It feels almost revolutionary to say it in 2025, but Apple has finally unlocked the full App Store experience for the world – on the web. For years, the vast catalog of applications for Apple’s devices remained largely confined to their respective ecosystems. Now, anyone can explore the complete collection, regardless of the device in their hands.
The web-based App Store mirrors the familiar interface found on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Vision Pro headsets, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. A simple dropdown menu in the upper left corner allows users to instantly filter apps by platform, revealing a comprehensive view of available software. It’s a seamless transition, bringing the digital storefront to a universal access point.
While direct downloads aren’t possible through a web browser, the experience is surprisingly robust. Users can easily share app links with others and, on macOS, directly open the app’s page within the Mac App Store with a single click. This bridges the gap between discovery and acquisition with elegant efficiency.
Beyond basic browsing, the web version boasts a wealth of detail. Full app reviews, detailed descriptions, comprehensive update histories, and even Apple’s innovative Privacy “Nutrition Labels” are all present. It’s a complete information hub, empowering users to make informed decisions.
Apple’s curated stories and featured app lists are also integrated, offering the same editorial content found within the native App Store apps. The experience is remarkably consistent, replicating the look and feel of each platform’s storefront with astonishing accuracy. It’s as if the App Store simply expanded beyond the boundaries of Apple’s devices.
Previously, individual apps had limited web presences, offering only a glimpse of their functionality. The broader App Store – the ability to freely search and discover – was exclusively reserved for those within the Apple ecosystem. That restriction is now a thing of the past, opening up a new era of accessibility and exploration.
