I recieved an email this morning that read:

“Beginning July 22, you will need to use Application Loader to submit your binary to iTunes Connect. Binary uploads will no longer be accepted through the iTunes Connect interface on that date”.

Since the opening of the app store three years ago developers have had to submit their applications through a web interface in iTunes connect. The only time anyone used the Application Loader was to upload apps that were huge (apple recommended it for apps over 100mb) this would prevent browser timeouts while uploading large files. Now it is a requirement for all apps, I find this strange especially after finding nothing wrong with the current method. I however am not complaining, In the newest version of xcode apple allows you to submit your app to iTunes connect from within Xcode. Anytime I don’t have to leave the application to upload files to apple and fill out a legnthy web form is great for me however this will prevent windows users from submitting apps (not that there is a huge demand for that since you have to have a mac to code the app in the first place, but Im sure someone somewhere does it). Below is the full email from apple.

Dear Hank, Beginning July 22, you will need to use Application Loader to submit your binary to iTunes Connect. Binary uploads will no longer be accepted through the iTunes Connect interface on that date. Application Loader offers fast uploading, a more stable connection, and early validation warnings. You can now also submit binaries that contain In App Purchase using Application Loader. Make sure the status of your app in iTunes Connect is Waiting for Upload before you submit your binary through Application Loader. If you have installed iPhone SDK 3.2 or later, you can access Application Loader from the Utilities folder (/Developer/Applications/Utilities/Application Loader.app). You can also download Application Loader from iTunes Connect. If you have any questions regarding Application Loader, please review our Frequently Asked Questions or utilize the Contact Us system on iTunes Connect. Best regards, iTunes Connect Support