With the hotly anticipated launch of Apple's iPad coming on April 3rd, the company has now begun accepting submissions for iPad applications from developers. Applications developed with the iPhone SDK 3.2 Beta 5 can be submitted to Apple any time up to the 27th of March, at which point they will be reviewed and feedback will be given via email as to how ready they are to be distributed through the App Store. Developers must submit apps by this date if they wish to be in with a chance of their apps being available on launch day.
Why the reliance on email feedback you may ask? Well, the fact is that most developers don't have access to iPad hardware, meaning that they are reliant on running their apps through the SDK simulator and hoping they won't have any major performance problems on the iPad itself. A select few have been given access to the iPad before launch, but it has been reported they must meet strict conditions dictated by Apple regarding security. These include keeping any iPads isolated in a room with blacked out windows, as well as being tethered to a fixed object.
Applications will no doubt be as essential to the iPad's success as they have been with the iPhone, so how effectively Apple deals with getting apps approved for launch could have a significant impact on early sales.