The AppStore has just reached 25,000 app mark but it seems that some of them might be disappearing. Though the AppStore was launched on 1st June last year, many developers signed up in March itself. According to people familiar with contact, Apple claims to give a renew option within ninety days before expiry date but it is yet to be provided, given expiry date is only a few days/ weeks away!
Contract renewal is not the only problem. Some developers even report that their contract application- deposited months ago- is yet to be approved. This is not the case for paid apps only. In fact, those developing free app, which require less of documentation are yet to get their contracts approved.