Apple unveils redesigned App Store in iOS 6 beta

Developers running the iOS 6 beta have reported a notable change to the on device version of the App Store, with Apple putting in-game screenshots in sharp focus.

Users searching for apps will now encounter larger app tiles in their search results, each one playing host to a screenshot, as well as the app in question's name and user rating.

It's believed the new design is the work of app search specialist Chomp - Apple having acquired the firm back in February - with speculation at the time suggesting an App Store overhaul was incoming.

Apps also no longer open in their own page when tapped on, instead appearing in highlighted fashion over the top of the search results, full details in check.

Reaction to the changes, however, has been mixed, with the new search results model – as it stands – currently lifting an app's first screenshot for front page billing.

It's a move that, if put in place, will place even greater importance not only on the quality of said captures, but also the order in which developers implement them.

There's some confusion as to whether such changes will make their way onto iPhone and iPod touch, however.

Apple Insider claims a similar tiled search results formats was replaced to a more traditional, app icon only, look later on.

Our own checks, however, suggest a similar look to the one currently adopted on iPad is likely to be built in when iOS 6 eventually rolls out to consumers.