For years, Apple’s mobile app store has only been available through its mobile app, but now the marketplace is finally available on the web, 9to5mac reports.
This change provides anyone, including Android users, with an easier way to access the App Store through a browser. Previously, the app.apple.com domain would only trigger Apple devices to open the app. But today, it will load the web version.
Replicates the site found on the app. But it also includes a drop-down menu in the left corner, separating apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, Apple TV, and even the company’s Vision Pro headset. In addition, the site includes a helpful search function.
(Credit: Apple)
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. So it’s unclear why the company released a web version, and why it took so long.
For now, the new site lacks some capabilities, suggesting it’s a work in progress. For example, there is no way for existing Apple users to log into the site. Nor is there a way to use the site to remotely install apps on your Apple devices, similar to the Google Play Store, which has long been available on the web.
Recommended by our editors
(Credit: Apple)
If you want to install some software, it will simply trigger your device to open the dedicated App Store app. For other cases, such as viewing an iOS app on a Mac laptop, the web-based version of the Store only lets you share a link to the app via the “Share” button.
Last year, Apple also launched web versions of Apple Maps and its podcast app.
Get our best stories!
Love all things Apple?
By clicking Sign Up, you confirm that you are 16+ years of age and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your membership has been confirmed. Watch your inbox!
About our expert
Michael Kahn
Senior reporter
Experience
I have been a journalist for over 15 years. I got my start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in 2017, where I cover satellite Internet services, cybersecurity, PC hardware and more. I am currently based in San Francisco, but previously spent over five years in China, covering the country’s technology sector.
Since 2020, I’ve covered the launch and explosive growth of SpaceX’s StarLink satellite Internet service, writing 600+ stories on availability and feature launches, but also regulatory battles over expanding satellite constellations, battles with rival providers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and efforts to expand satellite-based mobile service. I’ve combed through FCC filings for the latest news and reached out to remote corners of California to test StarLink’s cellular service.
I also cover cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. Earlier this year, the FTC forced Avast to pay $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and selling its personal information to third-party clients, as revealed in my joint Investigation Along with the motherboard
I also cover the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000. Now I’m following how President Trump’s tariffs will affect the industry. I’m always eager to learn more, so please jump into the comments with feedback and send me pointers.
Read full bio
