Apple gives developers iPad app cut-off date

Apple has opened up the developer floodgates to give the green or red light to apps to run on its very nearly launched iPad.

Developers keen on showing off their wares have until this Saturday 27 March to submit an application for scrutiny and possible approval, but the journey there isn't that simple. They'll need to use emulation software and, according to some reports, if they're lucky enough to have a test device, even sign paperwork promising not to spill the beans.

Only those who've submitted apps to meet this initial deadline will be given feedback and the chance to have their work showcased in the final iPad app store at launch, according to The Unofficial Apple Weblog.

The iPad is expected to go on sale in the US on 3 April, while UK fans will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the coveted device. Pre-orders hit 120,000 on the first day of sale via the Apple Store.

Click here to read our cheat sheet that will tell you everything you need to know about the Apple iPad.

Maggie has been a journalist since 1999, starting her career as an editorial assistant on then-weekly magazine Computing, before working her way up to senior reporter level. In 2006, just weeks before ITPro was launched, Maggie joined Dennis Publishing as a reporter. Having worked her way up to editor of ITPro, she was appointed group editor of CloudPro and ITPro in April 2012. She became the editorial director and took responsibility for ChannelPro, in 2016.

Her areas of particular interest, aside from cloud, include management and C-level issues, the business value of technology, green and environmental issues and careers to name but a few.