APP files exist as 6 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: macOS Application Bundle
An APP file runs macOS applications. Double-click to launch. It resembles Windows .EXE files. But APP files are packages. Right-click to see contents like .PLIST files. Double-click an APP file to s...
General Information
| Title | APP File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | Application Bundle |
| File Type | Executable Bundle |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/x-macosx-app |
File Function
| Primary Function | Run application |
| Additional Functions | Package resources |
| Features | Self-contained, Sandboxed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Varies by app |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Package contents |
Use Cases
| Desktop Applications | Yes |
| Utilities | Yes |
| Games | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Unsigned applications |
| Best Practices | App Store, Gatekeeper |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2001 |
| Latest Version | Varies by app |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .pkg, .dmg, .osax |
Type 2: Symbian OS Application
General Information
| Title | .APP File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | Symbian OS Application File |
| File Type | Executable File |
| Developer | Symbian Ltd. |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.symbian.install |
File Function
| Primary Function | Execute software |
| Additional Functions | Install applications |
| Features | Binary format, Pre-compiled code |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on application |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Mobile Devices | Yes |
| Software Installation | Yes |
| Application Execution | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Executable malware |
| Best Practices | Secure sources, Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1997 |
| Latest Version | Symbian Belle (2011) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .sis, .sisx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Nokia Suite |
Free | Windows |
 Symbian SDK |
Free | Windows |
 Carbide.c++ |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: FoxPro Generated Application
General Information
| Title | .APP File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | FoxPro Generated Application |
| File Type | Executable File |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Run application |
| Additional Functions | Store code, resources |
| Features | Executable, Portable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly functional |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Database Management | Yes |
| Desktop Applications | Yes |
| Business Logic | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Executable malware |
| Best Practices | Scan files, Trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1984 |
| Latest Version | Visual FoxPro 9 (2004) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .fxp, .mpr, .scx, .vcx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Microsoft Visual FoxPro |
Commercial | Windows |
| Various FoxPro Runtimes |
Free, Commercial | Windows, DOS |
Type 4: Wii U Game Data File
General Information
| Title | .app File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | Wii U Game Data File |
| File Type | Game Data File |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store game data |
| Additional Functions | Contain assets, Execute code |
| Features | Encrypted, Signed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Gaming | Yes |
| Emulation | Yes |
| Modding | Limited |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Piracy concerns |
| Best Practices | Legal use, Regular backups |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2012 |
| Latest Version | Varies by game |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .wud, .wux, .rpx, .rpl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Cemu Emulator |
Free, Donations | Windows |
| Decaf Emulator |
Free | Windows, Linux, macOS |
Type 5: Nintendo Wii WAD Archive
A WAD file contains data used in games. It is used to install channels and updates on the Nintendo Wii. WAD files can install Virtual Console games. WAD files are also used by developers. To install...
General Information
| Title | .APP File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | Wii Channel File |
| File Type | WAD Archive |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| MIME Type | application/x-nintendo-wii-wad |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store Wii channels |
| Additional Functions | Contain game data, Update distribution |
| Features | Encrypted, Signed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Fixed by content |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With tools |
Use Cases
| Console Modding | Yes |
| Backup Channels | Yes |
| Software Emulation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Bricking risk, Malware |
| Best Practices | Verify source, Use modding tools carefully |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2006 |
| Latest Version | Wii System Update 4.3 (2010) |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .wad, .dol, .elf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Emulator |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| ShowMiiWads |
Free | Windows |
| WAD Manager |
Free | Wii Homebrew |
Type 6: HarmonyOS App Pack
To make a HarmonyOS app, a software tool like DevEco Studio is required. It codes and packs files into an app package. The package has resource and configuration files. It also has libraries.[8] There...
General Information
| Title | .app File Extension |
| Extension | .app |
| Full Form | HarmonyOS Application Package |
| File Type | Application Package File |
| Developer | Huawei |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Distribute apps |
| Additional Functions | Install, Update apps |
| Features | Signed, Compressed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Depends on app |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No |
Use Cases
| Smartphones | Yes |
| Tablets | Yes |
| Smart Watches | Yes |
| Smart TVs | Yes |
| In-Vehicle Systems | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Code execution |
| Best Practices | Official sources, Verify signatures |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2019 |
| Latest Version | Varies by app |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .apk, .ipa, .xap |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 HarmonyOS |
Free | HarmonyOS devices |
| AppGallery |
Free | Android, HarmonyOS |