Apple Now Accepting iPad App Submissions

The next app gold rush is on. Moments ago, Apple invited developers writing applications for its forthcoming iPad tablet to begin submitting them to the App Store for approval.

“iPad will begin shipping soon and your opportunity to be part of the grand opening of the iPad App Store starts today,” Apple (AAPL) said in a message to developers. “Submit your iPad app now for an initial review by the App Review Team and receive feedback on its readiness for the grand opening.”

Apple’s set a March 27 deadline — at 5 p.m. PST — for developers to submit their apps if they hope to have them available for the initial iPad release.

An encouraging sign. Sadly, most of the apps submitted, at least initially, will have been developed on Apple’s iPad simulator software and not on the device itself, which has been given to only a few select partners. Let’s hope these early apps don’t suffer too much from a lack of hands-on testing.

[Image credit: Apple Insider]