Group 1: Apple Developments - Apple is expected to launch a fully functional web version of the App Store, which will include features such as homepage, search page, detail pages, categories, and rankings [1][3] - The new web App Store will allow users to switch between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision, Watch, and TV versions, displaying the corresponding apps available for each client [3] - In iOS 26.1, Apple has addressed a long-standing issue where the iPhone flashlight would unexpectedly turn off due to accidental screen touches in dark environments [6][7] - iOS 26.2 introduces "Enhanced Safety Alerts" to improve emergency alert capabilities, allowing users to receive timely notifications for earthquakes and imminent threats [7][8] - The AirDrop feature in iOS 26.2 is set to be upgraded to allow users to establish a 30-day pairing relationship between devices using a PIN code, enhancing file sharing convenience [8] Group 2: Apple Market Strategy - Apple has tightened its channel strategy in China, prohibiting offline distributors from selling products online to maintain price stability [9] - In Q4 of fiscal year 2025, Apple's revenue in Greater China was $14.493 billion, a 3.6% decline from $15.033 billion in the same period last year, making it the only region with a revenue drop [9] - CEO Tim Cook expressed confidence in the growth prospects for the Greater China market, anticipating a recovery in Q4 2025 due to strong momentum from the iPhone 17 series [9]

Core Insights - Apple is reportedly set to launch a fully functional web-based App Store, allowing users to access apps without needing an Apple device [2][6] - The new website mirrors the experience of the native App Store, featuring sections like "Today," curated recommendations, and various app rankings [2][4] - This update breaks Apple's long-standing "walled garden" approach, making it easier for potential new users, especially those transitioning from Android, to explore available apps [6] Summary by Sections Web-Based App Store Features - Users can now browse, search, and share apps through any browser at apps.apple.com, providing a similar experience to the native App Store [2] - The site includes a native search function and allows seamless cross-platform discovery of apps across devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro [4] Historical Context and Financial Impact - The App Store, launched in 2008, has been a major revenue source for Apple, charging a commission of 15% to 30% on downloads, often referred to as the "Apple tax" [6] - According to a recent report, the App Store is projected to generate $1.3 trillion in developer revenue and sales by 2024, with significant contributions from digital goods and services, physical goods, and in-app advertising [7] - The revenue from digital goods and services is expected to grow from $63 billion in 2019 to $131 billion in 2024, while physical goods and services revenue is projected to rise from $396 billion to $1.01 trillion [7]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is reportedly set to launch a fully functional web version of the App Store, allowing users to access apps through a browser at apps.apple.com, featuring complete browsing, searching, and sharing capabilities [1] Group 1 - The web version of the App Store will enable users to experience a comprehensive application browsing and searching functionality [1] - Official customer service has not confirmed the launch of the web version, advising users to refer to official announcements for accurate information [1]

Core Points - Apple has officially launched a web-based App Store, providing users with a centralized entry point to browse applications across various devices [1][3] - The new web App Store serves as a search entry point, allowing users to browse applications by category or platform, although direct app downloads are not yet available [3][4] - The web App Store is particularly beneficial for developers and analysts working across both iOS and Android ecosystems [3] Group 1: Web App Store Features - The new web App Store allows users to browse applications by category or platform, including sections for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch [3] - Users can share app links or open the corresponding App Store page on their devices, but direct downloads are currently not supported [3][4] - The previous static webpage only displayed App Store information, making it difficult for users to find app pages without direct links [3] Group 2: Developer Insights - Developers have noted that the App Store appears to have been rebuilt using the Svelte framework, but source maps were not removed, leading to source code exposure [4][6] - The Svelte framework is known for its performance benefits and has been adopted by various tech companies [6] - Some developers argue that the exposure of source code does not represent a security risk, as client-side code is inherently visible to users [8][9] Group 3: Company Culture and Engineering Practices - Apple's engineering culture emphasizes long-term employee loyalty and a hierarchical management structure, which can slow career advancement [12][16] - The company maintains a high level of secrecy, often limiting employees' access to information about projects outside their immediate work [12][13] - Apple's design-driven approach integrates designers into decision-making processes, contrasting with other tech companies that may prioritize engineering or product management [15][16]

Core Insights - Apple is reportedly set to launch a fully functional web version of the App Store, accessible at apps.apple.com, which closely resembles the content of the native App Store application [9] - The new website allows users to browse and search for apps across various categories, including camera, entertainment, and health, and supports cross-platform navigation [9] - Prior to this update, the apps.apple.com domain only displayed individual app pages, lacking the search and categorization features now available [9] Financial Impact - The App Store is a significant revenue source for Apple, with the company charging a fee of 15% to 30% on downloads, commonly referred to as the "Apple tax" [10] - According to a recent report cited by Apple, the App Store is projected to generate $1.3 trillion in developer revenue and sales by 2024 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is reportedly set to launch a fully functional web-based App Store, allowing users to access apps through a browser at apps.apple.com, featuring complete browsing, searching, and sharing capabilities [1] Summary by Categories - **Product Development** - The upcoming web-based App Store will enable users to experience a comprehensive application browsing and searching functionality [1] - **Official Confirmation** - Apple’s customer service has not yet confirmed the existence of the official web-based App Store, advising users to await official announcements through the company’s website or service channels [1]