Apple just announced that the iTunes Connect holiday shutdown 2016 happens on Dec. 23 to 27. Traditionally, the App Store goes on one giant sale just before the annual iTunes freeze. Find out here on how to monitor favorite apps once they go on sale to get huge savings.

Apple has just issued an advisory to all developers that iTunes Connect will have a shutdown from Friday, Dec. 23 to Tuesday, December 27, 2016. The five-day period will enable Apple reviewers to have their Christmas holiday.

Hence, developers must submit new app releases or updates in advance just before the shutdown commences. During the five-day period, there will be no new apps or updates that will be accepted for review or release.

However, developers may have their releases and updates scheduled during the shutdown as long as these are submitted and approved in advance, Apple Insider has learned. Developers will still have access to their data in iTunes Connect during this period except that nothing can be processed for review or release.

The iTunes Connect manages apps, releases and updates, pricing and App Store assets. It is also used by book publishers to sell their books through the Apple iBookstore.

Moreover, the iTunes Connect holiday shutdown 2016 is a signal that the App Store annual giant sale will soon commence. Last year, the App store put more than a hundred apps for sale at only $0.99 cents for apps that regularly cost three to five dollars each.

Just a preview of 2015's standout sales include Pixelmator, GoodReader, The Room Two, Rayman Jungle Run, BADLAND, Real Racing, and the Angry Bird titles, which were so popular with a combined 4 plus stars rating in 100,000 reviews.

Now there is an app called CheapCharts that can monitor App Store sales, including games, music, movies, books and TV shows, according to App Factor . By simply launching the app, the user can now search for apps that are being monitored and then add these on the wishlist. The user will get notifications when a pre-selected app goes on sale.

The iTunes Connect Holiday Shutdown 2016 will more likely be followed with announcements of the App Store sale. By using CheapCharts, account holders can have access to important apps and get huge savings.