App Store is the name given to an Internet-based digital distribution platform for application software. The software comes either from the operator of the platform itself, but mostly from third-party providers, such as free software developers and software companies. The service allows users to select and download software from a catalog for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and for some offerings for other devices, such as personal computers.
Apple was the first manufacturer to operate an online sales platform called the App Store for application programs with great market success after the introduction of iPhone OS 2.0. With the introduction of Android and the rebranding of Windows Mobile to Windows Phone, the importance of their distribution platforms also increased. The term App Store, which was originally only associated with Apple, thus tended to become a generic term, but this is still legally controversial.
According to a study by the market research institute Adjust, the steadily growing number of “zombies”, i.e. apps that can only be found by users via direct search (i.e. do not appear in any top list), is a growing problem in app stores. Developers are trying to counteract this problem through app store optimizations.
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The offer can usually be accessed via its own app store software on a mobile device or via a website. Apps can be found via a search, suggestions, top charts, or a selection of categories. The apps are displayed in the App Marketplace with a screenshot and a description. For a better assessment, an app marketplace can offer the ability to rate the apps and leave user comments. Once downloaded, the App Store keeps the apps up-to-date on the customer’s respective device via a (semi-)automatic update function.
In addition to the user interface for customers, there is also one for vendors. Among other things, the provider has the option of uploading its app, storing images and a description. They can edit the payment options and usually receive statistics on how often the app has been downloaded. The operator of the app marketplace also regulates the payment of the apps and the forwarding of the money to the respective provider. The operator receives a pro rata commission, which is often around 30 percent of the sales price.
Distribution Platforms
Mobile operating system manufacturers, such as Apple, Google, and Huawei, each offer an app store for their platform. There are also manufacturer-independent app stores, such as the Amazon Appstore or the free software store F-Droid.
The Google Play Store is the “native” app provider for Android-based devices and the largest app store with over 3.5 million apps. Apple’s App Store was the first distribution channel for mobile apps and was launched on July 10, 2008.
The Amazon Appstore is an alternative platform for Android apps. The Amazon Appstore is the only sales channel for the company’s own Fire tablets.
Huawei AppGallery is Huawei’s app store. The Samsung Galaxy Store platform was launched in September 2009 under the name “Samsung Apps”. APKPure is an alternative app store for Android apps available since 2014 that offers direct download of .apk packages of the apps and their old versions.
