Although the announcement is yet to be made formally, Softpedia can confirm that Apple has approved Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars for iPhone and iPod touch. Requiring a compatible device and the latest version of the iPhone OS – 3.1.2 – GTA: Chinatown Wars was originally slated for a fall 2009 release. Starting today, it can be downloaded by iPhone and iPod touch users for $9.99.

"Chinatown Wars is a perfect match for the iPhone and iPod touch," Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games, said on August 31, 2009, when the company announced plans to port GTA to Apple portables. "We are very excited to bring this incredibly ambitious version of Liberty City, with this level of detail and immersive gameplay on Apple's new gaming platforms."

In a surprising move on behalf of either Rockstar or Apple, the game’s iTunes App Store description only includes the plot, leaving out the mentioning of key features typical to the GTA franchise, as well as platform-specific features sure to be available in this new iteration.

"Following his father’s murder, Huang Lee has a simple mission: deliver an ancient sword to his Uncle Kenny to ensure his family retains control of the Triad gangs of Liberty City," the description in question reads. "Huang is a spoiled rich kid who expects everything to run smoothly, but his trip does not go exactly as planned. After being robbed and left to die, he will search for honor, riches and revenge in the most dangerous and morally bankrupt city in the world."

Nothing whatsoever about the gameplay experience is dished out, but we’re counting on you to grab the title and tell us how you liked it. The imagery on iTunes looks pretty sharp, complete with an old school, top-down perspective, and everything else a GTA iPhone port would bring. For the record, the PSP version of Chinatown Wars is Gamespot's highest rated (9.5/10) PSP game of all times.

Download Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars ($9.99)