According to rumors, Facebook is currently working on a secret project named "Project Spartan". Though, this HTML5 based
platform was earlier construed as a threat to Apple App Store, the latest wave of rumors is suggesting otherwise. Apparently, Apple is aware of the new project and ostensibly is in cahoots with the social networking site.
The rumors regarding the emergence of "Project Spartan" were fueled by the fact that Facebook had yet to release its app for iPad. However, soon after the rumors regarding the secret HTML5 project, the news surfaced that Facebook is nearing the launch of native iPad app. Now, Techcrunch, which originally came up with "Project Spartan" rumors is claiming that Facebook might be withholding its iPad app for gaining an edge over the Cupertino company. The claim seems credible since it is hard to believe that it took Facebook more than a year to develop iPad-specific app.
Yet another facet of the story is Facebook's ability to challenge Apple's hegemony. Facebook may the hottest investment property, but it is certainly way behind Apple, when it comes to technological excellence. Some sources, who are familiar with Project Spartan, have claimed that it is highly unlikely that Apple app users will switch to Facebook-created apps. Again, this nugget of information is believable. Leave alone Facebook, even Android is still struggling to match the finesse of Apple apps.
Apple's rants against Flash are well known and the company is actively pushing HTML5. In this scenario, if the world's largest social network is doing its bit to promote HTML5, then the move is likely to be positively received by Apple. However, the real test would come when Facebook starts to use its credits for in-app purchases, making a dent in Apple's app revenues. It would be interesting to see how far Apple is ready to go to kill Flash and promote HTML5.