An app store (application store) is an online portal through which software programs are made available for procurement and download.

All major mobile operating system vendors, including Apple, Google, BlackBerry and Microsoft, run their own app stores, which gives them control over the software available on their respective platforms. There are also several third-party app stores in operation; examples include the Amazon Appstore for Android and Cydia for jailbroken iOS Apple devices.

The app store concept became popular with the rise of smartphones and tablets, but it has since expanded to Web browsers and desktop operating systems. The Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers each have their own stores, where users can install Web-based applications. Mac OS X and Windows 8 desktop applications are also available through app stores.

A related concept is the enterprise app store, an IT-controlled portal that makes specific, approved business applications available to end users.

Benefits of using an app store

The software available on an app store is officially approved by the store operator. For instance, Apple inspects all software on the macOS and iOS App Stores, and Google inspects all software on the Play Store. The code of each app is reviewed to make sure it contains no malware or viruses, and conforms to other guidelines for the user’s device. The software is then digitally signed by the store operator, to prevent it from being altered without the operator’s knowledge and approval.

Other benefits of app stores

Convenience. Users can search for new software in one familiar place on their device.

Trust. Instead of needing to trust a wide array of software vendors, trust can be placed in a single entity (the store operator).

Consistent experience. Because software must conform to device guidelines, separate apps have a greater consistency of interface and user experience. The user is already familiar with the general way the software looks, feels, and operates.

Easier updates. When an update is available for software installed from the app store, the store can notify the user that an update is available. The user does not need to manually check for new updates. If multiple updates are available, they can be installed by the app store all at once.

Local app store

some countries want to have their own app store and represent applications to the customers on their local base store. We can Count it as a positive point in smart cities.