App

Updated: 10/07/2019 by Computer Hope

App may refer to any of the following:

Twenty-five mobile app icons

1. Alternatively called a mobile app, an app is a program developed for smartphones or tablets running a mobile operating system, such as iOS or Android. Mobile apps can be installed from the App Store, Google Play, or the default application store installed on a mobile device.

Apps vs. programs

When Apple introduced the iPhone, they popularized the term "app" with the launch of the App Store. However, there is no technical distinction between an app (application) and a program. Generally, the term "app" is an application on a smartphone or tablet, and a "program" refers to software that runs on a desktop computer.

Tip

With all the different ways companies and people use these terms, it's best to think of an application, app, and program as the same things. See our program page for further information on computer programs.

Examples of apps

There are thousands upon thousands of mobile applications available today. You can find one to meet almost any need and use case, including the following:

  • Appointment tracking and reminders.
  • Playing games and music.
  • Reading e-books.
  • Watching videos.
  • Text and video chatting.
  • Managing finances.
  • Shopping online.
  • Keeping track of your to-do list.
  • Planning vacations.
  • Improving math skills.
  • Sharpening your brain.

Can I run smartphone apps on my computer?

Many apps are designed for the smartphone and require a smartphone to operate. For example, Google Maps requires GPS (Global Positioning System) that is not something a typical computer has. However, other more basic apps and games can run on a computer using a program like BlueStacks.

2. When Microsoft introduced Windows 8, they introduced "Apps" into Microsoft Windows. Although we described an app as being short for application earlier, a Windows 8 App or Windows 10 App is not the same as a Windows application or Windows program. To find and install a Windows 8 App, visit the Store from the Windows Start screen, click the App, and choose the option to Install the App. Once an App is installed, you can run that App from the Start Screen or Start menu in Windows 10. Other programs can still be installed and run anywhere on the computer.

Android, App drawer, App Store, Computer abbreviations, Google Play Store, iOS, Killer app, Phone terms, Program, Whatsapp