Apple will unveil their latest creationg on January 27--watch out for it!

As a Mac/iPhone developer for almost a year now, I’ve not only become accustomed to the technical aspects involved, but the “business side” of the industry as well. The iPhone market has grown from a mere hundred thousand users to over 20 million (or probably more if you include iPod Touch users) and over 100,000 apps are being sold in iTunes converting to about 2 billion downloads to date. However, being in the business of “selling” (and not just “creating”) games, small developers like me do my own marketing and muscle my way to get the word out about my new products–which is not a walk in the park. Apple has provided several tools to aid small developers in this aspect but like any other platform, it also has its own fair share of issues and shortcomings. Now that Apple is getting ready to announce yet another breakthrough this coming January 27, I hope they also take time to sit down and consider some of the points below.

1. Promo codes should work anywhere in the world. As a newbie in the industry, promo codes are my aces in order for me to get the word out about my new apps. I hand out these codes to reviewers and let them write articles about my products. However, these promo codes can only be used on the US AppStore. How about the iPhone and iPod Touch users in other regions like Asia?

2. Promo codes for in-app items. Since Apple introduced the ability for apps to sell items w/in their interface, more and more apps are getting released for FREE but rely mostly on in-app item selling. In-app items are a great way to monetize apps but it will be hard to get an app reviewed because there are NO promo codes for in-app items. Reviewers are either forced to purchase in-app items themselves in order to finish their articles OR developers are forced to provide reviewers the funds to purchase in-app items for their own games.

3. Gift apps. Notice how you can purchase a track or movie from iTunes and give it as a gift to someone else? I hope Apple allows apps to be purchased and given away as gifts too. This’ll definitely increase app sales and provide a viral means for developers to spread the word about their products. After all, players who loved my app will most probably be willing to give a another copy to a family member or a close friend.

4. Faster approval process. I have to give it to Apple–last December, I submitted my 2nd game (SOW) and it was approved in 5 days! I’m not sure if its just the Holiday season but I hope Apple continues to improve and streamline their approval process. A lot of developers have been complaining about this matter and Apple seems to be inconsistent with their approval dates.

5. Reduce monthly sales quota. For small developers like me who sell roughly about several hundred dollars worth of games per month, it would be great if Apple will lower their monthly sales quota for sending royalties. I must admit that their current quota is a little higher and will be hard to reach given the tough competition in the AppStore right now. C’mon Apple, be more lenient!

6. Open competition. While I haven’t experienced this yet, I’ve heard a couple of horror stories from developers about their apps being pulled out of the AppStore without even a single word why. Here’s another story I found over at Gear Diary which will explain this issue better. Open competition is always healthy and more beneficial to end-users.