Popular iOS apps go free ahead of App Store's 5th anniversary

Apple's App Store turns five this week, which might be why some of the marketplace's popular applications are now available for free.

Apple's App Store has started offering several popular applications, including Infinity Blade II and Tiny Wings, for free. Traktor DJ, a platform for pro DJs, typically costs $19.99. As of this writing, it's available for free. Many of the other suddenly-free apps sold previously for a few bucks.

So, what's happening? The Verge, which was first to report on the free apps, argues that it might be an early promotion in anticipation of the App Store's five-year anniversary. The marketplace opened on July 10, 2008.

Whether the free offer has something to do with the anniversary, however, remains to be seen. Apple has not promoted anything in the marketplace to call attention to the anniversary and the app makers currently offering a free download have also been mum on the move.

CNET has contacted Apple for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.