Apple Launches Official Apple Store App For iPhone

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Apple seems to be having a pretty busy day so far. Of course, as many already knew, today is the first day of pre-order availability for the iPhone 4. But we also saw a rather nice update to the Mac Mini lineup, as well as a new mobile app from Apple that will make it easier to shop the Apple Store online.

Yup, in addition to the new hardware, we now have an official Apple Store app. That said, there are two points that I have to mention up front. First, why did it take Apple so long to release an Apple Store app? And two, given they now have an iPhone/iPod touch and iPad, why didn’t they release an iPad specific version of the app?

That aside, the app is what you would expect given the name; Apple Store.

“Tap the Apple Store app on your iPhone or iPod touch, and you can do all things Apple. Buy Apple products and accessories, read customer reviews, find an Apple Retail Store, stay up to date with in-store events, and make Personal Shopping, Genius Bar, or One to One appointments.”

Of course, Apple was also quick to point out that you can also pre-order your iPhone 4 using your current iPhone. That is, as long as you wanted the black iPhone. Somehow that sounds wrong, almost like cheating on your iPhone with another iPhone.

Anyway, as you would have most likely already guessed, the Apple Store app is available as a free download.

Personally, I am doing a good job of resisting the iPhone 4, mainly because I am happy without having a phone on AT&T. But still, that Mac Mini is pretty tempting, and it would serve as a nice replacement for the aging Mac Mini that I am currently using. Oh Apple, you have made shopping so easy, but I guess that was your goal.