Apple launched the App Store

On 10/07/2008, Apple Inc. officially launched the App Store, introducing a centralized digital marketplace for third party applications designed for the iPhone and iPod touch. The launch occurred one day before the release of the iPhone 3G on 11/07/2008, enabling users to download software directly to their devices for the first time. Apple announced that the store debuted with approximately 500 applications created by independent developers, with categories including games, productivity tools, utilities, and social networking services. Apple established a revenue model that gave developers 70 percent of the sales price for paid apps, while Apple retained 30 percent to cover distribution, hosting, and payment processing. Free applications could be distributed at no cost to developers. The App Store listing was integrated into iTunes and later directly into iPhone and iPod touch devices through a dedicated App Store application. Apple also introduced tools through the iPhone SDK that allowed developers to build, test, and submit applications for review before publication. Applications could be downloaded wirelessly using Wi Fi or cellular networks, or transferred through iTunes on a Mac or Windows computer. Apple stated at launch that roughly 25 percent of the initial catalog consisted of free apps. The company positioned the App Store as the primary distribution method for native iPhone software, replacing earlier web app only approaches used before the release of iPhone OS 2.0. The store expanded rapidly after launch, reaching thousands of applications within months and becoming the standard distribution platform for iPhone software.