Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple Puts a Full App Store on the Web With a Browse-Only Design

The browser-based catalog expands discovery beyond Apple hardware, stopping short of web transactions.

Overview

  • Apple launched apps.apple.com as a central, searchable storefront with a toggle for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision, Watch, and TV app libraries.
  • The site mirrors native discovery features, including the Today editorial feed, top charts, categories, Apple Arcade, and richer product pages with screenshots and version history.
  • Users cannot sign in, purchase, or download from the web, with listings offering Share options and, on some platforms, links to open the listing in the native App Store.
  • Early testing reports limited country storefront availability and some missing Mac titles, pointing to an uneven initial rollout.
  • The change improves web visibility for developers, journalists, and prospective switchers, and some commentators view it as signaling greater openness under regulatory scrutiny.