Custom ringtone makers for the iPhone are the latest group of of apps to suddenly gain approval for the App Store. This correlates directly with Apple's recent changes to their App Store policies, allowing 3rd party Google Voice apps and other apps that Apple had previously banned or rejected from their mobile app marketplace, or simply left in limbo. Techcrunch reports:

Since the early days of the App Store, applications that allow users to make ringtones from songs on their handsets have either inexplicably sat on hold or were outright denied. And yet, here we are; as of right now, there are no less than 5 different ringtone making apps sitting in the App Store.

Another segment of apps that Apple has confirmed does not directly compete with their own app and service offerings has been revealed. I wonder what types of apps we may see pop up next that weren't previously allowed?

What's your opinion on Apple's recent lax in App Store restrictions? Let us know in the comments!

[Best Ringtone Maker iTunes Store link via Techcrunch]

This is an official entry by awray in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

A daily double of ringtone makers today, this one focusing on Ringtone Expressions, from the developers behind iPhoneRingToneMake. (And for those of you with a longer memory, the developers behind GX5, which kept PalmOS looking modern longer than it had a right to).

Ringtone Expressions includes support for creating ringtones faster than ever with Drag and Drop from iTunes or right click to create ringtone, creating ringtones from songs purchased on the iTune store( iTunes plus only), sharing your ringtones to friends on Facebook and Twitter, creating ringtones from YouTube videos, creating ringtones from your computer’s mic.

Support is also included for BlackBerrys and Windows Mobile should you duel wield or otherwise favor portability.

If you try out Ringtone Expressions for iPhone, let us know how it works for you.

A daily double of ringtone makers today, this one focusing on Ringtone Studio from PocketMac.

Ringtone Studio includes visual sound editing, volume control, fade in/out, and the ability to grab ringtones from movie files.

If you give Ringtone Studio a try, let us know what you think!