Apple's App Store for iPhone and iPad is adding a new category—Shopping! It's no secret that there's been an explosion in online shopping and iOS has driven a lot of that growth. Thanks to an incredibly rich ecosystem and empowering technologies like Apple Pay, there's no better way to compare prices, check reviews, and grab deals when on the go than iPhone, and no better place to sit back, browse, share, and check out than on iPad. And that's probably why Apple is moving shopping apps out of Lifestyle and into a category all their own.
Back in the day we'd have to jump in the car, go to the mall, and hope the stores and items we wanted were there. Now apps make it possible to shop anywhere, for anything, at any time. With the Shopping category, retailers, developers, and customers will all benefit from the greater discoverability and serendipity that comes with a dedicated section in the App Store.
Along with the Shopping category going live, some of the apps in the new section will doing something a little special to help promote and celebrate the introduction.
- Everlane - download now - Order with the Everlane app by 11/12 and receive a complimentary product.
- Ebates - download now - Shop with the Ebates app and get extra cash back at 100+ stores including LivingSocial, HSN, Walmart, UGG, Saks, Banana Republic, Overstock, Lancome, Avon, Ralph Lauren, and Shoe Buy.
- GILT - download now - Use the GILT app this week to get early access to top sales from Marc by Marc, Oliver Peoples, J Brand, and more.
- Zappos - download now - Place an order with the Zappos app and get access to exclusive products from UGG, Frye, North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, UA, TOMS, Nike, Converse, and Sam Edelman, and get free 1-day shipping.
- Nordstrom - download now - Spend $100 with the Nordstrom app and get a free gift.
- MikMak - download now - Every day through November 12 the MikMak app will feature awesome office "minimercials" along with special promotions including deals and free shipping.
- Groupon - download now - The Groupon app will be offering up to 75% off select beauty and apparel products, linked via in-app message.
- Harry's - download now - Buy something with the Harry's app and get a free 40z bottle of after-shave moisturizer.
- Cartwheel by Target - download now - 50% off a new toy each day, 20% off women's apparel through 11/7, 40% off Thanksgiving side dishes through 11/12 when using the Cartwheel by Target app.
- REI - download now - Use the REI app and get $20 off your oder of $100 or more through November 12.
- Walgreens - download now - Use the Wallgreens app and get 30% off all photo orders through the end of November.
- Wondermall - download now - Use the Wondermall app and earn 1-5 WonderPoints for every dollar spent in the mall, then use those points to get anything from the mall for free.
The App Store's new shopping category is rolling out now. If you have any favorite shopping apps for iPhone or iPad, let us know which ones!
