Apple this week launched a new web version of the App Store, allowing users to more easily discover apps through their browser. Up the interface apps.apple.com now offers a full App Store experience beyond Apple devices, with support for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.
The refresh is an important step for Apple, which now offers an easy-to-use and visually rich web interface 17 years after launching the App Store in 2008. Previously a visit led to apps.apple.com just to a simple App Store information page, with no options to search or browse apps.
New: Web version of the App Store
Apple has released a web version of the App Store, allowing users to explore apps directly from their browser. This new feature makes it easier for people to access Apple’s App Store offerings without having to own an Apple device.
The new web interface offers a familiar App Store experience, complete with the popular Today tab with recommendations, special events, top lists and app categories such as productivity, entertainment, adventure and education. Users can easily switch between different Apple devices via a button at the top left of the page, making it easy to find apps for each device.
App product pages have been visually enhanced with beautiful screenshots, video trailers, detailed descriptions, user ratings, privacy labels, and icons for categories, awards, and special events. A new search function has also been added, allowing users to find apps directly on the web interface, something that was previously only possible via Google or a direct link.
Downloading not possible
While the new web version offers extensive browsing and discovery capabilities, users cannot download or install apps directly from the browser. Instead, Apple offers the option to easily share the app page with others or via AirDrop to your Apple device. This means that the web interface functions primarily as a powerful discovery, research, and app sharing tool, rather than a full-fledged download platform.
For users on non-Apple devices – such as Windows PCs or Android devices – this development is particularly relevant. They can now still explore the entire App Store, view apps, read reviews and consult update history, something that was previously impossible without access to an Apple device.
View Apple App Store on the web
You can visit the updated App Store web interface by going to apps.apple.com to go. From there, you can instantly discover and search apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more through an uncluttered and visually rich interface.
Importance for users and developers
For users, this means a seamless, cross-platform way to explore Apple’s app lineup without switching devices. For developers, it increases the visibility of their apps on the web, making sharing and promotion easier. This move by Apple is also seen as a response to growing global pressure on the company to make the closed App Store ecosystem more accessible and transparent.