

"We have lots of kids downloading lots of apps, and parental controls don't work unless the parents set them up (many don't). So know that we're keeping an eye out for the kids."

"We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don't need any more Fart apps."

"We have lots of serious developers who don't want their quality Apps to be surrounded by amateur hour."

"If your app is rejected, we have a Review Board that you can appeal to. If you run to the press and trash us, it never helps."

"This is a living document, and new apps presenting new questions may result in new rules at any time. Perhaps your app will trigger this."

"If it sounds like we're control freaks, well, maybe it's because we're so committed to our users and making sure they have a quality experience with our products."