Could Apple's GameStore Application Appear In The Near Future?

Apple is now issuing refunds for the GameStore app we told you about a few days ago, noting that the application was released "prematurely," and that the company apologizes for the mistake. Back when the application appeared in the App Store, many deemed it to be an internal app that had been accidentally released. GameStore had a post date of June, 2009, and its single purpose appeared to be to test in-app purchases. Apple went on to launch iPhone OS 3.0 in 2009, and launched in-app purchases on its mobile platform. Now, in an email sent to App Store frequenters who purchased the $0.99 GameStore app, Apple explains:

You recently purchase [sic] the GameStore app. The app was made available for sale prematurely. We apologize for the problem and have refunded the purchase amount back to your account. These funds will be applied to your original payment method within 5 business days.

Most likely, a lot of people will get hung up on that important word: "prematurely." The word suggests that Apple has continued to develop the GameStore application and will make it available in due course. However, its absolutely limited functionality and June, 2009 post date leads us (and others, too) to conclude that the application was developed and used to test in-app purchasing, and will probably not launch as an "App Store for games." Though obviously, on the other hand Apple could have continued to develop the application, adding more functionality and purpose, and the version we saw might just have been the 2009 model. Either way, we'll be sure to keep you posted. [via 9to5Mac]

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