Posted: 11 August 2008

A new application added to Apple's App Store has been removed having been downloaded by only eight people.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the iPhone users had purchased a program previously approved by the manufacturers that cost $999.99 (£520) and does little but express the handset owner's wealth.

It is noted that since its launch in June 2007 the Apple iPhone has been "a status symbol" and its improved 3G model has built on this, however the "seemingly useless" I Am Rich application has taken this one step further.

"Once downloaded, it doesn't do much," the article notes. "A red icon sits on the iPhone home screen like any other application, with the subtext 'I Am Rich'. Once activated, it treats the user to a large, glowing gem. That's about it."

Although Apple approved the application for distribution, it has since been removed and its German developer, Heinrich, claims to be unaware of any violation of Apple's rules of online sale.

The App store is an online resource for games, applications and other features which can be downloaded for use with the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch.

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