Apple Begins Countdown to 1 Billion IPhone Apps Downloaded

The countdown has begun. Apple posted a Web page on Friday counting down (or actually counting up) to the one billion app downloaded milestone on the App Store.

That's a significant goal for a couple of reasons. First, you have to be amazed that people have downloaded one billion applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. iPhone sales themselves hit 17 million last month, so the app volume logically follows. Second, you can win some cool stuff if you download an app between now and the time that Apple reaches the one billion mark.

All you need to do to enter the contest is go to the App Store and download an app. You are automatically entered to win a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card, an iPod touch, a Time Capsule and a MacBook Pro. You can enter up to 25 times per day, according to the contest rules. You can also enter the contest without a download.

In addition to the one billionth app download, Apple has posted the top 20 apps of all time on the App Store. Unfortunately, that page isn't working as of this writing, so I can't tell you what they are.

Apple's counter currently reads 927, 700,795 apps downloaded . . and it's moving fast.

Also see:

Best Free Apps and Services for Your Phone

The Best iPhone Apps Not in the App Store

Top 10 iPhone Apps That Could Get You in Hot Water

iPhone Apps That Will Soon be Obsolete