Adobe Insiders Splash Cold Water on iPhone Flash

"I assume someone at the high levels of Adobe knows what the status is but I don't and everyone I talk to doesn't," Stewart said on his blog. "That's because only Apple really knows anything about it. If you want Flash on the iPhone I'd keep bugging Apple."

Matthew Keefe from the Flash developer team added, "I would be one of the many Flash developers that would love to see the iPhone get Flash support, but I just don't see it happening in secret."

Translating Into Disappointment

That revelation translates into disappointment for anyone hoping Flash support would come along with the iPhone software developer kit launch before the end of February.

The lack of Flash support means that the iPhone can't properly display many Web sites that rely on the technology to deliver interactive interfaces. It also means that many video Web sites are off limits to iPhone and iPod touch users, too.

While the iPhone's lack of Flash support could signal some kind of feud between Apple and Adobe, it more likely is simply the result of prioritizing developer schedules. When Apple launched the iPhone last year, many analysts and users criticized the device for lacking several key features that were already available on other cell phones.

Only Steve Jobs Knows

The company has released a handful of updates since its initial launch to add new features and fix bugs. Once the base feature set, primary bug fixes and security holes are handled, it will be easier for Apple to justify focusing its resources on Flash support.

Exactly when that will happen, however, is anyone's guess.

Stewart added, "I'm really stoked about what's going to come with the iPhone SDK and believe me, I want Flash on it just as much if not more than most of you. But no one aside from Steve Jobs has any idea if/when it's coming."