IPhone App Store

Guide Note

The iPhone App Store is a service that allows you to purchase games and other useful applications for the Apple iPhone. The App Store can be accessed through iTunes from a computer or directly on an iPhone. The applications are created by official Apple developers as well as third-party developers who are part of the iPhone Developer Program.

Fast Facts

1. Integrated into iTunes version 7.7
2. Update released: July 10, 2008
3. First announced: March 6, 2008¹
4. Applications available at launch: 552²
5. Free applications: 135²
6. Premium application price range: $0.99 to $69.99²
7. Requires the iPhone 2.0 Software Update to use applications
8. Application developers will get 70% of sales revenue for their apps, Apple will get 30%
9. Store distributes official Apple applications as well as third-party applications from independent developers
10. Developers will receive 70% of sales revenue¹
11. Apple will receieve 30% of sales revenue ¹

At the time of the official release, clicking on the Buy button in the App Store will immediately purchase the selected application. While many applications are either free or relatively cheap, some can cost as much as $69.99.³ New users should take care to click Buy only if they are sure they want to purchase a selected application.

iTunes 7.7 integrates the App Store into the program's interface, but will not show it in the sidebar by default. Go into iTunes Preferences (CTRL + , or Apple + ,) and select the General tab. Place a check mark next to Applications to show your current applications and to access the App Store directly.⁴