The App Store is Apple’s digital marketplace for downloading, purchasing, and updating applications on iOS and iPadOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. Launched in 2008, the platform provides a vast array of apps across various categories like games, productivity, social networking, education, and more. App developers can create, submit, and monetize their applications on the App Store, which Apple curates and monitors to ensure safety, quality, and privacy standards. With billions of app downloads yearly, the App Store has become integral to the iOS ecosystem, enhancing device functionality and user experience through a secure, regulated environment.