Apple's iOS App Store opened for business on July 10, 2005 and was an instant hit, instant sensation. And, the sensation continues

A number, a really big number that’s all about bragging rights. Apple’s iOS App Store opened for business on July 10, 2005 and was an instant hit, an instant sensation. And, the sensation continues as a credible third-party source announces that the App Store has hit 1 million active apps.

Modmyi, quoting a Tweet from AppsFire, reports that the Apple iOS App Store now hosts more than 1 million live apps, including nearly a half-million iPad-ready apps.

“@appsfire: [BREAKING] The @AppStore just reached 1 MILLION live apps (473k optimized for iPad)! (from 1 million approved in nov/2012)”

That said, since the App Store went live back in ’08 (do you say, “aught-eight” or “oh-eight”?), Apple has approved 1,439,451 and counting apps. While Cupertino has been prejudicial in pruning inactive apps, the company is sometimes criticized for doing just that, both for being too lenient and too tough.

For what it’s worth, Apple’s Tim Cook announced 900K apps at WWDC in June and 1 million apps at this year’s iPad event in October.

[C]ustomers have access to the revolutionary App Store, which now offers more than one million apps to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries around the world, and more than 475,000 apps are designed specifically for iPad.

So, does 1 million active App Store apps mean anything or is it just about bragging? A good, meaningful brag or just so much marketing fluff?

Inquiring minds want to know…