iPhone Users, why iTunes and App Store contains iOS apps and third-party apps?
Do you want iOS apps even without an iPhone? No problem. Just download the iTunes app on your PC or Mac. Want iOS apps on your Android phone? Wait… Oh that’s not possible at the moment. iTunes and App Store are Google Play’s rivals. But I think there are third-party apps that allow you to sync iTunes music into your Android phone – like the DoubleTwist Airsync and AirDroid.
Want Android apps on your iPhone? That’s also not possible. Except you’re a high-level developer who can create an emulator or jailbreak the iPhone, then that can work.
Apple allows developers to sell third-party apps on iTunes and App Store. This is similar to what Amazon Appstore, Google Play and Windows Phone Store are doing. They allow cross-selling of third-party apps on their respective app stores. This is possible for app developers and publishers because of API Libraries and Software Development Kits (SDK) for third-party apps.
In this post, I will walk you through iTunes, App Store and iOS apps. Whether you’re a fan of iOS apps or third-party apps, this will guide you on how to buy, download and install apps safely and securely into your iOS devices – iPad, iPhone or iPod.
What is iTunes?
iTunes Store or simply iTunes is Apple’s software-based version of their App Store. Basically, iTunes is designed for Windows PC and MacBooks. By downloading and installing the software into your computer, you can instantly download music, movies, apps, ebooks, videos and other digital content.
Want to download iTunes? Click on these links.
iTunes is not just an app store. It is a digital media player where you can play music, TV shows and movies and create libraries for them. This is Apple’s way of attracting shoppers to buy stuffs from iTunes and then play them instantly.
If you’ve been into the Apple website, you will see iTunes in the navigation bar. This web page only gives you previews of apps available in iTunes. You will notice and it prompts you to “Buy Now in iTunes” or “Preview in iTunes” and on top of the page, “Download iTunes”.
What is App Store?
The App Store is the iTunes version in your iOS devices – iPhone, iPod and iPad. Every iPhone has a built-in “App Store” app. The “iTunes Store” in your iPhone only gives you access to iTunes store for music and videos, iBooks apps, and podcast apps directories.
What are the advantages of having a built-on App Store in your iOS device?
First, since you already have the App Store dedicated for iOS apps, you don’t have to go somewhere else to find the apps for your iPhone. It’s right there in front of you.
Second, whenever there is a software update from Apple, your built-in App Store can instantly implement that update. Although most OS software updates are now sent Over-the-Air (OTA), still the advantage is that your App Store is always the latest version.
Third, you’re the first to view and get the newest iOS apps and third-party apps. Today, there are over 1.3 millions apps in the Apple Store.
That’s how iTunes and App Store works. Now, here’s the question.
Why do you think Apple allows third-party apps on their stores?
I have three interesting answers on that.
First, it provides better or alternative apps for users on their iOS devices. Second, Apple makes money on third-party apps, same with iOS apps. Third, it helps Apple sell more of its devices.
As an app user, we don’t care much whether an app is a native app or a third-party app. As long as it is running on our device after installation, we’re okay with that. But would there be any problem if we run a third-party app in our iOS devices? My quick answer is none. However, there could be times wherein you will encounter incompatibility issues.
