First iPhone Developer Acceptance and Rejection Letters... [Archive]

MacRumors

Mar 14, 2008, 02:36 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

The early acceptance and rejection letters are arriving to developers. More rejection than acceptance it seems. One developer received the following email from Apple:

Dear Registered iPhone Developer,

Thank you for expressing interest in the iPhone Developer Program. We have received your enrollment request. As this time, the iPhone Developer Program is available to a limited number of developers and we plan to expand during the beta period. We will contact you again regarding your enrollment status at the appropriate time.

Thank you for applying.

Best regards,

iPhone Developer Program
The $99/year iPhone Developer program comes with the beta iPhone Firmware and allows developers to install their applications onto the iPhone itself, rather than just onto the emulator. Apple is expected to open up the program to all comers after June, but in the meanwhile is only open to a "limited" number of developers.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/03/14/first-iphone-developer-acceptance-and-rejection-letters/)

yoman

Mar 14, 2008, 02:37 PM

It always sucks to be rejected.

himansk

Mar 14, 2008, 02:39 PM

Did anybody get accepted yet? could you post what information you received in the email?

quinney

Mar 14, 2008, 02:50 PM

that sounds like more of an acknowledgement than a rejection,
unless the absence of acceptance is the same as rejection

davidjearly

Mar 14, 2008, 02:51 PM

This is the non-acceptance email I received for being outside the US.

Dear Registered iPhone Developer,

Thank you for expressing interest in the iPhone Developer Program. We have received your enrollment request. At this time, the iPhone Developer Program is only available in the US and will expand to other countries during the beta period. We will contact you again regarding your enrollment status at the appropriate time.

Thank you for applying.

Best regards,

iPhone Developer Program

daveschroeder

Mar 14, 2008, 02:58 PM

Peace

Mar 14, 2008, 03:00 PM

It looks like Apple is going with Developers that have actually written code for Mac's before. I received a rejection email also and I just do consulting and no actual code writing. So.

Oh Well.

chillywilly

Mar 14, 2008, 03:02 PM

So are these rejections for anyone that downloaded the SDK or for those that actually paid the $99 or $299 to obtain a certificate?

rednic

Mar 14, 2008, 03:03 PM

My app is supposed to be demoed at an apple store a week monday, wonder if we get one?

Nic

rendezvouscp

Mar 14, 2008, 03:03 PM

These are regarding being accepted to pay for the early firmware. I myself received a rejection letter and believe it's for the reason Peace cited.

Peace

Mar 14, 2008, 03:04 PM

So are these rejections for anyone that downloaded the SDK or for those that actually paid the $99 or $299 to obtain a certificate?

Nobody has paid anything. If you are "chosen" then you pay the annual $99 Dev program fee.

chillywilly

Mar 14, 2008, 03:07 PM

Nobody has paid anything. If you are "chosen" then you pay the annual $99 Dev program fee.

Gotcha. So either way, once we've signed up as an iPhone developer, they will send each of us a "you're in" or "we are sorry" email.

Peace

Mar 14, 2008, 03:10 PM

It looks like Apple is actually stalling for time.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2008/03/14/apple-to-iphone-app-store-applicants-just-hang-tight

spazzcat

Mar 14, 2008, 03:11 PM

I got my non-acceptance at this time email. As I talked about last week in one of MacRumors Forums. I have tossed a site together to gather ideas for developing apps. If you have some ideas for apps,but can program you can posted the on my site www.iphoneappthink.com and maybe some developer will like your idea and build it....

arn

Mar 14, 2008, 03:14 PM

It looks like Apple is actually stalling for time.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2008/03/14/apple-to-iphone-app-store-applicants-just-hang-tight

This is not entirely correct. Some have been accepted. Not everyone got the non-acceptance letter.

arn

admanimal

Mar 14, 2008, 03:20 PM

It looks like Apple is going with Developers that have actually written code for Mac's before. I received a rejection email also and I just do consulting and no actual code writing. So.

Oh Well.

That is not entirely true. Big name Mac app developers have also received the email.

daveschroeder

Mar 14, 2008, 03:27 PM

So are these rejections for anyone that downloaded the SDK or for those that actually paid the $99 or $299 to obtain a certificate?

These rejections are not for people who downloaded the SDK. They are ONLY for people who applied to the $99/year or $299/year developer programs. They are NOT being rejected after they have paid; you only pay when you are accepted into the program. In fact, you don't even enter any payment information during the application process.

pilotError

Mar 14, 2008, 03:28 PM

You would think they want to keep potential iPhone developers from getting pissed and heading over to the Android camp.

At least clarify what the position is instead of this drone rejection letter.

daveschroeder

Mar 14, 2008, 03:29 PM

This is not entirely correct. Some have been accepted. Not everyone got the non-acceptance letter.

arn

Just want to confirm this. Sites have been accepted into both the developer and enterprise iPhone programs. And by "enterprise", I don't mean the $299/year "enterprise" developer tier; I mean the completely separate enterprise testing program (which is free).

daveschroeder

Mar 14, 2008, 03:33 PM

You would think they want to keep potential iPhone developers from getting pissed and heading over to the Android camp.

At least clarify what the position is instead of this drone rejection letter.

The position is clear. It currently is only available to selected developers and enterprise customers (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/03/06iphone.html). The information, and the email message itself, couldn't be more clear. While the program is still being developed and the code is beta, only strategic — "selected" — developers and enterprise customers will be included. The program will be slowly expanded until it is available to everyone in a couple of months' time.

Once June rolls around, everyone will be able to develop, buy certificates, submit applications to the App Store, or develop in-house or other applications which DO NOT require Apple approval or vetting. No one is going to head over to any other camp just because they have to wait *two months*. The iPhone development ecosystem is dramatically different from Android, and no one is going to alter their iPhone development plans in the days after Apple announces their roadmap and strategy simply because they can't immediately deploy to beta versions of the firmware.

Everyone who wishes can download the SDK and begin developing and testing their apps today.

chillywilly

Mar 14, 2008, 03:34 PM

These rejections are not for people who downloaded the SDK. They are ONLY for people who applied to the $99/year or $299/year developer programs. They are NOT being rejected after they have paid; you only pay when you are accepted into the program. In fact, you don't even enter any payment information during the application process.

Thank you for the clarification. I did sign up for the $99 program. Just waiting to get the "Yea" or "Nay" email.

chillywilly

Mar 14, 2008, 03:36 PM

Everyone who wishes can download the SDK and begin developing and testing their apps today.

And regardless if you are denied at this time, continuing to develop with the SDK would be highly encouraged.

Manatee

Mar 14, 2008, 03:36 PM

I wonder how Apple is choosing the ones who get it? High-profile, known PDA/smartphone developers? Some of the prominent Palm, WM, Symbian app developers?

Seems to me that anyone worthy of getting the beta would be already known in the industry, and would either be contacted by Apple -- to try to get some big-name apps on their platform, or would be contacting Apple directly through some connection in the industry.

They're not having applicants write an essay, or submit work samples, so how are they making decisions on who to let in? I doubt that simply checking the boxes to say you are a Mac developer who also develops for other devices will do it.

arn

Mar 14, 2008, 03:45 PM

seems there's a lot of confusion over this topic across the web, so I posted a front page followup on it

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/03/14/apple-slowly-ramping-up-iphone-developer-program/

arn

dejo

Mar 14, 2008, 03:50 PM

Everyone who wishes can download the SDK and begin developing and testing their apps today.
Not everyone. The Aspen simulator is missing some of the features on the iPhone itself, OpenGL ES and accelerometer to name a couple.

notjims

Mar 14, 2008, 03:52 PM

I hope this won't impact my ability to have my app available and in the app store on the day it goes live. It would be sad to have a great app (and I do) but lose mind share because a competitor gets to be in the store weeks before me.

I also wonder some things about the store, in case anyone felt like speculating...

Are beta releases possible? How would I tell N people on the planet that they could run the beta version, but not everyone?
How about try-before-buy?
What about reviewer copies?

I'm sure people are thinking about these things, but I wish I knew what they were thinking.

aerospace

Mar 14, 2008, 04:15 PM

Still waiting for someone to post they got accepted.

...or does signing up require signing a confidentiality agreement so no one will fess up?

chillywilly

Mar 14, 2008, 04:25 PM

The blog TUAW.com has comments from people that have been accepted.

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/14/iphone-developer-rejection-letter-mass-mailing/

A friend of mine got rejected. He and I applied the same day (last Thursday)

EagerDragon

Mar 14, 2008, 08:03 PM

There been no post of the actual acceptance letter. So far we heard from some people say they got in and some that show the standard product.

Lets see the real email.

Peace

Mar 14, 2008, 08:36 PM

There been no post of the actual acceptance letter. So far we heard from some people say they got in and some that show the standard product.

Lets see the real email.

I'm sure if a person got selected they are now under a strict NDA and probably won't do that. ;)

Scott Collard

Mar 14, 2008, 10:57 PM

There is a typo in the message Apple sent to us: "As" instead of "At"

As this time, the iPhone Developer Program is available to a limited number of developers

Not a big deal, but says something about the harried state of the iPhone Developer Program.

gwerhart0800

Mar 15, 2008, 12:39 PM

Once June rolls around, everyone will be able to develop, buy certificates, submit applications to the App Store, or develop in-house or other applications which DO NOT require Apple approval or vetting. No one is going to head over to any other camp just because they have to wait *two months*.

I am hoping that someone can point to a press release or other published statement from Apple that clearly states that ALL who apply for either a "Standard" or "Enterprise" certificate will be allowed to purchase one after the beta period is over. I have not been able to locate such a clear statement from Apple on this issue. Also, I really don't care about the app store ... I only need to be able to demonstrate some concept stuff using the actual iPhone hardware. For that, I only need to load to my personal (work owned) iPhone. I wish they had a single user, tied to a single phone version of the certificate.

projectle

Mar 15, 2008, 01:32 PM

I am shocked that Apple did not elect for a system where if you don't have a cert, you can use the Application however would have a warning on start-up saying that this is a testing release with an option to start or stop the program right there.

Then, say that unsigned apps cant run in the background.
Signed but non-validated apps can run in the background if loaded through the SDK for testing purposes.

Signed, validated apps can run in the background regardless of where it is installed from.

sterlingindigo

Mar 17, 2008, 11:29 AM

Please note that this is ONLY for the early/beta programs. This doesn't have anything to do with application acceptance/rejection, or whether particular developers will be "allowed" to develop for iPhone.

Apple always stated that the early (pre-June) programs would only be available to a small number of select developers and enterprise customers.

Good write up today: http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/03/15/apple-to-100000-iphone-developers-dont-call-us-well-call-you/?source=yahoo_quote

russtafa

Mar 17, 2008, 03:17 PM

I have been developing Apple software for about 4 years now.
Although there seems to be criticism of Steve Jobs I have personally found Apple FAR more receptive, and supportive of the developer community in recent years..
Steve fully understands that a good "breadth and depth" of development for OSX is a good thing.
Maybe I am lucky but I found the SDK agreement fine and it is a very well thought out developer package...I HAVE programmed on DOT NET (help!!)
Now for a "plug"..you can see a friend of mine who is near the finish of a cycle of development primarily using Quicktime..for iDevices/Facebook etc.
It is a TechWeb TV interview..worth a viewing..
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RbYvwGzFx3o
Thanks

atropos

Mar 18, 2008, 03:35 PM

First I got a email said I m not currently in State, so I have to wait until they launch other country's iPhone developer program, today I received another email said:

Thank you again for applying to the iPhone Developer Program. We’re thrilled with the tremendous response we've received. We have many more requests than we can serve during this initial beta period, so we must limit the Program at this time. We plan to expand it during the beta period, and we will contact you regarding your enrollment status at the appropriate time. We appreciate your patience.

hmm~:confused: anyone get the same email from Apple today?

gwerhart0800

Mar 18, 2008, 11:35 PM

Has anyone heard of someone (or some company) getting into the Beta aside from those that were on stage at the launch?

Littleodie914

Mar 19, 2008, 11:32 PM

Ahh! I think I got accepted! :D

Here's the email response I received from them:

Dear Craig Otis,

Thank you for applying to the iPhone Developer Program.

We have reviewed the information you submitted when you initiated your program enrollment request and we are ready to instruct you on the steps required to complete the enrollment process.

Please click here to review and agree to the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement. You must execute this agreement prior to completing the purchase and activation process for the iPhone Developer Program.

Once you complete and activate your purchase, your enrollment will be complete.

iPhone Developer Program

The link took me to a developer login page, which then took me to a page which allowed me to add the $99 "iPhone Developer Program" to my cart, and then purchase it! :D :)

Edit: Email pic for proof:

chillywilly

Mar 19, 2008, 11:58 PM

That looks like an acceptance letter to me.

I've not received anything yet. But hoping I don't have to wait till the end of June to get accepted.

Littleodie914

Mar 20, 2008, 12:04 AM

That looks like an acceptance letter to me.

I've not received anything yet. But hoping I don't have to wait till the end of June to get accepted.Yep, I was pretty excited when I got it. :)

I don't think posting the email/text should break the NDA, it's nothing specific or revealing. But just incase Apple wants it taken down, take a good look while you can. ;)

gwerhart0800

Mar 20, 2008, 08:33 AM

I got the acceptance letter also after I posted my question. I paid the $99 + tax and did not receive the next e-mail that enabled me to actually get started for about 18 hours. Hopefully, everyone will get into the program before the beta ends.

Littleodie914

Mar 20, 2008, 12:05 PM

nokq

Mar 20, 2008, 05:30 PM

Good to hear you finally got the next email though, I'm still waiting for mine! :)

Man am I jealous? When did you sign up? I never got around to signing up till the Sunday after they announced the SDK.

Waiting still....

Littleodie914

Mar 20, 2008, 09:39 PM

Man am I jealous? When did you sign up? I never got around to signing up till the Sunday after they announced the SDK.

Waiting still....I signed up a couple days before I got the email. :)

I'm still having problems though, when I try to enter my Activation Code, it says its already in use. Is there a list somewhere of my "activated" software that I can download?

Edit: Found it. :D

gwerhart0800

Mar 21, 2008, 08:39 AM

Man am I jealous? When did you sign up? I never got around to signing up till the Sunday after they announced the SDK.

Waiting still....

I initially signed up on the 6th with my personal/public e-mail account. When I received the first "you-must-wait" e-mail on the 14th, I signed up with my work e-mail account. It was the work e-mail that was accepted. (I am in a research group and work on multimedia communications systems.) I have heard from one other person in my company that was also accepted. Please note, I signed up as a "personal", not "corporate" account.

I don't believe that we have enough data to form a heuristic that would describe the selection process. At this point, I am inclined to believe that they are metering it out in groups to keep the volume of support requests at a level they can handle. The reason I say this is that the process for actually getting the new firmware blessed on to your iPhone and apps certificate signed requires several steps that must be followed properly or you can end up with a bricked phone. (ZiPhone does an excellent job of bringing it back from the dead!) I have had my phone crash a few times already, so they were quite serious that you should not be using this firmware on a phone that you depend on for communication.