App Store

Technology

Apple's digital distribution platform for mobile apps on iOS, which is at the center of the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit due to its restrictive rules and 30% commission.


First Mentioned

1/1/2026, 6:25:21 AM

Last Updated

1/1/2026, 6:31:17 AM

Research Retrieved

1/1/2026, 6:31:17 AM

Summary

The App Store is a digital distribution platform for software applications, primarily known for its central role in the mobile ecosystem. Launched by Apple in 2008, it revolutionized software delivery by providing a curated, secure environment for users to discover and download apps for iOS and iPadOS. Unlike traditional package managers, the App Store integrates monetization, licensing enforcement, and user reviews into a seamless experience. In recent years, the platform has become a focal point of regulatory scrutiny, culminating in a significant antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2024, which alleges that Apple maintains a monopoly through its closed ecosystem. Concurrently, Apple is exploring the integration of third-party AI technologies, such as Google Gemini, to enhance its mobile features, reflecting a strategic shift in the competitive technology landscape.

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Extracted Attributes
    App store

    An app store, also called an app marketplace or app catalog, is a type of digital distribution platform for computer software called applications, often in a mobile context. Apps provide a specific set of functions which, by definition, do not include the running of the computer itself. Complex software developed for personal computers may have a corresponding mobile app optimized for the device’s constraints. Today apps are normally designed to run on a specific mobile operating system—such as the contemporary iOS, iPadOS, Windows Phone, or Android—but in the past mobile carriers had their own portals for apps and related media content. An app store can be thought as a restricted, commercial version of a package manager, although an app store provides additional services like app discovery, user reviews, security screening, licensing enforcement, and seamless integration of a payment system. Unlike traditional package managers, which prioritize dependency management and system integration, app stores focus on usability, monetization, and a curated user experience.

    Web Search Results
    • App store optimization

      On July 10, 2008, Apple's App Store was launched along with the release of the iPhone 3G. It offered users the possibility to download over 500 native applications for free. Since then, the popularity of the App Store has risen immensely, counting around 1.82 million apps available in the store in 2020. A variety of Apple devices currently offer store use, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV "Apple TV (device)"), and Apple Watch. [...] App store optimization (ASO) is the process of increasing an app or game’s visibility in an app store, with the objective of increasing organic app downloads. Apps are more visible when they rank highly on a wide variety of search terms (keyword optimization), maintain a high position in the top charts, or get featured on the store. Additionally, app store optimization encompasses activities that aim to increase the conversion of app impressions into downloads (conversion rate optimization). [...] The Google Play Store, originally called Android Market, was released on October 22, 2008, alongside the T-Mobile G1. Over 50 apps were initially available, with this number rising to around 2.8 million in 2020. Google Play is currently supported on Android smartphones & tablets, ChromeOS, Android TV, Wear OS, and the web.

    • App Store (Apple) - Wikipedia

      The App Store is an app marketplace developed and maintained by Apple, for mobile apps on its iOS and iPadOS operating systems. The store allows users to browse and download approved apps developed within Apple's iOS SDK. Apps can be downloaded on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, and some can be transferred to the Apple Watch smartwatch or 4th-generation or newer Apple TVs "Apple TV (device)") as extensions of iPhone apps. [...] After the success of Apple's App Store and the launch of similar services by its competitors, the term "app store" has been adopted to refer to any similar service for mobile devices. However, Apple applied for a U.S. trademark on the term "App Store" in 2008, which was tentatively approved in early 2011. In June 2011, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton, who was presiding over Apple's case against Amazon, said she would "probably" deny Apple's motion to stop Amazon from using the "App Store" [...] The App Store opened on July 10, 2008, with an initial 500 applications available. The number of apps peaked at around 2.2 million in 2017, but declined slightly over the next few years as Apple began a process to remove old or 32-bit apps. As of 2024( the store features more than 1.9 million apps.

    • What is App Store Optimization (ASO)? The in-depth guide ...

      In app stores like Google Play or the App Store, people find and download mobile apps mostly directly using their native browsers. For example, according to data released by Apple Search Ads, 70% of mobile users use search to find new apps. Furthermore, 65% of all downloads occur directly after a search. [...] 1. Apple Search Ads is the App Store’s dedicated advertising platform, containing insights & metrics vital for keyword assessment. 2. App Store Connect is a service provided by Apple that allows app developers and publishers to manage their apps on the App Store and gives them high-level metrics on the app’s performance. [...] ASO ranking factors are part of the sophisticated algorithms that sort search results. Even though the exact information is not available, deducing factors influencing the app store rankings is possible. Apple App Store Ranking Factors include: App name App URL App subtitle Keyword field In-app purchase In-app events Ratings and reviews Updates Downloads and engagement Hidden factors Google Play Store Ranking Factors include:

    • App Store - Apple

      For over a decade, the App Store has proved to be a safe and trusted place to discover and download apps. But the App Store is more than just a storefront — it’s an innovative destination focused on bringing you amazing experiences. And a big part of those experiences is ensuring that the apps we offer are held to the highest standards for privacy, security, and content. All designed to help you discover your next favorite app with confidence. ## Designed for discovery. [...] App Store purchases are safe and simple, so you can start playing, gaming, reading — or just doing — right away. Create a secure account with your preferred payment method on file and it’s easily accessible across your devices and the web. Your account is protected by two‑factor authentication, ensuring that the only person who can access your account is you — even if someone else knows your password. And more than 270,000 apps tap into the advanced technologies of Touch ID and Face ID built [...] Purchase safely and securely.

    • Apple Store App

      The Apple Store app is the most personalized and seamless way to browse, learn about, and shop the latest Apple products, no matter where you are. DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN THE PRODUCTS TAB Explore product recommendations that are tailored to you, and even shop for accessories that are compatible with products you already own. Browse the latest iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and more. Discover the latest seasonal offerings, and exclusive ways to save — available only at Apple. Get shopping

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    App Store, Աբովյան փողոց, Կենտրոն, Երևան, 0001, Հայաստան

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    Coordinates: 40.1838748, 44.5194199

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