Apple has quietly taken a long-awaited step in making its ecosystem more accessible. As of November 2025, users can now browse a fully functional version of the App Store directly from any web browser, no Apple device required. This marks the first time in the company’s history that its vast app marketplace is truly open to everyone.
Previously, visiting apps.apple.com only showed individual app listings — static pages that offered limited information and often redirected users to the native App Store app. That’s now history. The redesigned website is a complete, browsable storefront that mirrors the interface of the App Store found on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The web App Store includes:
- A Today tab with editorial features and stories
- Top charts and curated lists
- Search and filter tools that work natively in any browser
- A platform selector to switch between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps
Each platform’s version of the store adapts dynamically, offering users an experience that feels native — whether they’re on macOS, Windows, or even Android.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Although you can’t download or install apps directly from the browser, you can explore every listing in full detail. Each product page includes:
- App name, developer, price, and screenshots
- Update history and description
- Ratings, reviews, and Apple’s Privacy Nutrition Labels
- Buttons to share or open the app on your Apple device
The pages are built for speed, accessibility, and sharing, allowing anyone to copy and share app links seamlessly. Developers can finally direct users to a single, universal page that works across all devices.
Apple’s timing likely reflects a mix of user demand, developer feedback, and regulatory pressure. For years, critics have argued that Apple’s closed distribution model limited discoverability, while regulators across the EU and US have pushed for greater transparency in digital marketplaces.
By making the App Store searchable from any browser, Apple appears to be addressing these concerns while simultaneously improving SEO visibility for app listings. This benefits developers, too — apps are now indexable by search engines, increasing organic reach without relying on redirects or screenshots.
Apple App Store Web Version vs Google Play Store Experience
It’s worth noting that Google’s Play Store has offered a full web interface for years. Apple’s move brings it in line with industry norms, finally giving users an easy way to research apps before purchasing a new device or switching platforms.
While you still need an Apple device to install apps, the web App Store serves as a discovery tool — ideal for developers, journalists, and prospective Apple customers browsing from Windows or Android devices.
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The site borrows Apple’s clean, card-based layout found in the native App Store apps. Navigation between device categories is handled by a drop-down menu, while instant search delivers real-time results without page reloads.
The Today section and curated stories — previously available only through Apple’s native apps — are now readable directly in the browser. The responsive design scales beautifully across screens, maintaining the same minimalist polish that defines Apple’s ecosystem.
At first glance, this may seem like a simple redesign. But in practice, it’s a major step toward a more open and discoverable Apple ecosystem. The web App Store bridges the gap between Apple’s tightly controlled software experience and the wider internet, letting users browse freely without barriers.
