Apple has introduced an online applications store for Mac computers, replicating a model that has proven wildly popular on its iPhones.
The tech firm is hoping to capitalise on Macs' surging sales as it aims to change the way software is sold for its computers - centralising distribution, simplifying discovery and leaving Apple as a gatekeeper of sorts.
The Mac App Store, similar to the iPhone App Store and linked to iTunes accounts, went live today offering more than 1,000 apps. The store is launching in 90 countries with paid and free apps in areas such as games, design and education.
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of marketing, highlighted the ease of use of the store, which he said will be familiar to anyone who has bought iPhone apps.
Apple hopes to lure new software developers to the Mac, Mr Schiller said, and simplify access to apps, which users currently buy via CDs or download from websites. He said the success of the iPhone app store "absolutely exceeded our expectations," but declined to make any predictions for the Mac store.
Long-time Apple watcher Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies called the Mac app store "an important milestone for the industry that puts a nail in the coffin of shrink wrapped apps and moves them now to direct downloads."
He predicted that Apple's PC rivals will move to adopt a similar model.
As with the iPhone, Mac app developers set the price for their apps and get 70 per cent of the revenue from sales, with Apple taking the remaining 30 per cent. Purchases are made via users' iTunes accounts.
Apple will sell its own software in the store, including the iLife and Aperture programs. Companies like Autodesk, which makes complex engineering and design software, will also sell software.
Mr Schiller said Apple will apply technical standards and criteria for approving Mac apps similar to those it uses on the iPhone.
Apple launched the iPhone store in mid-2008 and it proved to be an instant hit, driving sales of the smartphone and helping reshape the way mobile content is delivered.
The iPhone store offers more than 300,000 apps, and users have so far downloaded more than 7 billion applications. There are also more than 40,000 apps available for the iPad.
All of Apple's smartphone rivals have since opened their own app marketplaces with varying degrees of success.
Reuters