Developers document new changes in the iOS App Store’s interface

Aug 31, 2012 07:17 GMT  ·  By

As we move closer to the launch of iOS 6 and Apple’s next-generation iPhone, the App Store layout has changed for testers running the latest beta from Apple.

Cupertino this week issued some tweaks to the user interface of the App Store application on devices running iOS 6 beta, making some changes available for testing to the developer community. To be noted that these changes are not yet available in iOS 5.1.1.

The first and most notable change in the new App Store is the swipeable-card layout when searching for new apps.

The “cards,” as they have been described by developers, show the app’s title, its rating, a relevant screenshot, and a download button.

This particular update is said to be the brainchild of Chomp, an application-discovery company acquired by Apple some time ago.

Another notable change is the addition of Genius recommendations for applications. Testers say the feature is non-functional as of yet, even though they’ve downloaded hundreds of applications.

Genius uses complex algorithms to determine users’ taste in apps, music and videos.

The iTunes Store has been updated with the ability to search for podcasts, allowing users to fire up the official Podcasts app when a podcast link is opened. This feature is not entirely new, but it’s now making a comeback with its full functionality enabled.

Apple confirmed at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference that iOS 6 would make its debut in fall. The company is widely expected to hold a special event next week to ceremoniously introduce the next-generation iPhone.

At this event, Apple will most likely showcase the near-final iOS 6, if not the complete version of the software ready for public consumption. The Cupertino giant is reportedly holding two events this fall, the second of which will see the introduction of a much-rumored iPad mini.

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iPhone App Store interface (iOS 6 beta)
iPad App Store interface (iOS 6 beta)
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