Apple has activated a browsable version of the App Store in apps.apple.comThis step makes the app storefront accessible from any browser, including in Spain and the rest of Europe. The site replicates the aesthetics and much of the structure of native app stores, with a clean interface that adapts to both mobile and desktop.
The most obvious change is that it's finally possible Explore by sections such as 'Today', 'Games', 'Apps', and 'Arcade', as well as browsing by category. In the upper left corner, there's a selector to switch between the different Apple platforms, which by default is set to iPhone even if you're viewing it from another device.
What is the new App Store like in the browser?
The website offers a sidebar with links to 'Today', 'Games', 'Apps' and 'Arcade', and a list of thematic categories (productivity, entertainment, etc.). It's a faithful and adaptable replica of the experience you already know on Apple devices.
The descriptions for each app are more complete: they include screenshots, video trailerThe description, user reviews, and update history are all included. Privacy and tracking information is also maintained, making it easy to compare options without leaving the browser.
In addition to the general catalog, Apple Arcade appears integrated, allowing users to browse which games are included in the subscription, depending on the platform. All of this creates a more organized discovery environment than the old, isolated pages that appeared when searching on Google.
What you can and what you can't do
For now, the web version is only for browse and shareThere's no login, purchases, or downloads directly from the browser, unlike initiatives such as Apple Pay on the webInstead of the 'Get' or 'Buy' buttons, you'll see 'View', and within the listing, there's a 'Share' button.
On Mac, the option usually appears to Open the app in the Mac App StoreOn iPhones and iPads, tapping the button launches the native App Store to complete the download. On non-Apple devices, the experience is limited to browsing the catalog, which is useful for researching apps without having the hardware in front of you.
If clicking a link opens the native app on macOS or iPadOS, try this copy and paste the URL in the browser bar or use another browser like Chrome to stay on the web version.
Improved search and discovery
The site includes a search engine that allows you to locate apps. in a direct and orderly mannerThis previously relied almost entirely on external links. There's also access to recognizable editorial sections, such as the 'Today' tab, featuring recommendations, roundups, and featured events.
The ability to switch between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro stores from the same switcher simplifies checking the availability by platform without switching between devices, something especially practical for those who compare ecosystems.
European context and strategic reading
Making the App Store accessible online fits with a strategy of greater opening of the ecosystem, a relevant movement in the European regulatory context and in issues such as The controversy surrounding third-party browsers on iOSFor the user, it means universal access to the catalog; for Apple, a way to make its store more accessible without giving up control of purchases in native apps.
Impact on users and developers
Anyone considering switching to iPhone or iPad can check from their browser whether their usual tools are available on iOS or iPadOS, and developers gain a easily linkable display case and accessible from any device. However, it lacks the option to purchase on the website and have the app ready to install on the associated device.
For everyday use, this means you can research apps, read reviews, and compare alternatives without leaving your work computer or using an Android phone. lack of online purchases It limits the process to exploration, but greatly speeds up the discovery and selection phase.
With this update, the App Store gains a convenient and consistent web showcase This improves the search and browsing experience in the catalog in Spain and Europe. The transactional component is still missing, but browsing apps.apple.com already allows you to review collections, categories, and platforms at a glance, and open the native app when it's time to download.