Apple’s largely hyped iPad will not support the Flash plugin on it’s built-in Safari browser. This means there will be no free Flash games, videos or music on the Apple iPad. Instead, the Safari browser will show the missing plugin icon when an iPad user attempts to access a website that is Flash enabled.
The topic has been widely since the iPad, then dubbed ‘apple tablet’, rumors first began to swirl. During Apple’s “Latest Creation” unveiling Steve Jobs demonstrated browsing the Internet on the iPad. When he encountered Flash on the New York Times’ website he quickly stated:
No flash here… the missing plugin icon is on screen.” – Steve Jobs
Update: Adobe Announces Flash Apps Will Run On The iPad, Even Full Screen At Some Point
The iPad and Flash debate has been a widely debated topic between tech bloggers. Some Apple fans think they are doing the right thing by snubbing Adobe’s Flash. Others think that Apple is doing the right thing. Myself, I <3 Flash but understand where Apple is coming from Flash exclusion.
iPad: No Flash? No Surprise
Apple’s iPhone never supported Flash and they have never indicated that this would change in the near future. To add to this, Apple seems to be placing more distance (if possible) between themselves and Adobe Flash. So why are some surprised? The iPad is a device that features browsing as a key element; there will be plenty of people wanting access their Flash games, video sites, music and more. Instead, they will only to be met with this frustrating (and widely-hated) icon:
Which situation do you think Apple is happier with? An iPad OS without Flash plugin support, where they control the source code to every single component, and can do whatever they want, when they want… OR… an OS with proprietary web content plugin support – Flash primarily – that brings users a much more complete Internet viewing experience but takes control away from Apple. Looks like they’ve made the decision.
iPad Shrugs Off Flash
With the majority of video on the Internet based on Flash technology, this latest revelation from Apple may limit the iPad’s richness. On the other hand, Apple may be attempting loosen the grip of this closed-door plugin has on the Internet. Will Apple be successful?
DO NOT expert to see on an iPad near you:
- Flash Audio Players/Widgets
- Flash Video Players/Widgets
- Flash Photo Galleries/Editors
- Flash Ads (no biggie)
- Flash Site Navigation
- Flash product demos
- Flash Full-Websites
- Flash Games
- Flash Animations
I could deal with it on the iphone, but if Apple doesn’t support flash on ipad, I’m done with Apple. I can understand not putting it on iphone, but the specs for the ipad are more than enough for flash to run well. It’s just a slap in the face to those of us who love flash.
mark fuqua
27 Jan 10 at 2:54 pm
hope there is more to come. tks
Apple ipad
28 Jan 10 at 11:19 pm
Not supporting Flash is kind of stupid and evil – also showing unhealthy “monopolization” of the web by apple. I agree with Mark Fuqua, I’m done with apple too. It’s too bad for them, because I used to love apple and their hardware design is beautiful. However, if the functionality we need isn’t there, everything we want to see is missing. I hope other “tablet makers” will come out with something better than the ipad- and soon ! – with flash compatibility!
Berklia Verde
29 Jan 10 at 11:59 pm