I'm using an M3 MacBook Air on the latest version of macOS Sequoia. Mac-only apps download and update normally, but iPhone and iPad apps suddenly stopped working in the App Store. Tapping Get or the cloud download button may show a spinner briefly, then stops without installing anything. For new apps, Touch ID approves the download, but it still fails and the button returns to the cloud icon.
I've already restarted the Mac, force-quit the App Store, cleared its cache, signed out and back into my Apple account, tried Safe Mode, disabled network-scanning and blocking software, tested different internet connections, and updated macOS. I'd rather avoid upgrading to a newer major macOS release or doing a factory reset unless there's no other option.
This only affects apps that are available exclusively for iPhone or iPad. Apps with a dedicated Mac version work normally, and deleting an affected app doesn't help because it cannot be downloaded again. Has anyone experienced this recently or found a fix?
3 Answers
I’m seeing essentially the same behavior on an M4 MacBook Air. I tried restarting, changing networks, signing out, Safe Mode, and contacting Apple Support, but none of it helped. Mobile-only apps approve with Touch ID, spin briefly, and then return to the download icon. So far, I haven’t found a reliable fix.
Check the app’s compatibility details carefully. Some iPhone and iPad apps are only available on Apple silicon Macs when the developer allows Mac installation, while others may be restricted to mobile devices or require a universal Mac release. However, if these same apps previously worked on this Mac and have now stopped downloading, it may be an App Store account or server-side issue rather than an incompatibility.
It looks like the important distinction is whether the app has a Mac-compatible version. Universal apps that also appear in the Mac section can install, while apps listed only as iPhone or iPad apps fail. That suggests the issue may be specific to the App Store’s delivery of mobile-only apps rather than your network or general App Store login.
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