A reader asks:

Can you suggest and iPhone business ideas?

Which struck a chord with me as I spent a couple of days last week discussing with a friend the business opportunities presented by Apple’s iPhone. In particular we felt that the ability to rapidly reach a large number of potential buyers through Apple’s AppStore presented a good opportunity for the right software or collection of software applications to do well. So what sort of software could you develop?

• Games – as mobile computing power increases there’s a growing demand for games on devices like the iPhone.
• Business applications – From todo lists to contact management software.
• Organisational software – Diaries, more todo lists, training journals and so on.
• Entertainment – Simple novelty applications like iFart have apparently had massive numbers of sales.
• Useful tools – Such as using the GPS to track routes for runners and bikers.

There’s also a growing number of software houses that develop bespoke software specifically targeting iPhones (and other mobile phones with a similar level of functionality). The software is often commissioned by companies trying to make their services available to mobile Internet users.

However if developing software doesn’t excite you, here’s some other iPhone business ideas:

• Take a look at the popular 3rd party add-ons for the iPod and develop a version for the iPhone.
• Provide a service to import a library of music onto an iPhone (like HungryPod).
• Repair iPhones or trade in broken iPhones like others have done with broken iPods,

I’m sure there are many more, if you’ve got any suggestions feel free to add them to the comments below.

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