Apple had been confusing many Apple Watch app developers due to some confusing wording in the developer documentation for iTunes Connect, pictured above. The wording indicated that app submissions, including a Watch app, would require at least one screenshot of their app taken on an Apple Watch itself.
However, this was confusing as it was therefore impossible for developers to submit Watch extensions without owning an Apple Watch themselves. This caused some concern that there would be very few third-party apps on day one of the Watch launch (April 24th) as most developers would not get access to hardware aside from the select partners Apple worked with in Cupertino.
Thankfully, this requirement has now been silently removed from the website. As shown above, the requirements no longer specify that the screenshot must be taken on the Apple Watch itself, allowing developers to simply take the necessary images in the iOS Simulator on their Macs instead.
This opens up the opportunity for the wide base of developers to get their ‘thousands’ of apps approved ready for the Apple Watch’s launch. Note that developers still cannot submit their Watch app just yet: they are still waiting for Apple to allow WatchKit extensions to be submitted for approval. With the Watch now about a month away, and review times spanning up to two weeks, it is expected that Apple will open up the floodgates in the coming days.
In case you missed it, Apple SVP Phil Schiller actually posted the first public Watch screenshot onto Twitter yesterday — featuring his customized clock face and complications. You can find every Watch app that Apple announced at its event listed here.
Apple Watch will be released on April 24th, with preorders starting April 10th. Prices start from $349 for Apple Watch Sport.
