[markw10]

I have just begun reading the book, iPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners. In the first chapter it talks about joining the developer program and then downloading the SDK and installing the Interface Developer, Xcode, and iPhone/iPad Simulator.
I began the process to do this but it appears to cost $99/year. I'm fine with that but it appears I read somewhere that you only have to pay this and join when you submit the apps and that you can download the tools before joining. I know it'll take me awhile to learn to develop and submit my first app. The book walks you through joining the developer program but is there a place that I can download all the tools and develop so that I don't have to join the developer program until I actually submit the apps?
Thank you for your help.

[ghporter]

I have both the OS X and iOS SDKs. They did not cost anything. You do have to register with their developer program, but the subscription gets you a lot of stuff beyond the SDKs. You do NOT need to be part of the Developer Program to get and use the SDKs.

[imitchellg5]

Glenn is correct, you can access the current release iOS SDK for free as well as the latest releases of Interface Builder, Xcode, and the simulator. The $99/year is for developers who wish to publish and have access to beta versions of iOS and the iOS SDK.

[markw10]

Thank you. That's exactly what I needed. I just signed up so now I can start learning iOS development.

[ghporter]

The downloads are hefty, but once installed you should be coding rather quickly...

Enjoy!