The iPhone App Store was launched in early July as part of the iPhone 2.0 software update. It can be accessed either from the iPhone itself over a 3G or Wi-Fi connection or via iTunes on your Mac or PC.

Only applications under 10 MB are able to be downloaded over the 3G network and this is to both keep your mobile data costs down and to provide security in case your phone connection drops out. All apps larger than 10MB need to be downloaded via Wi-Fi or iTunes.

Using the iPhone App store is much like the iTunes store on the iPhone. You press the button and browse for the program you want to download. You’ll need to have an iTunes account set up to be able to download apps – not just because you’ll need to pay for some apps, but in accordance with Apple’s Fairplay DRM, which prevents illegal distribution of the program.

Browse as many apps as you like over iTunes. You can also browse iPod games and Podcasts on the iTunes Store. You simply press the iTunes Store link in the left-hand panel of iTunes and select App Store from the list of options at the top of the screen.

Costs
iPhone apps can be any price from free to a maximum of US$999. They also cater to a wide variety of people, with everything from games, medical tools and student aids. The apps on a person’s iPhone will be as individual as their unique music collection.