What does the Mac App Store allow users to do?

The Mac App Store is specifically designed to provide a curated environment where users can only install applications that are available through the store itself. This means that all software applications are vetted by Apple for compliance with certain standards of quality and security before they are made available for download. This curated selection helps ensure that users have access to applications that are safe and optimized for macOS, providing a seamless experience without the risk of downloading malicious or poorly performing software.

Supporting this model, the Mac App Store enforces a straightforward purchasing or downloading process which may include numerous free applications alongside paid ones. This ensures users have a reliable way to find and install software, with confidence that the applications have been properly reviewed. Therefore, the ability to install only applications from the App Store reflects a significant aspect of Apple's efforts to maintain user security and software integrity.