Fair Game? Apple May Open Premium App Store Section

Stuart Dredge at PocketGamer is reporting that a source close to Apple has told the site that the premium section of the App Store is on the way.

While breaking out some of the pricier options from the normal App Store seems to make sense, there is some controversy around the potential decision. Only big-name developers and corporate-type developers would be allowed into the premium section. That means independent developers—some of whom have seen good revenue through the App Store—would be left out in the cold.

That segregation raises a simple but important question: Is it fair? Electronic Arts, one of the names rumored to be part of the initial launch, would obviously benefit by being singled out in the premium section.

Any company would instantly be separated from the masses of free and 99 cent applications, raising their profile and eliminating the rigmarole for iPhone users who have to scroll the seemingly endless number of available apps.

And then there is the higher price point. Like any business, app developers have to spend money to make money. The development of an iPhone app isn't free. But once it is done the majority of the cost has been handled and the company that created the app is able to see money come rolling in. The margin, especially on a $19.99 price point app, is probably pretty hefty once initial costs are recuperated. But what about the independent developer, who's hoping that his or her app gets featured in the next Apple TV commercial, like UrbanSpoon? They would still be relegated to the ever-expanding list of apps that are added to the store, still trying eke out their niche among the rest of the competitors.

Sure, business isn't always fair and Apple, of course, retains the right to highlight or reject any iPhone app it wants, much to the chagrin of budding developers. But attaching itself to big names with established revenue and money to spend on marketing and advertising budgets seems a little low.

Of course, this might not even happen. After all, like all things Apple, the rumors are never confirmed until they're officially announced by the company.