Apple calls for tvOS app submissions ahead of Apple TV sales launch

Preparing for next week's launch of an all-new Apple TV with dedicated App Store, Apple sent out emails to developers on Wednesday asking for tvOS app submissions tested on the latest golden master seed.

Calling for app submissions has become de rigueur for Apple after releasing the GM build for a major operating system, as the company did today for tvOS, but this particular request is unique in that it comes days before a completely new App Store debuts for Apple TV. As Apple notes, the tvOS App Store will soon arrive on televisions around the world as the first Apple TV units ship out to customers next week.

Developers are urged to build their wares using the Xcode 7.1 GM, which includes the tvOS SDK, and to follow up by testing on the tvOS GM. The company also suggests developers get feedback from testers (at this point limited to other coders lucky enough to nab a dev kit) through TestFlight.

In addition to the email blast, Apple posted an app submission guide on its developer website with links to resources, downloads and other informational tidbits. Topics covered include app icon and design optimization, preparing product pages, setting a release date and more. Apple also updated its App Store Review Guidelines earlier today to account for made-for-Apple TV apps, saying among other things that apps not offering core support for the new Siri remote will be rejected.

Apple CEO Tim Cook this week said Apple TV orders will go live next Monday, with shipments heading out later that week. The fourth-generation Apple TV starts at $149 for a 32GB model, while a 64GB version will be available for $199.