Apple rejecting large numbers of iPhone SDK applicants

We've received word from a number of hopeful iPhone developers indicating that they are being rejected by Apple for inclusion in the $99 iPhone Developer program. The rejection letter looks like this:

"Dear Registered iPhone Developer,

"Thank you for expressing interest in the iPhone Developer Program. We have received your enrollment request. At this time, the iPhone Developer Program is available to a limited number of developers and we plan to expand the program during the course of 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."

An Apple press release accompanying the SDK announcement last week stated that "a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple?s new iPhone Developer Program," which is priced at $99. As previously reported, the program allows access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store.

The SDK was downloaded more than 100,000 times by would-be iPhone developers -- a number touted by Apple.

One iPhone Atlas, an Apple Developer Connection Select member, is on of the coders who received a rejection letter:

"I have two commercial iPhone apps in development as we speak, and they 'wait-listed' me as well.  Perhaps they are accepting the ADC Premium members first?  Heck, why should those guys even have to pay.  Then again, this is all somewhat moot until Apple releases Interface Builder for iPhone OS."

If you've been rejected from Apple's iPhone developer program, or accepted into it, please let us know at info@iphoneatlas.com.