Disappointed with not getting in iPhone Developer Program

[sonicwind]

All I've gotten in response to status requests were 2 form letters stating something like "we will contact you with more information at the appropriate time." It will be interesting to see how this opens up after the Beta period is over.

[moopf]

I can understand the frustration but also understand Apple's position. For a long time those of us outside the US couldn't actually apply for the developer program and it's only recently that this has changed (and it changed quietly!) so we've been out in the cold for a while.

I feel the frustration as well as I've cracked on with an app (a game) but have no clue on when or if I'll get accepted to the developer program. I've got no guarantee of getting in (I presume, who can tell!), no idea of a time scale when I would be accepted (if I am), nor any clue of how long after submitting an app I'll have to wait for it to appear in the store. I've been beavering away but I must admit it's getting harder to push on with it because of this uncertainty. As I've got further on with the app, because I can't actually test it on an iPhone, I'm concerned that if I finally can, that it will need refactoring (after all, I cannot judge how accurate the simulator is). And then I have no clue how the apps are going to be verified and what they'll allow or not or whether they can just say "no thanks" for no apparent reason.

I've been developing on an old mac mini as I had one lying around and wanted to get to know xCode, Cocoa etc. without plumping down the cash for a newer mac. It's been a pain to develop on (it's a really old, P4 mac mini) to be honest. I'm getting a new laptop imminently and have been contemplating getting a macbook pro as I can run OSX and Windows (what I need for my work) on that but with so much uncertainty over what's going to happen with the developer program etc. I'm not sure if it's wise. I wouldn't use a mac for anything other than developing for the iPhone so if that proves to be a dead duck, then getting the macbook pro would be pointless.

I'm hoping that in the next couple of weeks I start getting answers to some of these questions. I'll definitely be severely disappointed if they don't open the flood gates for the developer program on the 11th July.

[sonicwind]

Wow, that's exactly the same thoughts and position I am in. When I first started I just installed OSX on my Dell laptop and started developing against the SDK. I just recently bought a used Macbook Pro "to become legitimate" and want to get the new model when it comes out because it should be a screamer. The Macbooks are pretty sweet as notebooks in that they have good hardware and are very thin. But they come at a premium. The upside is, I've found while shopping for a used one, that they have great resale value. So once you take the initial price hit, you can keep yourself in late model Macbooks for the same cost as you would any other brand. You might even get your money back gradually as they do not appear to lose much value after a year, based on what I've seen people asking and getting for used models in good shape.

It's not the route I want to go, but I expect it will be possible to install SDK based games on 2.0 phones shortly after the release. Even so your customer base would be reduced to only people who jailbreak their phones, and I think people are less willing to pay for apps that require that, even if they do jailbreak. So the App Store is the way to go for sure.

I'm not really expecting the "flood gates" to open for the iPhone Developer Program after the initial release. Things don't really change for Apple with regard to being able to process applications, support developers and validate submitted applications. They are weighing the possible income with the cost of all the support required. I think they are filtering in people based on some background experience to try to limit the amount of lower quality submissions that they would be wasting their time looking at. I don't think there will ever be just an open store or program where anyone who can make a Hello World app compile will be able to dilute the App Store with shoddy programs.

[moopf]

Originally Posted by sonicwind

Wow, that's exactly the same thoughts and position I am in. When I first started I just installed OSX on my Dell laptop and started developing against the SDK. I just recently bought a used Macbook Pro "to become legitimate" and want to get the new model when it comes out because it should be a screamer.

There's a new model coming out? When is that, do you know?

Originally Posted by sonicwind

The Macbooks are pretty sweet as notebooks in that they have good hardware and are very thin. But they come at a premium. The upside is, I've found while shopping for a used one, that they have great resale value. So once you take the initial price hit, you can keep yourself in late model Macbooks for the same cost as you would any other brand. You might even get your money back gradually as they do not appear to lose much value after a year, based on what I've seen people asking and getting for used models in good shape.

Ah, that's good to know.

Originally Posted by sonicwind

It's not the route I want to go, but I expect it will be possible to install SDK based games on 2.0 phones shortly after the release. Even so your customer base would be reduced to only people who jailbreak their phones, and I think people are less willing to pay for apps that require that, even if they do jailbreak. So the App Store is the way to go for sure.

This isn't something I'd entertain at all. If I couldn't get in via. the developer program and the app store I wouldn't bother developing. I just don't think it's worth it.

Originally Posted by sonicwind

I'm not really expecting the "flood gates" to open for the iPhone Developer Program after the initial release. Things don't really change for Apple with regard to being able to process applications, support developers and validate submitted applications. They are weighing the possible income with the cost of all the support required. I think they are filtering in people based on some background experience to try to limit the amount of lower quality submissions that they would be wasting their time looking at. I don't think there will ever be just an open store or program where anyone who can make a Hello World app compile will be able to dilute the App Store with shoddy programs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not after an open store but I guess I am after an open program - from the little information they request when you apply they cannot possibly make a value judgement on whether you should be accepted or not or, if they do, it would be seriously flawed! An open store would be madness for the consumer I think, although again as arbiters of what is and isn't acceptable I can see Apple coming in for some flack. Unless I've missed them, there appear to be no published guidelines on how they will be appraising apps.

I certainly wouldn't be submitting low quality stuff myself but they have no way of knowing that from my developer program application. I guess it's the sheer lack of transparency at present that's making me concerned.

If there's no news on 11th July, even to say "this is how we're opening up the developer program, here's the time scale" then I guess I might have to just stop everything - I couldn't see the point in continuing to develop without any acceptance in sight. I was hoping to have my app finished by the end of July, I'm starting to think that even if it was finished, I wouldn't be in a position to do anything with it anyway.

[sonicwind]

Originally Posted by moopf

There's a new model coming out? When is that, do you know?

There's not even any confirmed rumors out, but you can look here to see a history of releases: http://guides.macrumors.com/Buyer%27s_Guide#MacBook_Pro it looks like they commonly release between every 6 and 9 months. Intel is releasing the Montevina platform and it's only logical that Apple will at some point release new models. My guess would be sometime in August.

Originally Posted by moopf

from the little information they request when you apply they cannot possibly make a value judgement on whether you should be accepted or not or, if they do, it would be seriously flawed! An open store would be madness for the consumer I think, although again as arbiters of what is and isn't acceptable I can see Apple coming in for some flack. Unless I've missed them, there appear to be no published guidelines on how they will be appraising apps.

Yeah, I hope to hear something promising soon, too. I can't find any details regarding the criteria, either. But I think it is unlikely there aren't any being used and it's just random. I did see a post where a guy was asked to fax a copy of his articles of incorporation. I think they may also be looking at your history with Apple based on your Apple ID and looking at the company you list with your profile. There were statements that said that existing homebrew developers were invited into the program, which may be an indicator of how one could attract more attention to gain admittance. (or seal your rejection permanently

Another option you have would be to team up with someone else who has membership.

[cpatch]

As a developer with over 30 years of experience I approached the iPhone very enthusiastically when the SDK was first announced, especially with the promise of getting in on the ground floor. I have an app 70% developed but have put development on hold as a result of still not being accepted into the program despite applying on the first day. Continuing to invest time on development with no promise of ever being able to get it out into the world just doesn't make sense.In fact, a lot of people I work with are looking seriously at developing for Android instead for this exact reason.

While I understand Apple ramping up the developer program slowly, what really annoys me is the fact that developers who applied long after I did have been accepted into the program already. I also know of excellent, long time Mac developers who are still waiting to be accepted. The whole process just doesn't make any sense and as a result is alienating more potential iPhone developers than it is attracting them. Hopefully things will change come 7/11 but I'm not holding my breath.

[dagamer34]

Most likely, Apple hasn't let more people into the program because the firmware and app store are still actively being developed. While I do wish they were more transparent in what's happening (they've never been a fan of letting us know stuff ahead of time), I think after July 11th, this problem should be resolved.

And the likely date for new MacBooks/Macbook Pros is July 22nd. The MacBook deal with a free printer ends the day before and Apple likes to release new models on Tuesday. Since the MacBook is likely to overgo a total overhaul (like the Mac Pro and iMac), they will probably make a small event out of it in Cupertino (no major press presence unlike MacWorld). We'll also probably here iPhone 3G sales statistics and what not as well.

[moopf]

Originally Posted by dagamer34

Most likely, Apple hasn't let more people into the program because the firmware and app store are still actively being developed. While I do wish they were more transparent in what's happening (they've never been a fan of letting us know stuff ahead of time), I think after July 11th, this problem should be resolved.

They're also a fan of keeping things locked down and controlled, which is part of the basis for my concern really - if they say no, you're out of it. It's investing the time and it potentially all coming to nothing that's getting to me!

Originally Posted by dagamer34

And the likely date for new MacBooks/Macbook Pros is July 22nd. The MacBook deal with a free printer ends the day before and Apple likes to release new models on Tuesday. Since the MacBook is likely to overgo a total overhaul (like the Mac Pro and iMac), they will probably make a small event out of it in Cupertino (no major press presence unlike MacWorld). We'll also probably here iPhone 3G sales statistics and what not as well.

Do you think so? The new Intel chips apparently aren't going to be ready until the 14th (and the complete line until 2 weeks after) from what I've read on macrumors.com. Do you think they could turn that around in just a week? Surely they wouldn't launch a new range without those? Plus, being in the UK, I presume it's likely that we'll get the new models a little later (I have this impression that Apple does that, but I'm not 100% sure).

Also, people who know. Are the new models pricings likely to be significantly higher than the current top of the range Macbook Pros or around the same figure? Not having really followed Apple in that way, I wouldn't really know what to expect in terms of pricing differences.

At present I'm lugging a 19" monitor, the mac mini and a keyboard to and from my home and office (my office isn't at home, unfortunately) every day. I guess I can keep doing that for another month if the feeling is it's going to be that soon And put up with the incredibly slow speed of the old mac mini a while longer

[dagamer34]

Originally Posted by moopf

They're also a fan of keeping things locked down and controlled, which is part of the basis for my concern really - if they say no, you're out of it. It's investing the time and it potentially all coming to nothing that's getting to me!

Do you think so? The new Intel chips apparently aren't going to be ready until the 14th (and the complete line until 2 weeks after) from what I've read on macrumors.com. Do you think they could turn that around in just a week? Surely they wouldn't launch a new range without those? Plus, being in the UK, I presume it's likely that we'll get the new models a little later (I have this impression that Apple does that, but I'm not 100% sure).

Also, people who know. Are the new models pricings likely to be significantly higher than the current top of the range Macbook Pros or around the same figure? Not having really followed Apple in that way, I wouldn't really know what to expect in terms of pricing differences.

At present I'm lugging a 19" monitor, the mac mini and a keyboard to and from my home and office (my office isn't at home, unfortunately) every day. I guess I can keep doing that for another month if the feeling is it's going to be that soon And put up with the incredibly slow speed of the old mac mini a while longer

Announcing is not the same as shipping. There may be a few laptops ready for the press to play with, but I think major orders aren't going to be ready for maybe 4-6 weeks out. Besides, the chipset was going to launch in June anyway, so other parts/specifications/designs should have been ready by now anyway.

[Zaph]

It seems that Apple has limited access to the developer program, 25000+ applied and 4000+ were accepted as of 6/7/08. Looking at who to accept from Apple's perspective there might be two main categories to accept early.

One group might be established developer companies, the other might be developers who attended the developer conference.

The second group for several reasons: They will be attending iPhone sessions and it makes sense to allow them to develop ad work with Apple engineers while at the conference. These developers will have had exposure to over 15 iPhone development sessions. These developers have expressed significant interest by attending the developer conference. Every person in this second group that I know has been accepted into the developer program.

So, is this fair to all the iPhone developers that were not able to attend WWDC08? No. But it is not an unreasonable criteria for acceptance into a Beta program. All in all I expect (and may be wrong) that all applicants will be accepted once the program is past Beta.

[myersn024]

I know you guys aren't going to want to hear this, but I had very little experience with Cocoa programming when I applied to the iPhone developer program. My initial motives for applying were so that I would have access to the beta firmwares so I could test the Exchange synchronization. Then I got to thinking about all the programs that I thought the iPhone needed, and realized that I might be able to provide something useful to the community. So I applied, and I was accepted two weeks after later, but I waited another two weeks before purchasing the $99 membership. I did that only after Apple actually called me and asked why I hadn't already acted on being accepted. I thought it was strange at the time, but if they've truly only accepted around 4,000 people into the program then that makes more sense.

Anyway, if they're basing acceptance into the program on past experience with programming on the Mac platform, they completely missed the mark when they reviewed my application. However, I'm grateful and have been diligently working on two programs that will probably eventually find their way to the app store, providing I can get them built in such a way as I feel they're release-worthy and they pass muster with Apple testers.

[Groucho]

I'm still waiting too & it's very tough to keep plugging away at development when there's no estimated timeline for acceptance into the program. I'm guessing that they're relatively done accepting new people until after the App Store opens (concentrating their efforts on approving applications is my guess). I really wanted to have an app for sale on day 1, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen now.

I still plan on having my app ready to go. I don't plan on developing any more apps until I get one for sale in the store though.

Good luck everyone.

[sonicwind]

Interesting read. I wouldn't take it at face value, though.

http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/6/want ... iphone-app

"We hear the waiting list to get accepted into Apple's developer program is six months long."

[moopf]

Originally Posted by sonicwind

Interesting read. I wouldn't take it at face value, though.

http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/6/want ... iphone-app

"We hear the waiting list to get accepted into Apple's developer program is six months long."

Ouch, I hope that's not true.

[sonicwind]

This is interesting. So they let 4000 people in the program. Now let's say that equals out to be 4000 programs submitted to the store. Probably not all of them are actually ready and submitted. But even a large proportion of 4000 applications (binary apps to be run on the phone, not developer membership applications) would be a huge effort to validate and approve to be allowed into the app store. I'm really expecting a loud and unpleasant backlash from developers not too long after the store opening complaining about their apps not being allowed in the store after all that effort developing them.

[moopf]

Originally Posted by sonicwind

This is interesting. So they let 4000 people in the program. Now let's say that equals out to be 4000 programs submitted to the store. Probably not all of them are actually ready and submitted. But even a large proportion of 4000 applications (binary apps to be run on the phone, not developer membership applications) would be a huge effort to validate and approve to be allowed into the app store. I'm really expecting a loud and unpleasant backlash from developers not too long after the store opening complaining about their apps not being allowed in the store after all that effort developing them.

I think it would be justified to be honest - you let people develop but then don't let them over that final hurdle and so exciting them was a false promise. It would be, for want of a better phrase (which eludes me right now), false advertising. I don't know, there's a part of me that would lose all faith in Apple (and being a non-Apple person before, I'd always kind of approached them with admiration but trepedation due to the way they do inherently wish to control everything they do) and I'd be utterly flabbergasted if this was in fact the way it would pan out.

I'm willing to believe that this isn't the way things will happen and if it does I think I'd be slack-jawed for quite a while. I also think it might seriously affect the viability of the iPhone as a platform.

Oh, and I'd feel even sillier for investing the time and effort in (a) learning the platform and (b) developing something that won't see the light of day. I don't think I'd be the only one, either.

[myersn024]

After reading this discussion, I have a strange feeling that apple is going to make things very difficult for an app to make its way into the app store. They really like to control every aspect of he things they do, and I imagine that part of the certification process will be whether an app has that "apple" feel to it. I'd truly be surprised if it were any other way. However, the ad hoc distribution sounds good, and if it's accessible to individual developers, that'll be good enough for me. somehow I doubt that will be the case unless you joined the enterprise developer program, but who knows.

[Guillaume]

Hello,

I stumbled upon this thread while searching the forums.
Is this all obsolete, or are there still any difficulties with becoming an iPhone dev/releasing an app on the store?
From what I've heard, the hard part (come the end of dev) is getting some visibility for your app on the store.
What's to be known?

Thanks!

[exorcyze]

Yes, this is obsolete and was applicable when they were doing the beta program for iPhone developer program if I'm not mistaken. It is now open enrollment so you can just sign up, pay your dues and start making apps.

And yes, the difficulty is having patience in waiting for the process ( approvals and whatnot ) and visibility on the store.

[Guillaume]

Ok thanks for the quick answer!