Apple has raised the maximum size of app downloads over a 3G connection to 20MB, in what developer site Appadvice says is preparation for the iPad launch.

(Credit: Screenshot: David Martin/CNET)

In the past, iPhone app downloads were limited to less than 10MB over a 3G connection. If you wanted to download larger apps, you had to use Wi-Fi. This limitation may have been placed on the iPhone at the request of wireless carriers in an effort to preserve bandwidth.

iPad apps will be larger downloads, mainly because they will have to support higher-resolution graphics. New apps such as the iLife suite for the iPad will probably demand a large footprint.

Should Apple remove these restrictions completely? Or raise them more? Let use know what you think in the comments.

Updated 02/21/2010 at 5:05 PM PST: According to various sources limits have also been relaxed for all other media downloads available in the iTunes Store. We called Apple last week for confirmation, but Apple hasn't responded yet.