Before you start…

Before you start looking around, check out this quick video:

App Store: A Brief History

I call it a brief history because that is exactly what it is. The App Store was released by Apple Inc. on July 11th, 2008, just five months ago.

The App Store

An Apple press release said there were 800 applications available for download after the first weekend, 200 of which were free and about 90% of them cost less than $10. The press release also said there were over 10 million downloads on opening weekend.

Five months later, the App Store is showing no signs of slowing down. According to cnet.com and an Apple advertisement, there have been 300 million downloads in the App Store. Apptism.com, as of the time of this post, is tracking 11,655 applications on the App Store.

While the App Store has been a massive success, it has not been completely free of controversy.

Tell the world you're wallet is overflowing with cash for just $999.99

Apple is constantly trying to figure out criteria for which Apps get in to the App Store and which ones do not. Take the “I am Rich” app. This application cost $999.99, the maximum amount Apple allows to be charged. The application literally does noting except display an image of a red ruby. Eight iPhone users bought the application.

A Few Helpful Videos

Here is Apple’s app store guide video. Check it out if you are unfamiliar with how the App Store works:

This is the unveiling of the App Store by Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. The clip has a lot of valuable insight into why Apple made the App Store. Check it out: