iTunes App Store says “thanks a billion”

iTunes Apps Store milestones, news and changes

iTunes App Store says “thanks a billion”

Earlier this week, the Apple iTunes Apps store reached (and has now surpassed) a record one billion downloads since being launched last year.

That’s a huge milestone reached for the Apps store – and iPhone (and iPod touch) developers and users.  It would be interesting to see stats on how much money it’s made Apple and app developers.

And the winner is…

But how about the lad who downloaded the one billionth app? He walks away with a tidy $10,000 iTunes credit, an iPod touch, Time Capsure AND MacBook Pro.  And the downloaded app was a free one.  Nice!

Changes to Apps Store regulations

(via TUAW)

Developers be warned!  With the Beta release of iPhone OS 3.0, Apple has also announced that any new iPhone or iPod touch submissions to the Apps store must be compatible with iPhone OS 3.0:

“Beginning today, all submissions to the App Store will be reviewed on the latest beta of iPhone OS 3.0. If your app submission is not compatible with iPhone OS 3.0, it will not be approved.”

Existing applications will also have to be compatible – or risk removal.