Apple is paying more timely than an operator/carrier would. The norm among operators is 90 days for payment of commissions or revenue sharing. Developers would receive February business in May or June. Apple iPhone develops have to be glad to be working with Apple instead across many operators who would take the full 90 days. The challenge also is reconciling short-pays across multiple operators. Nokia hinted that its direct Ovi Store will probably have its own customer payment instead of through operators. Nokia realizes the problem of timely paying developers while waiting for funds from operators.
Forget about Apple
Apple is paying more timely than an operator/carrier would. The norm among operators is 90 days for payment of commissions or revenue sharing. Developers would receive February business in May or June. Apple iPhone develops have to be glad to be working with Apple instead across many operators who would take the full 90 days. The challenge also is reconciling short-pays across multiple operators. Nokia hinted that its direct Ovi Store will probably have its own customer payment instead of through operators. Nokia realizes the problem of timely paying developers while waiting for funds from operators.
Based on the performance so far, small developers should not count on quitting their day jobs and relying on iPhone sales for a living.