I just got an email from the iPhone Developer Program stating that they are now accepting applications for the App Store.

Also Beta 8 of the SDK is ready for download. You’ll need to install the iTunes 7.7 pre-release seed in order to install the iPhone OS beta 8 on your devices. iTunes 7.7 can be downloaded on the iPhone DevCenter page.

It’s go time folks!

Be ready for the exciting launch of the App Store by submitting your application today.
Get started by downloading the eighth beta version of the iPhone OS, available in the iPhone Dev Center. With this new version of iPhone OS you can conduct final testing and prepare your application for submission to the App Store.
For step-by-step instructions and detailed information on preparing your application for the App Store, read the Distribution section of the iPhone Developer Program Portal.
We’ve also posted Publishing on the App Store from the Worldwide Developers Conference 2008. Watch this session video for tips on how to submit your binary, upload your metadata, and maximize your visibility on the App Store.