TimmyMagic - 5:20 pm on Jan 14, 2013 (gmt 0)

Thanks for your reply.

Every platform will have its own guidelines, and Apple in particular is very reserved when it comes to apps that can download files at a later point in time. The main reason being if an app can download files after its been accepted for app store placement, it may later download malicious code.

Is that really the main reason? I thought the main reason was because they want to take their 30% cut. Although I do understand the concerns over malicious code.

There are already apps that facilitate downloads, so it can be done. I have actually tried contacting the makers of the app I have on my iPhone to see if they could develop something for us based on their existing app. But I didn't get a response.

I'm trying to find out how complex this would be to build from scratch. Also, I guess we also have to make sure it will be approved, in light of what you said about their objections to such functionality.

We just want something that can be convenient for our customers, but to also make it brandable and promote our products / website.

There are IDE's that allow you to develop your app, then compile the code for the target devices. Appcelerator and Phonegap are such examples.

I will be hiring someone to do it, as I'm not a programmer. However, I do want to learn as much as possible before hiring anyone. It always helps to have a bit of knowledge.