Apple is reportedly testing a new feature known as ‘search tags’ to enhance the App Store’s search functionality. This feature will refine search results within popular app categories on the iPhone App Store. Thus, making it easier for users to find specific types of apps. Also Read – Oppo India launching its own online store on May 7, amid the rising COVID-19 cases
When users search for a broad term in the App Store, such as “photos” or “cooking”, they will see a new row of tags at the top of the search. These tags, like “collage”, “storage”, “editor” for “photos”, or “multiplayer”, “offline”, “anime”, and “kids” for “action games”, allow users to further refine their query. Tapping on one of these tags applies that filter to the search.
This Apple search tags feature is currently in the testing phase and some iPhone users have already spotted these tags in the App Store. However, Apple has not yet officially announced when this feature will be widely available. Also Read – Is Xiaomi Mi 11 durable phone? Lets find
This innovative Apple search tags feature is likely to significantly improve the user experience by providing more relevant and precise search results. Also Read – Google brings back compass on Maps for Android users
Apple Search Tags: How it Works?
On the Apple App Store, when users tap on these search tags, they are directed to a search page that focuses on apps related to the selected tag. This feature is designed to provide a more granular and relevant search experience.
According to AppleInsider, users can add a second search tags to further refine their Apple search. For example, if a user searches for ‘photos’ and then selects the ‘collage’ tag, the search results will focus on apps that offer photo collage capabilities. Also Read – What is Google Multisearch near me, Diversified Filter, Personalized Ads?
This new feature is currently being tested and is visible to a select number of users. It appears to be a server-side change that Apple is gradually rolling out. The full rollout to all users will depend on the results of this testing phase. Also Read – Xiaomi reveals MIUI 12.5 roadmap for Redmi and Mi Devices
This innovative feature is expected to significantly improve the user experience by providing more relevant and precise search results. It’s part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance the App Store’s search experience, which is used by 70% of App Store visitors according to Apple’s website.
Tags spotted on iOS 14.5 Beta:
The official launch date for this search tags feature remains undisclosed. However, indications suggest that its introduction is imminent. At present, this feature is visible to Apple device users in the US only. Also Read – Google provides COVID-19 vaccine information in Search App
A majority of these users have reported seeing this search tags feature on the Apple iOS 14.5 Beta version. Interestingly, a handful of users have also spotted this feature on iOS 14.4.2. Official sources suggest that this is likely a server-side update, hinting at a potential rollout across multiple iOS versions.
During testing, AppleInsider reported encountering this feature on a device running iOS 14.5 beta, albeit sporadically. Also Read – Vivo X50 Pro+ could arrive in India soon, possibly alongside X60 series
Apple’s iPhone Download Stats on App Store
Reports indicate that nearly 70% of App Store users rely on search to discover apps, with 65% of downloads occurring directly after a search. The upcoming Apple search tags feature will be a boon for these users on the Apple iOS platform, simplifying the process of finding specific types of apps.
Apple has a history of enhancing search capabilities, as seen with the introduction of Search Ads in 2016. This feature allowed app developers to pay Apple for their app to appear at the top of search results, based on the app’s relevance. Also Read – WhatsApp Introduces New Search Button on Android App
Sources suggest that the stable version of iOS 14.5 is set to roll out in early spring. In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted that the update release is just a few weeks away. Also Read – Vivo X60t Pro, another X60 series smartphone with MediaTek chip instead of Snapdragon