Apple quietly reorders App Store tabs, renames "Updates" to "App Updates"

What changed

It has been reported that Apple quietly adjusted the App Store interface so the "Updates" tab and the "App & Purchase History" tab have swapped positions, and "Updates" is now labeled "App Updates." The change was spotted by MacRumors and reported in China by IT Home (IT之家), and appears to be a server‑side tweak rather than part of a formal iOS release.

Where users see it

Open the App Store and tap the profile avatar in the top‑right to view the new order. IT Home notes the swap appears in both the iOS 26.4.1 and iOS 26.5 beta builds, despite no client update being issued by Apple — suggesting a backend reconfiguration or a staged A/B test. Daring Fireball also noted that on iOS 26.4 a long‑press on the App Store icon brings a shortcut directly to the newly labeled "App Updates" page.

Why it matters

Why make updates more prominent? A small interface change can nudge user behavior — encouraging more frequent app updates or making update management easier — without altering App Store policy. It has been reported that Apple may be experimenting with discoverability and workflow refinements; if this is a grayscale rollout, more users will likely see the new label and position soon. The tweak is minor, but in an ecosystem where App Store UX and rules draw regular scrutiny, even cosmetic adjustments are watched closely.