Hubbry Logo
Mac App StoreMac App StoreMain
Open search
Mac App Store
Community hub
Mac App Store
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Mac App Store
Mac App Store
from Wikipedia

Mac App Store
DeveloperApple
Initial releaseJanuary 6, 2011; 14 years ago (2011-01-06)
Operating systemmacOS
TypeDigital distribution and software update
Websitewww.apple.com/app-store/ Edit this on Wikidata

The Mac App Store (also known as the App Store) is a digital distribution platform for macOS apps, often referred to as Mac apps,[1] created and maintained by Apple. The platform was announced on October 20, 2010, at Apple's "Back to the Mac" event.[2][3][4] Apple began accepting app submissions from registered developers on November 3, 2010, in preparation for its launch.[5]

The Mac App Store was launched on January 6, 2011, as part of the free Mac OS X 10.6.6 update for all current Snow Leopard users.[2][3] After 24 hours of release, Apple announced that there were over one million downloads.[6]

Regulations

[edit]

Like the App Store on iOS and iPadOS, the Mac App Store is regulated by Apple.

To submit an app for consideration, the developer must be a member of the Apple Developer Program. As of March 2023, the membership fee is US$99 a year.[7]

Apps must be approved by Apple before becoming available on the store. Disallowed types of apps revealed by Apple include apps that:[8][9]

As with the iOS and iPadOS App Store, Apple rates applications worldwide based on their content, and determines the age group for which each is appropriate. macOS will allow blocking of objectionable apps in System Settings.

Usage by Apple

[edit]

Since the opening of the Mac App Store, Apple has increasingly used it as the primary means of distribution of its own in-house software products at the expense of boxed versions being sold at its retail stores. This position was increased with the July 2011 release of OS X Lion, which was the first release of OS X not sold in the form of DVD boxes. This method limited the reach of distribution of the operating system to those who currently use Mac OS X 10.6.6+, although other means offered by Apple after the release included a USB flash drive containing the operating system and a digital in-store download of the operating system through Apple Store locations. Starting from OS X Mountain Lion, Apple's operating systems can only be downloaded from the Mac App Store.

This has also affected Apple's prior means of distribution through its own website, with the Downloads gallery being removed in July 2011 and replaced with links to the Mac App Store information page. However, it has not affected the Dashboard widget gallery, nor has it affected the Safari Extensions gallery, both of which remain online and web-based (however, in Safari 12, the old type of extensions were deprecated and replaced by a newer type, available exclusively on the Mac App Store). Apple Support Download section also remains online, as it provides mostly security updates for current and older software applications and operating systems, many dating back to before 1998.

Counterfeit apps

[edit]

Not long after independent game developer Wolfire Games placed its game, Lugaru, on the Mac App Store, as Lugaru HD for $9.99, the developer noticed a counterfeit copy of their game also being sold on the App Store for US$0.99. The developer contacted Apple on January 31, 2011, and on February 10, 2011, the counterfeit copy of the game was removed from the App Store.[16]

A number of news sites have remarked that for all the scrutiny Apple places on apps listed in their store, a counterfeit copy of an existing app should not have made it through the process, and the days it had been since the developer had alerted Apple to the counterfeit software is disconcerting to developers.[17]

History

[edit]

The Mac App Store launched with over 1,000 apps on January 6, 2011, including Apple's own iWork '09, iLife '11, Aperture, and third-party applications ported from iOS, such as Angry Birds, Flight Control, Things and Twitter for Mac.[3][18][19][20] Most of the apps belonged to the Games category, which had nearly three times as many apps in the next largest category, Utilities.[19] The most common price point was $20–50.[19] Angry Birds, a popular video game on iOS App Store, was the number one paid app on the Mac App Store on the first day.[18]

An update to the Mac App Store for OS X Mountain Lion introduced an Easter egg in which, if one downloads an app from the Mac App Store and goes to one's app folder before the app has finished downloading, one will see the app's timestamp as "January 24, 1984, at 2:00 AM," the date the original Macintosh went on sale. This is the first time an Easter egg has appeared in a piece of Apple software since Steve Jobs had declared a ban on Easter eggs when he returned to Apple in 1997.[21]

On November 11, 2015, a number of apps purchased through the Mac App Store began to fail at launch. Users worldwide got error messages and were forced to delete and re-download affected apps.[22] It was discovered the next day by Tapbots developer Paul Haddad that the issue had to do with an expired security certificate.[23] On November 17, Apple sent an email with explanations to developers. The company stated that most of the issues were resolved and that troubleshooting information was provided to the AppleCare support team.[24]

On December 17, 2015, responsibility for overseeing App Store was given to Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.[25] Previously App Store was led by Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services.

On January 1, 2018, Apple announced it was no longer accepting 32-bit apps on the Mac App Store, while existing 32-bit apps on the App Store must be updated to fit the 64-bit architecture by June 1, 2018.[15]

On June 4, 2018, Apple announced that a new version of the App Store would be included in macOS Mojave based on the redesigned App Store introduced in iOS 11. This included new Create, Work, Play and Develop categories for apps, and a Discover tab curated by Apple's editors.[26]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Mac App Store is a digital distribution platform for macOS applications, developed and operated by Apple Inc., that enables users to browse, purchase, and download software directly to their Mac computers in a seamless and secure manner. Launched on January 6, 2011, the Mac App Store was introduced as an extension of the successful iOS App Store model, opening with more than 1,000 free and paid applications across categories including Games, Productivity, Utilities, Education, Graphics & Design, and Lifestyle. At its debut, it was available in 90 countries and required Mac OS X v10.6.6 or later, integrated automatically via Software Update for compatible systems. Key features include one-click purchasing and installation using an , personalized recommendations based on user activity, top charts, staff favorites, and user ratings and s to facilitate informed choices. The platform emphasizes and , with all apps undergoing rigorous to meet Apple's standards before distribution, establishing it as a trusted source for software. Developers benefit from a global reach and tools for easy app submission and updates, fostering innovation as seen in early offerings from partners like and Boinx Software. Since its inception, the Mac App Store has integrated deeply into the macOS ecosystem, serving as the primary method for acquiring and managing third-party apps alongside Apple's own suites like iWork and iLife, which were prominently featured at launch (e.g., Pages for $19.99 and iPhoto for $14.99). Users access it via the built-in App Store application, where they can search for apps, view details, and handle updates automatically to maintain compatibility and performance. Over the years, it has evolved to support modern macOS versions, including Apple silicon transitions, while upholding its role as a safe, centralized hub for software discovery and acquisition.

Overview

Purpose and Launch

The Mac App Store serves as Apple's official digital storefront for macOS applications, providing a centralized platform where users can discover, purchase, and install software in a secure and streamlined environment. This initiative aimed to replicate the success of the by bringing a similar one-stop shopping experience to desktop Mac users, facilitating easy access to both free and paid apps while emphasizing security through Apple's curation and distribution model. Launched on , 2011, the Mac App Store was introduced as part of the free macOS 10.6.6 update for , making it accessible to all compatible Mac users at no additional cost via the built-in Software Update feature. At its debut, the store featured over 1,000 applications, including Apple's own offerings such as iWork '11, iLife '11, and , alongside third-party titles like ports of popular apps from developers including and . This initial lineup highlighted the platform's focus on productivity, creative, and utility software tailored for macOS, marking a pivotal shift from traditional distribution methods like physical discs and direct developer downloads. The launch demonstrated immediate strong adoption, with over one million apps downloaded in the first 24 hours, underscoring the Mac App Store's rapid appeal and its role in modernizing for the Mac ecosystem. This early success reflected growing user preference for convenient, integrated digital marketplaces, setting the stage for the store's evolution alongside subsequent macOS releases.

Core Features

The Mac App Store provides users with intuitive tools for discovering and acquiring applications, including search functionality that allows querying by keywords in the top-left search field, alongside curated categories, editorial recommendations, and popularity rankings to facilitate exploration. Purchases and downloads occur seamlessly with one-click actions tied to the user's , enabling immediate access to free apps or paid content without additional authentication steps beyond initial sign-in. Automatic updates ensure apps remain current, with users able to enable this feature in settings to download and install revisions in the background, accompanied by notifications for significant changes. App installation emphasizes security through mandatory sandboxing, which confines each app to a restricted environment limiting access to the , network, and hardware unless explicitly permitted, thereby protecting user data and system resources from potential compromises. Installed apps integrate with macOS for permission management, where users grant or revoke access to features like camera, microphone, or location via centralized controls. The platform supports trial versions through introductory free periods for auto-renewable subscriptions and models via in-app purchases, allowing users to test core functionality before committing to full payment. Technical compatibility spans both Apple Silicon M-series chips, introduced in late 2020, and legacy processors, with apps optimized for universal binaries that run natively across architectures; native installation of iOS apps is available only on Apple Silicon Macs with M1, M2, M3, M4, and later chips since macOS Big Sur, while Intel-based Macs do not support native iOS app installation, though on compatible Apple Silicon Macs users can download and run compatible and apps labeled as such. Monetization options include support for subscriptions and in-app purchases, manageable directly in the App Store, as well as Family Sharing—available since —which enables up to six family members to share eligible app purchases without repurchasing. Accessibility is embedded throughout, with full screen reader support for navigating the interface, reading app descriptions, and performing actions via keyboard or gestures. Dark mode previews adapt app screenshots to match the system's appearance, while multilingual interfaces support dozens of languages for global usability, enhanced since .

Operations and Policies

App Review Process

Developers submit apps to the Mac App Store through App Store Connect, Apple's developer portal, where they upload the app binary built with , along with metadata such as descriptions, keywords, screenshots, and promotional materials. The process begins with automated scanning for , vulnerabilities, and basic compliance issues, which helps identify potential threats before human evaluation. Following this, the submission enters a manual review phase conducted by Apple's App Review team, who assess the app across multiple platforms including macOS. The evaluates compliance with Apple's App Review Guidelines, which are organized into five key categories: , , , , and Legal, last updated on November 13, 2025. The November 2025 update introduced requirements for apps to disclose and obtain explicit user consent before sharing with third-party AI providers, enforce age ratings for content, and prohibit misleading use of other developers' branding in copycat apps. Under , apps must avoid harmful code, objectionable content, and risks to user or physical well-being, with strict rules for and medical applications. criteria require apps to operate without crashes, use resources efficiently, and adhere to macOS-specific standards like sandboxing to prevent unauthorized system access. guidelines prohibit misleading pricing, manipulation, and ensure proper use of in-app purchases for digital goods. standards demand intuitive, original user interfaces that enhance the macOS experience without spamming or duplicating existing apps. Legal requirements mandate respect for rights, data laws, and regional regulations, including proper handling of user data. The typical review timeline for Mac App Store submissions ranges from 24 to 48 hours for most updates, though new apps or complex submissions may take up to one week, with status updates visible in App Store Connect. In 2024, Apple reviewed over 7.7 million app submissions across all platforms and rejected 1.93 million for guideline violations. Of those rejections, 295,109 apps were later approved after developers addressed issues. If an app is rejected, developers receive detailed feedback via App Store Connect and can resubmit revisions or appeal to the App Review Board for reconsideration. The guidelines were revised in May 2025 to permit U.S.-based apps to include external links for payments without commission fees, following a court decision, while maintaining restrictions elsewhere. This appeals process ensures transparency, with the Board providing final decisions on escalated cases.

Developer Guidelines and Monetization

To distribute apps on the Mac App Store, developers must enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 annually and requires an Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled, along with meeting the legal age of majority in their region. Individuals enroll using their legal name and valid contact details, while organizations must be legal entities capable of entering contracts, provide a D-U-N-S Number (except for government entities), and designate an authorized representative. Enrollment involves agreeing to the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, which governs the use of Apple's software and services for app development and includes confidentiality provisions for certain materials, such as beta software. For apps distributed via the Mac App Store, developers agree to exclusivity in using Apple's distribution channels, prohibiting alternative update mechanisms or third-party installers. Mac App Store apps must be built using , Apple's , to ensure compatibility, security, and proper packaging as self-contained bundles. Developers are required to adhere to the for macOS, which outline principles for , layout, , and interaction patterns to create intuitive experiences that align with the platform's aesthetics and functionality. Apps must also operate within a sandboxed environment, respecting macOS rules and avoiding unauthorized access, process spawning, or root privileges. Regarding payments, apps cannot include links or calls to action directing users to external payment methods for and services; instead, they must utilize Apple's in-app purchase , though a 2025 U.S. court ruling now permits such external links without in U.S.-based apps to comply with anti-steering decisions. In the , the (DMA) enables exceptions for external purchase links via a StoreKit entitlement, subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission starting June 2025. The Mac App Store supports several monetization models, including paid apps for one-time purchases, where developers receive 70% of revenue after Apple's 30% commission, or 85% under the App Store Program for those earning under $1 million annually across all Apple platforms. Subscriptions offer recurring revenue with auto-renewal options, following the same commission structure—30% initially and 15% after the first year for all developers—allowing for tiered pricing and family sharing. In-app purchases enable sales of or features, also subject to the 70/30 or 85/15 splits, while free apps can incorporate advertising or models with optional upgrades. As of 2025, small developers qualifying for the 15% rate benefit from this standard reduction without further changes, and EU developers can distribute via alternative marketplaces under DMA compliance, potentially bypassing full App Store commissions while still requiring Apple's notarization for .

Integration and Usage

Apple's Internal Use

Apple has distributed its first-party software through the Mac App Store since its launch in 2011, making major applications such as Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Xcode, Pages, and Keynote available exclusively or primarily via digital download. These pro and productivity apps, including Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, are optimized for macOS and delivered as universal binaries compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures. The Mac App Store plays a strategic role in Apple's ecosystem by showcasing first-party apps optimized for , highlighting performance gains in tools like and that leverage unified memory and the Neural Engine. It also facilitates seamless updates for select applications, such as , which integrate with macOS features like Continuity to enable cross-device workflows, including Handoff and Universal Clipboard. This distribution model ensures that Apple's software remains tightly coupled with system updates, promoting reliability and feature parity across macOS versions. Apple retains full proceeds from sales of its first-party apps on the Mac App Store, without applying the standard 30% commission levied on third-party developers. For instance, the iWork suite—comprising Pages, Numbers, and Keynote—has been bundled free with new Mac purchases since 2013, downloadable via the App Store to encourage adoption and reinforce ecosystem lock-in by integrating with services like iCloud and Apple Pencil support on compatible devices. The evolution of Apple's internal software distribution reflects a shift from physical media to digital exclusivity through the Mac App Store. Prior to 2011, suites like were sold in boxed retail versions, such as iLife '11, which included physical discs for , , and . Following the Mac App Store's debut, Apple transitioned these to digital formats, with pro apps like X becoming App Store-exclusive from their 2011 release. By in 2022, most professional applications were fully digital, eliminating physical options and streamlining updates. In 2025, enhancements include AI-driven features in , such as predictive and generative intelligence powered by Apple Intelligence, distributed exclusively via the Mac App Store to support on-device model integration for developers.

User and Developer Adoption

The Mac App Store has experienced steady growth in user engagement, with downloads contributing to the broader ecosystem's expansion. While specific totals for the Mac App Store are not publicly broken out by Apple, the platform's overall App Store family reached over 2 billion downloads by late 2009 for , setting the stage for Mac's launch in 2011, and continued to grow with billions more annually across platforms by 2020. In 2024, the ecosystem, including Mac, facilitated nearly $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales worldwide. Apple's Services segment, which includes revenue from the , reached $96.17 billion in 2024. Developer participation has expanded significantly, with over 31,000 apps available on the Mac App Store as of 2022, rising to approximately 32,500 apps as of mid-2025. Popular categories include productivity applications, such as ports of tools like Word and Excel, and utilities like VLC for media playback and AppCleaner for system maintenance. Indie developers have particularly thrived, leveraging Apple's framework to build native, cross-platform apps more efficiently since its introduction in 2019, fostering innovation in niche tools and creative software. Key drivers of adoption include the Store's seamless one-click installation process, which contrasts with traditional manual downloads requiring DMG files or third-party installers, reducing user friction. Security features, such as automatic updates and sandboxing, have built trust, with surveys indicating high reliance on the Store among Mac users for verified software. A 2023 Setapp report highlighted robust app usage trends, though exact installation percentages vary; regional patterns show stronger uptake in the US and EU, supported by integrated payment systems like Apple Pay, compared to regions with less seamless financial infrastructure. Apple's own apps, such as Pages and Keynote, have served as catalysts by demonstrating the Store's capabilities. Despite these factors, adoption faces challenges, including lower download volumes relative to the iOS App Store, where global figures approximate 37 billion annually as of 2025. The Mac App Store's smaller scale—adding only about 15 new apps per month versus thousands for —reflects developers' preference for independent distribution on desktop. However, 2025 has seen a notable boost from Apple Intelligence features in macOS Sequoia, which encourage integration with Store-available apps for AI-enhanced functionalities like Writing Tools and image generation, driving increased exploration and installs.

Challenges and Developments

Counterfeit and Fraudulent Apps

The Mac App Store has occasionally been infiltrated by and fraudulent apps that mimic legitimate software, leading to risks for users. One notable case occurred in 2016, when a wave of apps flooded the store, including fake versions of popular tools like VPN services and cleaners that promised enhanced performance but delivered little value or posed threats through excessive permissions. These apps often used misleading descriptions and icons to deceive users seeking trusted alternatives. A high-profile example from was the "Adware Doctor" app, which ranked as a top-paid but secretly exfiltrated users' browser history and other sensitive data to remote servers, affecting thousands before its removal. By 2023, fraudulent crypto-related apps appeared, impersonating legitimate tools and attempting to steal credentials, further highlighting persistent vulnerabilities despite Apple's safeguards. Apple employs post-launch monitoring through user reports, analytics, and automated scans to detect such threats after approval. In , the company rejected nearly 2 million app submissions and removed over 37,000 apps for fraudulent activity across platforms, including those with or fraudulent intent, preventing more than $2 billion in potential . These incidents, though rare compared to the store's vast inventory, have eroded user trust by enabling data breaches; for instance, fake installers mimicking CleanMyMac in recent years tricked users into downloading that stole passwords and files from thousands of devices. The company also leverages proactive automated scanning integrated with human review, drawing from threat intelligence to identify and remove fraudulent apps swiftly.

Regulatory Changes and Future Updates

In 2016, Apple introduced auto-renewable subscriptions across the App Store, including the Mac App Store, allowing developers to offer ongoing billing options with a reduced 15% commission after the first year, marking a significant shift toward recurring models for Mac applications. This change expanded monetization opportunities beyond one-time purchases, fostering growth in services like and creative software tailored for macOS. Privacy enhancements arrived with in 2021, incorporating features like Mail Privacy Protection and Hide My Email, which help protect user data from tracking in and allow creation of random addresses for apps, reinforcing Apple's emphasis on user control in the Mac ecosystem. The lawsuit, filed in 2020 and resulting in key rulings through 2025, subjected Apple's practices to intense antitrust scrutiny, culminating in a 2025 policy update that permits developers to include external links for payments in apps without Apple's commission on those transactions. Although the case focused on , the broader implications influenced guidelines, including for Mac apps, by promoting greater flexibility in payment processing while maintaining requirements for in-app purchases of . In the , the (DMA), enforced from 2024, mandates gatekeeper platforms like Apple to enable alternative app distribution channels, though its direct provisions target and by allowing and third-party marketplaces without full Store fees. For the Mac App Store, where has long been supported via notarization, the DMA indirectly encourages ecosystem openness by aligning EU policies across Apple's platforms, reducing barriers for developers offering Mac apps outside the Store. By 2025, Apple updated its guidelines to address AI integration in apps. On November 13, 2025, the App Review Guidelines were revised to require developers to clearly disclose when apps share with third-party AI providers and obtain explicit user permission before doing so, emphasizing secure handling of AI models, including on-device processing where possible, to mitigate risks in Mac applications leveraging Apple . For EU developers, commissions were adjusted under DMA compliance, with small businesses eligible for a 15% rate on the first year of subscriptions and certain transactions exempt from the standard 30%, though Mac-specific distributions retain flexibility for external sales. Additionally, macOS Sequoia introduced enhanced support for notarized third-party apps, potentially paving the way for expanded third-party storefront integration without altering core Store policies. Looking ahead, Apple's App Store ecosystem, including Mac submissions, is projected to see sustained expansion through 2026, driven by regulatory flexibility that balances openness with security, as evidenced by global billings approaching $1.3 trillion in 2024 and forecasts of $233 billion in by 2026. This outlook prioritizes an open yet protected environment, with ongoing updates like phased promo code transitions by 2026 to streamline developer tools.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.