The platform which allows iPhone developers to submit their apps to the iTunes Store has undergone significant changes over the holiday period. iTunes Connect returned from its Christmas break approving apps much faster, now taking only a couple of day as opposed to the older submission process that could take up to two weeks.
What does this mean for developers? Well apart from putting a smile on their face, they now have a better outlook on their roadmap to the Apple tablet launch. Anticipated for March/April, developers were wondering how they would manage to update their software in time for the new device. The old approval process would have left them rolling their thumbs in February while Apple approved or rejected their apps, sometimes for simple GUI details.
Developers are now looking forward to the extra time that has been bestowed upon them to modify their apps to support a larger screen. Many are already working on resolution independent versions, although an official tablet announcement is yet to come from Apple.
What does this improved app approval process mean for users ? Simply, better bug releases and a healthier App Store ecosystem.
[Source: TUAW]
