Apple is bringing its popular App Store to iPhones, MacBooks and iPads in 20 new countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, according to a new note sent to developers on Tuesday.
Afghanistan, Cameroon, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and Morocco are just some of the countries that will be able to download apps from the world-leading digital storefront from next month.
Apple announced the rollout to give developers a heads-up so that they can fill out forms to ensure that their apps are available when the App Store launches in the new locations.
Developers have until 10th April to submit an updated Program License Agreement.
In a statement, Apple hailed the success of the App Store, which originally launched in July 2008 and now hosts millions of smartphone-optimised applications.
Apple also revealed that developers have earned $155bn in total during the last 12 years and that 500 million users visit the App Store every single week.
“It’s grown into a vibrant platform with great apps that influence culture and change lives, with over half a billion visitors each week,” the company said in a statement.
Apple also confirmed on Tuesday that the universal purchase support option it unveiled earlier this month is now live.
The new one-stop shop button will allow customers to buy or download an app once and then access it and any in-app purchases across a variety of operating systems, including iOS, macOS and tvOS.
Developers will have to make a few changes to ensure that customers have access to this functionality.
Apple recommends implementing a single bundle ID for apps via Xcode and then ticking the box for universal purchase in App Store Connect.
Developers can navigate to Apple’s dedicated developer website to find out more about the new program, which is designed to improve the ease of bringing iPad apps to Mac and promote the Mac Catalyst platform.