In a strange twist of events, Adobe (NSDQ: ADBE) has enabled developers to build Flash applications for the iPhone, even though it hasn’t yet persuaded Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) to integrate Flash into the popular phone’s browser. Adobe says its move is completely within Apple’s legal perimeters.

The announcement came this morning at the company’s developer’s conference in Los Angeles, where Adobe also announced that full Flash capabilities were rolling out to the BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm (NSDQ: PALM), Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Android and Symbian platforms over the next year or so. But this announcement is different because a Flash player is not being installed on the iPhone, meaning iPhone owners won’t be able to view Flash ads or videos in the browser. However, it does mean that developers will be able to convert content they already built for the web, like a game, and distribute it to iPhone owners via Apple’s App Store. More here.

Currently, the project, which is part of Adobe Flash Professional CS5, is in private beta, but they said they will open up the beta to the public before the end of the year. Already, some Flash applications are available in the store, including MTV’s “South Park Avatar Creator,” which allows you to dress the South Park characters from head to toe and even create hair styles.