App Store Bug Signaled by Developers

The iPod and iPhone-focused iLounge is reporting that several iPhone developers have discovered a nasty bug in the App Store. According to those devs, the flaw prevents new applications from appearing on the mobile version of the venue when the user wants to view apps sorted by release date. The issue affects developers directly, as users aren't shown the latest apps, or updates to those apps when accessing the store from their handheld devices.

iLounge claims to have received an email from a concerned developer saying that “the problem has been ongoing for some time, and despite contact from a number of developers complaining about the issue, the problem has yet to be fixed.” The site also points out to another developer using a forum to reveal the issues he's had with App Store listings. He claims that, because of the same bug, his revenue is down by 50% for March, citing “decreased exposure.”

Another developer reporting the bug even went and reproduced a conversation he had with one of Apple's Support staffers. “At one point in a conversation it was like this,” the developer writes, posting a piece of the alleged conversation.

“Me: Were you aware of this issue.

Apple person: No

---5 seconds later---

Apple Person: We have been working diligently to address this problem

Me: I thought you just told me that you were unaware of any issue and that the store was fine?

Apple Person: err.....”

In the latest news update, Apple claims that “the groundbreaking App Store has more than 25,000 applications available to consumers, and 15 more countries have been added so the App Store is now available in 77 countries, allowing developers to reach more than 30 million iPhone and iPod touch users around the world.” According to the company, developers retain 70 percent of all sales revenue after setting the price for their applications, while Apple covers all credit card, web hosting and related infrastructure costs.