Several weeks ago, Apple began testing high-volume Push Notifications using a special build of the AP Mobile iPhone application distributed to developers testing beta versions of the upcoming iPhone OS 3.0. While the test was scheduled to last one week, Apple is apparently just now putting the final wraps on its testing, thanking developers for their assistance throughout the testing process.
Apple activated Push Notifications in mid-April, allowing developers to begin testing their applications with the service, which allows iPhone applications to receive updates while they are not actively running. Apple’s AP Mobile test, however, was the first large-scale deployment of Push Notifications.
The conclusion of Push Notification testing and yesterday’s public release of iTunes 8.2 supporting iPhone OS 3.0 suggest that development of the new iPhone operating system is nearing completion. iPhone OS 3.0 is expected to be a major topic of discussion at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference next week, and many expect to hear about Apple’s plans for its public launch at that time.