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.app Domain Search

Check .app domain availability and search for available .app domain names. Launch a secure-by-default brand for mobile apps, PWAs, and software products with HTTPS enforced from day one.

Country

United States

Pricing

14 to 48 USD per year

Registrations

Over 1 million (early 2026)

Growth

Stable, low-volatility growth driven by real product usage rather than deep-discount churn

Why Choose .app?

Secure-by-default browsing via HSTS preloading, meaning HTTPS is enforced from the first visit.

Perfect semantic fit for apps, PWAs, and software tools with a clear call-to-action feel.

Supports premium keyword inventory while discouraging speculation through recurring premium renewals.

Strong consumer familiarity with “app” as a universal term across platforms and languages.

Good fit for branded short links, install pages, and product-specific brand architecture.

History

.app was won by Google’s Charleston Road Registry for 25,000,001 USD at an ICANN Auction of Last Resort in February 2015 and launched in May 2018. It became the first open TLD to be HSTS-preloaded at the TLD level, making HTTPS effectively mandatory. Since launch, .app has matured into a stable, high-utility namespace for the global application economy.

Usage & Applications

.app is used for mobile-first brands, product landing pages, install funnels, progressive web apps, and software tools where a clear “this is an app” signal improves click-through and trust. It’s also common for branded short links and developer-focused projects that benefit from HTTPS-by-default behavior.

Registration Info

Registration Period1 to 10 years
Renewal Period1 to 10 years
Transfer Lock60 days
WHOIS PrivacyAvailable through most registrars

Requirements

Open to anyone worldwide with no restrictions

Registry

Charleston Road Registry Inc. (Google Registry)

Key Milestones

2015
ICANN Auction of Last Resort
Google won .app for 25,000,001 USD, establishing it as a top-priced new gTLD string.
2018
Google Registry
.app launched and enforced HSTS preloading, making HTTPS effectively mandatory.
2023
Squarespace
Google Domains retail business was sold to Squarespace while Google retained registry ownership of .app.
2024
Google Registry
Wholesale pricing increased from about 12 USD to about 14 USD, passed through by registrars.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Why did Google pay 25M USD to win the .app domain?

.app is a super-premium global keyword tied to the app economy. For Google it was strategic: unify web + apps, support Android relevance, and control secure identity.

2What makes .app the first “secure-by-default” open namespace?

.app is on the HSTS preload list, so browsers force HTTPS before any connection. Plain HTTP simply won’t load, reducing first-visit attacks and SSL stripping.

3Why does a new .app site look “broken” without SSL?

Because browsers auto-upgrade every .app request to HTTPS. If your server has no valid certificate, users hit a hard failure instead of an HTTP page.

4How does HSTS preloading change real-world web security?

It removes “trust-on-first-use” risk. The browser never attempts an insecure HTTP request, so intercept-and-redirect attacks are largely neutralized.

5Did Google selling Google Domains change who controls .app?

No. Google sold the retail registrar business, but kept the registry (Charleston Road Registry). Google still sets wholesale policy registrars handle billing/support.

6Why did .app wholesale pricing jump in 2024?

Google Registry raised wholesale from about $12 to $14, and registrars passed it on. It shows registry pricing power: there’s only one source for .app inventory.

7Why do .app prices vary so much between registrars?

Some sell near-cost to win customers for other services, while others charge large markups for bundles and support. Renewals can differ massively long-term.

8What is the .app premium renewal trap and why does it exist?

Some premium .app names renew at the same high price as year one (e.g., $850/year). It discourages speculation and pushes top keywords to serious operators.

9Why is .app a strong fit for PWAs and modern web apps?

PWAs require HTTPS for key features. .app forces HTTPS by design, making it a natural home for installable web apps and “app-like” browser experiences.

10Why does .app have fewer investor flips than .com?

The buyer pool is mostly end-users (apps, startups). Also, recurring premium renewals reduce holding incentives, limiting investor-to-investor liquidity.