iPhone App Store likely launching tomorrow morning

Apple’s highly anticipated App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch is likely to launch tomorrow, according to Forbes citing three sources. The launch would take place at noon Eastern time, which is 9am out here on the west coast. This would coincide with when the iPhone 3G goes on sale in New Zealand, which is the first country where the the device will be launched.

We’ve been hearing about several iPhone app announcements timed for this Thursday morning slot as well, making a launch then seem very likely.

Opening the App Store the day before the iPhone 3G release would be a welcome surprise for first generation iPhone owners who shelled out as much as $599 for their devices last year only to have a new one launch a year later.

There is still a rumor out there that the next iteration of iTunes, version 7.7, may launch later today, but that could come tomorrow morning as well.

Meanwhile, Apple’s .Mac replacement, MobileMe, will launch later tonight.