Apple Introduces Header Images in App Store Search Tab, Replaces Search Suggestions

June 25, 2024 at 12:58:19 PM

TL;DR Apple's latest UI change in the App Store search tab now shows header images for top charts, replacing search suggestions. This suggests users rarely tapped on those suggestions due to high friction in the search tab. The new design is more visually appealing and refocuses attention on top charts, seen as a vanity metric. ASO practitioners should rely on data to assess the impact on Browse impressions and downloads.

Apple Introduces Header Images in App Store Search Tab, Replaces Search Suggestions

Apple has introduced a new UI change in the search tab of the App Store, displaying header images for the top charts. Here are the key points:

Key Insights

Replacement of Search Query Suggestions:
- The new UI replaces a small batch of search query suggestions.
- This change suggests that users were not engaging with those suggestions, likely due to the high friction of the search tab.
Benefits of Adding Top Charts:
- Visual Appeal: The use of header images is more visually appealing.
- Developer Attention: It brings attention back to top charts, which have been considered a vanity metric by Apple.

ASO top chart apple — Image Credits: Talha Mumtaz

Implications for ASO Practitioners

Data Over Opinions: Trust in data rather than opinions when assessing the impact of this change.
Browse Impressions and Downloads: If your app is already high in the top charts, you may see an increase in impressions and downloads due to reduced friction in the search bar.