Apple Launches Mac App Store

The Mac OS desktop version of Apple's phenomenally successful App Store has opened for business with over 1,000 apps available at launch. The Mac App Store requires Mac OS 10.6.6, which is now available for download via Software Update. (Note: Some users may not see the update available via Software Update immediately. Updates should appear as the software propagates through Apple's distribution network.)

Apple today announced that the Mac App Store is now open for business with more than 1,000 free and paid apps. The Mac App Store brings the revolutionary App Store experience to the Mac, so you can find great new apps, buy them using your iTunes account, download and install them in just one step. The Mac App Store is available for Snow Leopard users through Software Update as part of Mac OS X v10.6.6.

"With more than 1,000 apps, the Mac App Store is off to a great start," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We think users are going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps."

The update comes a few hours ahead of The Loop's prediction of 12:00pm EST.