Apple eases retail app access

Consumers will be able to more easily find and download retail e-commerce apps from the Apple App Store just as the holiday shopping season heats up.



Apple will launch a new category called “Shopping” on the App Store on Nov. 5. The category will include e-commerce apps from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target and eBay. Also included will be apps from digital coupon and deal providers such as RetailMeNot and Groupon, as well as price comparison apps such as ShopSavvy.



Currently, consumers have to find e-commerce apps inside the more general Lifestyle category of the App Store. The App Store for the new Apple TV connected set-top box device also includes e-commerce apps.



Combined with Apple’s continuing focus on Apple Pay, this focus on e-commerce app accessibility makes it clear that Apple is interested in becoming a premier platform for digital commerce.