updated 01:10 pm EDT, Fri September 24, 2010
Apple puts iTunes ringtones on backburner
Ringtone creation apps are trickling into the App Store in the wake of Apple publicizing its review guidelines, reports say. Until recently, Apple is said to have either blocked ringtone apps or let them languish in the review system. But several titles are now available for download, and two of them — Ringtone Designer Pro and RingtoneMaker Free — have reached high positions in the paid and free App Store charts, respectively.
AppleInsider notes that Apple has generally de-emphasized ringtones at the iTunes Store. They can still be bought, but now only in the form of pre-cut 30-second clips costing 69 cents each. Previously, a custom ringtone could be made for a price of 99 cents. The ability to generate custom ringtones with iTunes was disabled in v10.
The company has likely been undermined by the existence of free ringtone creators for Mac and Windows, including generic audio editors. The new guidelines also reflect a slightly more relaxed approach to the App Store, which has been the target of complaints and even legal action because of tight restrictions.
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