Apple CEO Refutes Apps Store for Mac PCs, Macbooks

Apple chief Steve Jobs has quashed speculation that the company might switch Mac computers to an App Store system. It comes as a relief to software developers who won't have to go through the same approval process as with portable Apple devices.

A report published by programmers Rixstep last week claimed that Apple was to end the current system by which, as with most computing platforms, any compatible software can run on a Mac computer and can be installed at will by the user.

Rixstep claimed that software developers would have to pay $99 for membership in an Apple program, that they'd have to submit applications for verification and testing by Apple, and that "No software will be able to run on Mac OS X 10.7 without being approved and signed by Apple, Inc." (Source: rixstep.com)

Were that true, it would mark a fundamental change in the way Mac computing worked. Not only would it prompt a philosophical debate about the level of control Apple exercised over its computers, but it would raise serious questions about how quickly applications could be verified -- leaving developers unable to make firm release schedules.

Rumor Receives One Word Dismissal

Fortunately for developers, the rumor has been shot down. A Mac developer emailed Jobs and asked "There's a rumor saying there will be a Mac App Store and no software without authorization from Apple will run on a Mac OS X. Is that true?"

Jobs simply replied "nope." That might seem like a suspiciously brief reply, but that's actually in keeping with the Apple head's email style, which shouldn't be surprising given his packed schedule. (Source: macstories.net)

Design Makes App Store Unnecessary

So why wouldn't Apple take the App Store model -- which it uses successfully for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad -- to full-blown computers? The reasoning is likely because such devices are inherently designed to have a permanent data connection of some sort, meaning there's more risk of malicious software getting onto them.

Another reason is that these devices don't have any form of memory card reader or disk drive. That means that users have to get applications either online or via a sync cable to a computer which, without the closed App Store model, would increase the danger of them downloading rogue applications from unofficial sites.

With Mac computers, software can be bought on disks from retail stores and thus carry less security risk.