Since the introduction of the iPhone, Apple has maintained a sort of directory of web apps for the iPhone. But since the Apple website isn’t in the least bit optimised for the iPhone, it becomes a little difficult navigating through it. Looks like Apple doesn’t care anymore given the popularity of the App Store

You might think, who needs a web apps when you have the real App Store? Many a times you just need some basic functionality, and having an app installed is pointless. Ben Roberts, a web app publisher by himself, felt the need for a web app directory, and created a WebApp Store, with the look and feel of the real App Store! 

The app is more a directory than a ‘store’, as it doesn’t really sell anything, but the name suits it. Most of the features of the App Store, including the categories and search are implemented in this release. Tapping any of the apps shows you a little description after which you can make it open in Safari. The store currently lists over 200 web apps, all of which are pulled from Apple’s web app directory. However, a desktop version of this web app will allow you to submit new web apps. 

The web app needs to be saved to the home screen, after which it will load in fullscreen mode. The performance of the app is a little choppy, but the developer promises to fix this. Future plans include implementing a review system, ratings, tell-a-friend and performance enhancements.

When asked whether he might be making this as an official App Store app, Roberts says that besides him not knowing jack about Objective-C coding, he fears the Apple approval process. They have already refused to accept this web app into their directory, so even thinking of getting it into the App Store would be folly.

Do you think web apps are pointless or do you think that we might just have something special here? Just visit http://webappstore.spwire.com/ on your iPhone and check it out for yourself.