Some Friendly Developer Rules

5. Some Friendly Developer Rules

Apple isn't nice to developers. The company's draconian approval policies have stopped some viable apps from entering its store. It has also pushed some developers away. Granted, Apple's App Store is growing at a rapid rate and it's the biggest store in the space, but the company needs to do a better job of making developers understand what is and is not allowed.

6. Interchangeable Batteries

One of the biggest complaints any corporate customer will have for the iPhone is that it doesn't have interchangeable batteries. Instead, users are required to recharge the single battery encased in the device. After a long day of phone calls, that might be inefficient for the average businessperson. Interchangeable batteries is a must in the next iPhone.

7. VOIP over 3G

When Apple rejected Google's Voice application from entering its App Store, it unleashed a firestorm of controversy. But what it brought to light was AT&T's requirement that no app in Apple's store be allowed to run VOIP over 3G. That's unfortunate. Users would find far more value in the device with that option allowed. It would also increase AT&T's subscriber base. Rethink that one, AT&T.

8. Carrier-Agnosticism

Following that, it's time that Apple ditch AT&T and start offering the iPhone on multiple carriers. The idea has been rumored to be in the works for months now, but so far, the company hasn't made any announcements saying that the iPhone will be carrier-agnostic. Several iPhone competitors offer devices on multiple carriers. It helps them capture market share. Apple should consider it.

9. Removable Storage

Another issue some have with the iPhone is its lack of removable storage. It comes with a hefty hard drive, sure, but it's nice to have the option of taking files and folders out of the device for use elsewhere. Several BlackBerry models provide a removable-storage slot to save content. Users can take that content to computers, their HDTVs and elsewhere. In any smartphone, that should be an option.

10. Shortage of Serious Competition

Perhaps the biggest problem with Apple's iPhone is that, so far, it doesn't have a real competitor. Sure, the Droid is selling well and the BlackBerry Storm2 is a more viable device than its predecessor. But when it comes to touch-enabled devices, the iPhone reigns supreme. And that is limiting Apple's desire to unleash every feature we might want. It can keep releasing iterative updates, knowing all too well that more and more users will keep buying its product. There's little need to innovate beyond what's necessary. It's unfortunate, but it's true. And it's holding the iPhone back.