Apple has announced they have “decided to drop the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for released iPhone software.” This includes all released (i.e. non-beta) versions of the iPhone development SDK.
This removes the harshest of the metaphorical gags from iPhone developers’ mouths: they will at last be free to discuss among themselves the process of developing for the iPhone, helping each other find solutions to development issues in ways they could not have before. Those publishers who have had books on hold waiting for the NDA’s cancellation can go ahead with them. However, the NDA on unreleased software (presumably including rejection letters) will remain in place.
The released-software NDA has, historically, been one of the most disliked aspects of developing for the iPhone. Undoubtedly many developers will be breathing a sigh of relief at its departure.