Dan’s Tech-n-Stuff Weblog

If you’re a developer that has applied to join Apple’s iPhone Developer Program and received a rejection email, don’t feel bad–you’re not alone.

Apparently Apple is turning away a lot of developers, both independents and from companies, even though the program is something they’ve announced and have a pricing structure for.

Why?

The program is in beta, so apparently they want to keep the size down while they work out the kinks in their delivery system, etc., and will be accepting more developers later one.

Here’s an example of what the messages look like if you’re curious:

Dear Registered iPhone Developer,

Thank you for expressing interest in the iPhone Developer Program. We have received your enrollment request. As this time, the iPhone Developer Program is available to a limited number of developers and we plan to expand during the beta period. We will contact you again regarding your enrollment status at the appropriate time.

Thank you for applying.

Best regards,

iPhone Developer Program

Some are saying that its not a rejection, its more of a “we can’t take you now”…so maybe we should call it a temporary rejection?

Its important to note that joining the iPhone Developer Program is different from registering to download the iPhone SDK. Anyone can download the SDK and its free, but to actually be able to take the things you develop with the SDK and test them on an iPhone and ultimately get them into the upcoming AppStore, you’ll need to be a paid member of the iPhone Developer Program.

Why did Apple even both announcing this if they were going to turn so many people away? If it still a process they’re trying to get their heads around, its not worth upsetting those who have been patiently waiting for so long to have a chance to develop for the iPhone. If they don’t know if they’ll even be accepted into the program, where’s the incentive for them to spend the next few weeks developing something might ultimately go nowhere?

Surely Apple has enough developer partners that would be interesting in working with their SDK without Apple having to announce that we can all join but then rejecting many of us without giving a reason.

[Via TUAW]