Limits of iPhone 2.0 apps

Certain unannounced limitations have been imposed by Apple on developers for the App Store, sources claim. People uploading content to the store are expected to have a maximum possible file size of 2GB, which while more than enough for most applications, may restrict companies and individuals that need sizable integrated data sets, such as high-resolution sound and graphics. Apple has not specified whether this is a technical or a business necessity.

For those apps that are not free, prices are said to be organized into Apple-dictated tiers based on sales regions. In the US apps may be sold for as little as 99 cents, or as much as $999.99, the latter suggesting that Apple expects enterprise-level software to be sold alongside mass-market programs.

When adding games to the App Store, developers are being encouraged to use iTunes-specific content descriptions, including "realistic violence," "horror/fear themes," and "graphic sexual content and nudity." The last is notable in that Apple has specifically forbidden "adult" content from the store, but may in theory allow games which feature sex and nudity as part of a normal plot.

Developers can also allegedly indicate compatibility with the iPod touch, and which countries an app will be available in, ranging from the entire world to as little as one.

Apple's submission tool, meanwhile, is said to hint at the release date for the iPhone 2.0 firmware update necessary to support the App Store. When selecting a launch date for software, the tool is said to default to July 11h, also the launch date for the iPhone 3G. Apple initially said that the firmware would be available in late June, but has more recently indicated early July.

by MacNN Staff