Apple may be working on building a set of template tools for iPad-based magazines to include in its Xcode developer tools. Assuming the report is accurate, such a move would give developers a standardized set of tools that could make it easier for creating publications as apps.
Anthony Morganti at Gadget Daily News claimed to have received word that Apple is developing a magazine template for Xcode — the company’s development environment for Mac OS X, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad apps.
Apple may add magazine tools to Xcode
“Imagine a guy drawing and writing a comic book. He can’t sell it to Marvel or DC so he hooks up with a programmer and within days, he’s getting his comic book published and sold on iTunes,” Mr. Morganti was told.
Apple would include guidelines for developers along with its magazine templete tools so they would have some idea how to build a consistent and intuitive interface for publications. The tools would also include the ability to handle in-app subscription purchases along with support for buying back issues.
Apple isn’t confirming that it actually is working on magazine app tools for Xcode, but the idea does make sense. Giving developers the ability to build magazine apps faster and with a more consistent interface means more opportunities for publications to find their way to the iPad.
The company is apparently hoping to add the new tools to Xcode by the end of the year.