Mac Application Store

Mac App Store: The Mac will only run apps downloaded from the Mac App Store. Mac App Store and identified developers: When you try to open a new app and it’s not on the list of identified. App Store Preview for Mac provides a snapshot of the App Store right from your OS X Dashboard. An easy-to-use widget, it lets you sort and search for apps based on cost and popularity. Jul 20, 2017.

Learn how the Mac App Store beautifully showcases your apps and makes them even easier to find, and how Developer ID and notarization make it safer for users to install apps that you distribute yourself.

Mac App Store Application List

Mac App Store

The Mac App Store makes it simple for customers to discover, purchase, and download your apps, and easily keep them updated. The Mac App Store on macOS Mojave and later offers editorial content that inspires and informs. Organized around the specific things customers love to do on Mac, along with insightful stories, curated collections, and videos, the Mac App Store beautifully showcases your apps and makes them even easier to find.

Application

Outside the Mac App Store

While the Mac App Store is the safest place for users to get software for their Mac, you may choose to distribute your Mac apps in other ways. Gatekeeper on macOS helps protect users from downloading and installing malicious software by checking for a Developer ID certificate. Make sure to test your apps with the macOS 10.15 SDK and sign your apps, plug-ins, or installer packages to let Gatekeeper know they’re safe to install.

Application

You can also give users even more confidence in your apps by submitting them to Apple to be notarized.

Mac Logo

The Mac logo is designed to easily identify software products and hardware peripherals developed to run on macOS and take advantage of its advanced features.

Mac App StoreOutside Mac App Store
App DistributionHosted by AppleManaged by developer
(with Developer ID)
Software UpdatesHosted by AppleManaged by developer
Worldwide Payment ProcessingManaged by AppleManaged by developer
Volume Purchasing and Education PricingManaged by AppleManaged by developer
Advanced App Capabilities (iCloud Storage and Push Notifications)AvailableAvailable
App Store Services (In-App Purchase and Game Center)AvailableNot Available
64-BitRequiredRecommended
App SandboxingRequiredRecommended

How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later

If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
  2. If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
  3. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How to get updates for earlier macOS versions

Apple Store Job Application

Store

If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:

  1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
  2. Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
  3. Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
  4. When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.

To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.


* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu  > Software Update.

How to get updates for iOS

Mac Application Stores

Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.

Learn more

Where Does Mac Store Application Data

  • Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
  • Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
  • You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
  • Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.