14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is reminding developers that iTunes Connect will be shuttering for the duration of the winter holidays, hindering everyone’s ability to launch new apps, or update existing titles.
Developers are being told that “iTunes Connect will be temporarily shut down from Friday, December 21, 2012 to Friday, December 28, 2012, for the winter holidays.”
During the shutdown, iTunes Connect access will not be available, nor will the delivery of any apps or updates.
Releases scheduled to appear on the App Store for the first time will be delayed. The same goes for pricing changes scheduled through the interval pricing system in iTunes Connect.
Cupertino advises developers to get their apps in order before the scheduled shutdown.
“We strongly recommend that you do not schedule any pricing changes in iTunes Connect that would take effect between Friday, December 21, 2012 and Friday, December 28, 2012,” the email states.
“Pricing changes scheduled to take effect during this date range will not be reflected on the App Store and your app or In-App Purchase will become unavailable for purchase until after the shutdown,” adds Apple.
The company further stresses that any apps planned to appear in the App Store during the winter holidays may be left out in the cold, literally.
“We also recommend that you do not schedule any apps to go live during the shutdown. Releases scheduled with a start date between Friday, December 21, 2012 and Friday, December 28, 2012 will not go live on the App Store until after the shutdown,” Apple confirms.
This email is usually the second warning Apple gives developers each year when iTunes Connect prepares to celebrate Christmas by dimming the lights and cutting off all ties with the developer ecosystem.
If history is any indication, Apple will issue a third warning in the days leading up to the winter holidays.