RIM’s App World is yet to be launched, but the structure, terms and conditions are all clear now; the company posted developers portal and Faqs recently. It’s time to compare Apple’s App Store and RIM’s App World. Here is the quick look. 

Distribution: iPhone app developers submit applications to Apple. There is some kind of confusing screening done to determine appropriateness of the content and intent of the application. Applications are finally deployed in the App Store if Apple finds the apps fulfill the required standards, else they are yanked into the application graveyard. 

Developers now have the choice to  pick up their rejected applications and deploy them in the Cydia Store, where all rejected application are sheltered for jailbroken iPhone users. At the time of submission, developers can choose the countries where their apps should be sold, the choice here can either be  global or purely regional. 

In RIM’s App World all types of applications would be accepted provided the applications are packaged as cod file. Developers need not fear too much about their application getting rejected. At the time of submission, developers have to specify which network carriers are authorized to distribute their applications. Customers of the selected carriers would be able to download the applications. 

App Category: App Store has 20 categories and developers can choose up to two categories to deploy an application. App World developers would be allowed to deploy application only under one category. 

Payment: In the App Store, credit card is the mode of making any transaction either between Apple and developers or between customers and Apple. App World on the other hand would accept only pay pal transaction. Both customers and developers have to abide by this payment mode until further notice from RIM.

Pricing: Apple has absolutely no say in the pricing of applications in the App Store. It is solely left to the developers to determine the price of their applications. RIM however, has come out with the pricing structure of applications with $2.99 as the minimum price for paid applications. BlackBerry users would not have that relatively famous $0.99 and $1.99 App Store pricing.

Language: English is going to be the only language supported at launch in the App World. Developers can thus submit only applications that supports English. App Store has no such restriction, developers can submit any application for regional distribution. 

Download limitation: If you download a paid application from the App Store, you can install on many devices. Re-downloading the purchased application does not require paying again. However, if you download an application from App World, you would be allow to install the app on only three devices. You are limited to three devices; you got it right. Re-downloading multiple times on the three devices is acceptable. 

These are some to the differences I can think of right now. Would add to the list when the App World goes live.