.app is a gTLD (generic top-level domain) in ICANN’s New gTLD Program purchased by Google in February of 2015, but has yet to be released for public use.
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The name "app" is a short form of the word application often used in IT-sector. This domain name is to be used by developer companies, professionals and enthusiast developers and entrepreneurs applications, app-support services or other useful related products and tools.
History
The development of .app domain name began in 2012 after ICANN has announced "New gTLD Program". The program's goal is to expand the current variety of namespaces by almost unlimited quantity of new entries. In January 2012 the program received its first applications and in 2013 first serious investment inflow. The first part of program's domain names has been released in late 2014.
General information
The .app domain name creation has been interesting for many development companies, professionals or enthuthiast developers for many years as it could provide a domain name space for applications and related products. The .app gTLD would allow users to easily recognize a Web site dedicated to an application or related product or service.
On 25 February 2015 Google won the ICANN Auction of Last Resort for the .app gTLD, via their Charleston Road Registry Inc. company, paying $US25 million.