app domain: learn everything about this extension for websites dedicated to applications

The .app domain extension was designed for app companies and developers seeking a unique domain for their applications, similar to .com, .org, and .net.

The creation of a domain extension exclusively for apps was necessary due to the increasing popularity of this segment.

Statista reported in English that in 2017, Google Play had over 2.8 million apps, while the Apple Store had 2.2 million apps.

We have applications for everything nowadays, right? From banking, gaming, navigation, to mindfulness and exercise, almost everything can be found on our mobile devices.

Who is the .app intended for?

The .app domain extension is designed for professionals and companies involved with apps who either have or are interested in creating a website for their app. Having a website complements app store presence by enhancing app visibility and engaging the audience with product updates.

An app using a .app domain can have a shorter, more memorable web address that clearly indicates it is an application, even if it already has another domain.

Imagine having an app named “Fantastic” and selecting the fantasticoapp domain for it.

With the new .app extension, you have the opportunity to secure an amazing domain name. The recent introduction of this extension enhances the likelihood of obtaining your desired name, which may have already been taken in other popular extensions.

Anyone interested in obtaining a Brazilian domain extension can now register a .app.br domain through Registry.br. The recently introduced extension is part of a group of 11 special extensions that also include .dev.br and .geo.br.

The security aspect sets the .app domain apart.

.dev and .app have different security features. Unlike some domain endings, .app is automatically secure. It is included in the HSTS list, which means that websites with a .app domain must use HTTPS without needing any additional setup.

To better grasp why .app is more secure than other domains with HTTPS, let’s discuss HSTS, which stands for HTTPS Strict Transport Security. Ready?

The HSTS pre-loaded list is included in the latest versions of popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer/Edge, and Opera. This list contains domains where the browser enforces a secure HTTPS connection by default.

The browsers listed will always establish secure connections to Gmail, automatically switching from HTTP to HTTPS to prevent potential interception when accessing the website.

Explore also: Domain classifications: understand the primary types and distinctions

Sites within this extension require SSL.

Websites using .app domains require SSL certificates for security, ensuring encryption of data exchanged between users and the site to protect against potential threats like malware, tracking, and spying on public networks.

Google has launched another initiative to enhance internet safety by promoting the use of the HTTPS protocol. Another effort to encourage the protocol’s adoption was incorporating SSL usage as a ranking factor for websites on Google search results.

An SSL certificate is available at no cost.

SSL certificates are essential for .app websites and are offered for free by top companies selling the extension. Through my various company assessments, I found that the certificate is provided at no cost in the initial year or consistently for websites using this extension.

After registering the .app domain, you can easily enable the complimentary SSL certificate through the company’s dashboard. Refer to the detailed instructions provided on GoDaddy’s website for more information.

Your registration for a .app domain comes with a complimentary credit for our Standard SSL Certificate. To utilize this certificate on your website, log in and redeem it on the My Products page. This free SSL Certificate is only supported when used with your .app domain, so refrain from using it with any other domain to maintain continuous support.

Several companies currently offer free SSL or allow the use of the free Let’s Encrypt certificate, making it a distinguishing feature.

The origin of .app domain name

ICANN introduced its new gTLD program in 2012 to increase the generic top domains from 22 to more than 1,000.

New extensions have been developed for communities, brands, places, and languages, broadening the options for internet addresses. Examples of these new endings include .google, .bradesco, .nyc, .paris, .rio, .site, .online, .guru, and .app, each with its own usage and registration guidelines.

The .app domain extension was acquired by Google in 2015 for over $25 million through its arm called Google Registry. The company also owns other domain terminations like .page and .dev.

How and where can a .app domain be registered?

The .app domain was released for public access on May 8, 2018, after being introduced in a pre-registration phase starting on May 1.

To secure the app domain ahead of others, one had to participate in an auction with prices over 40,000 reais. Alternatively, those willing to wait and take the risk of not getting their preferred domain could pay around R$ 50 in the first year, a significantly lower amount compared to other extensions.

Some domain registration companies in Brazil do not offer this extension. Among the popular options in Brazil are GoDaddy and Google Domains, with GoDaddy being established earlier.

Main companies that register the .app domain can be found below.

Any individual or business can register a .app domain name for a maximum of 10 years. This domain extension, along with others worldwide, offers the option to enable domain privacy to conceal the owner’s contact details. Google Domains stands out for offering complimentary domain privacy service.

Visit the full list of companies on this Google Registry link if you’d rather. Explore our list of top domain registration companies for other appealing choices.

Published on 08/05/2018 and revised on 04/06/2024.

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