diff --git a/lib/screens/app_detail_screen.dart b/lib/screens/app_detail_screen.dart
index 1f02114..6f315ce 100644
--- a/lib/screens/app_detail_screen.dart
+++ b/lib/screens/app_detail_screen.dart
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ class _AppDetailContent extends HookConsumerWidget {
     };
 
     final latestRelease = app.latestRelease.value;
-    final latestMetadata = app.latestFileMetadata;
+    final latestMetadata = app.installable;
 
     // Check if app is installed for menu options
     final installedPackage = ref.watch(
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ class _AppDetailContent extends HookConsumerWidget {
                               ),
                               Gap(4),
                               Text(
-                                '(${formatDate(latestMetadata.createdAt)})',
+                                '(${formatDate(latestRelease.createdAt)})',
                                 style: context.textTheme.bodyMedium?.copyWith(
                                   color: Theme.of(context).colorScheme.onSurface
                                       .withValues(alpha: 0.6),
diff --git a/lib/screens/user_screen.dart b/lib/screens/user_screen.dart
index c137516..9d894ab 100644
--- a/lib/screens/user_screen.dart
+++ b/lib/screens/user_screen.dart
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ class _UserZapsList extends HookConsumerWidget {
       for (final entry in appTags.entries) {
         allAppTags[entry.key] = {...?allAppTags[entry.key], ...entry.value};
       }
-      final metadata = app.latestFileMetadata;
+      final metadata = app.installable;
       if (metadata != null) {
         metadataIds.add(metadata.id);
       }
diff --git a/lib/services/package_manager/android_package_manager.dart b/lib/services/package_manager/android_package_manager.dart
index abe899e..aebd873 100644
--- a/lib/services/package_manager/android_package_manager.dart
+++ b/lib/services/package_manager/android_package_manager.dart
@@ -451,7 +451,7 @@ final class AndroidPackageManager extends PackageManager {
 
   /// Directly update installed package from target metadata.
   /// This ensures we don't depend on Android's package DB timing.
-  void _updateInstalledPackage(String appId, FileMetadata target) {
+  void _updateInstalledPackage(String appId, Installable target) {
     final existingPkg = state.installed[appId];
     final newPkg = PackageInfo(
       appId: appId,
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ final class AndroidPackageManager extends PackageManager {
     String filePath, {
     required String expectedHash,
     required int expectedSize,
-    required FileMetadata target,
+    required Installable target,
   }) async {
     // Permission is already checked by _proceedToInstall in base class
     // No need for redundant _ensureInstallPermission() call here
diff --git a/lib/services/package_manager/background_package_manager.dart b/lib/services/package_manager/background_package_manager.dart
index e72e275..89781e8 100644
--- a/lib/services/package_manager/background_package_manager.dart
+++ b/lib/services/package_manager/background_package_manager.dart
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ final class BackgroundPackageManager extends PackageManager {
     String filePath, {
     required String expectedHash,
     required int expectedSize,
-    required FileMetadata target,
+    required Installable target,
   }) {
     throw UnsupportedError('Install not supported in background');
   }
diff --git a/lib/services/package_manager/dummy_package_manager.dart b/lib/services/package_manager/dummy_package_manager.dart
index 45778d2..da79c87 100644
--- a/lib/services/package_manager/dummy_package_manager.dart
+++ b/lib/services/package_manager/dummy_package_manager.dart
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ final class DummyPackageManager extends PackageManager {
     String filePath, {
     required String expectedHash,
     required int expectedSize,
-    required FileMetadata target,
+    required Installable target,
   }) async {
     // Mock: simulate install delay then add to installed
     await Future.delayed(const Duration(milliseconds: 500));
diff --git a/lib/services/package_manager/install_operation.dart b/lib/services/package_manager/install_operation.dart
index 7af1843..a42b580 100644
--- a/lib/services/package_manager/install_operation.dart
+++ b/lib/services/package_manager/install_operation.dart
@@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ const watchdogCheckInterval = Duration(seconds: 30);
 /// Represents an active install operation for an app.
 /// When there's no operation, the app simply has no entry in the operations map.
 sealed class InstallOperation {
-  /// The target file metadata being installed (works for both FileMetadata and SoftwareAsset)
-  final FileMetadata target;
+  final Installable target;
 
   const InstallOperation({required this.target});
 }
diff --git a/lib/services/package_manager/package_manager.dart b/lib/services/package_manager/package_manager.dart
index 246fe60..417ae2f 100644
--- a/lib/services/package_manager/package_manager.dart
+++ b/lib/services/package_manager/package_manager.dart
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   /// [displayName] is shown in system notification (defaults to appId if null)
   Future<bool> startDownload(
     String appId,
-    FileMetadata target, {
+    Installable target, {
     String? displayName,
   }) async {
     await _ensureDownloaderReady();
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   /// Queue multiple downloads at once - staggered to prevent UI flood.
   /// This is the primary method for "Update All" functionality.
   Future<void> queueDownloads(
-    List<({String appId, FileMetadata target, String? displayName})> items,
+    List<({String appId, Installable target, String? displayName})> items,
   ) async {
     await _ensureDownloaderReady();
 
@@ -671,7 +671,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   /// Advances the specified app AND all other apps awaiting permission.
   Future<void> onPermissionGranted(String appId) async {
     // Collect all apps that need to advance (AwaitingPermission or permissionDenied failures)
-    final toAdvance = <String, (FileMetadata target, String filePath)>{};
+    final toAdvance = <String, (Installable target, String filePath)>{};
 
     for (final entry in state.operations.entries) {
       final id = entry.key;
@@ -708,7 +708,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
 
   Future<void> _startDownloadTask(
     String appId,
-    FileMetadata target,
+    Installable target,
     String downloadUrl, {
     String? displayName,
     bool isCdnRetry = false,
@@ -932,7 +932,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
 
   Future<void> _handleDownloadComplete(
     String appId,
-    FileMetadata target,
+    Installable target,
     DownloadTask task,
   ) async {
     // Remove from active downloads
@@ -1050,7 +1050,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   /// Check permission and proceed to install
   Future<void> _proceedToInstall(
     String appId,
-    FileMetadata target,
+    Installable target,
     String filePath,
   ) async {
     if (!await hasPermission()) {
@@ -1085,7 +1085,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   }
 
   /// Add app to install queue and trigger processing.
-  void _addToInstallQueue(String appId, FileMetadata target, String filePath) {
+  void _addToInstallQueue(String appId, Installable target, String filePath) {
     if (!installQueue.contains(appId)) {
       installQueue.add(appId);
     }
@@ -1096,7 +1096,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   /// Perform the actual installation
   Future<void> _performInstall(
     String appId,
-    FileMetadata target,
+    Installable target,
     String filePath,
   ) async {
     try {
@@ -1210,7 +1210,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
     String appId,
     TaskRecord record,
     DownloadTask task,
-    FileMetadata fileMetadata,
+    Installable fileMetadata,
   ) async {
     switch (record.status) {
       case TaskStatus.complete:
@@ -1319,13 +1319,23 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
     return (metaData.isNotEmpty ? metaData : null, null, false);
   }
 
-  Future<FileMetadata?> _loadFileMetadata(
+  Future<Installable?> _loadFileMetadata(
     String? metadataId,
     String filename,
   ) async {
     final storage = ref.read(storageNotifierProvider.notifier);
 
     if (metadataId != null) {
+      // Try SoftwareAsset (3063) first
+      try {
+        final assets = await storage.query(
+          RequestFilter<SoftwareAsset>(ids: {metadataId}).toRequest(),
+          subscriptionPrefix: 'app-file-metadata-asset',
+        );
+        if (assets.isNotEmpty) return assets.first;
+      } catch (_) {}
+
+      // Fall back to FileMetadata (1063)
       try {
         final results = await storage.query(
           RequestFilter<FileMetadata>(ids: {metadataId}).toRequest(),
@@ -1338,6 +1348,14 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
     final dotIndex = filename.lastIndexOf('.');
     final hash = dotIndex > 0 ? filename.substring(0, dotIndex) : filename;
     if (hash.isNotEmpty) {
+      try {
+        final assets = await storage.query(
+          RequestFilter<SoftwareAsset>(search: hash).toRequest(),
+          subscriptionPrefix: 'app-file-metadata-asset-search',
+        );
+        if (assets.isNotEmpty) return assets.first;
+      } catch (_) {}
+
       try {
         final results = await storage.query(
           RequestFilter<FileMetadata>(search: hash).toRequest(),
@@ -1363,7 +1381,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
     String filePath, {
     required String expectedHash,
     required int expectedSize,
-    required FileMetadata target,
+    required Installable target,
   });
 
   Future<void> uninstall(String appId);
@@ -1386,7 +1404,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   ///
   /// Comparison uses Android versionCode only. Returns false when either
   /// versionCode is unavailable or the app is not installed.
-  bool hasUpdate(String appId, FileMetadata latest) {
+  bool hasUpdate(String appId, Installable latest) {
     final installed = state.installed[appId];
     if (installed == null) return false;
     final installedCode = installed.versionCode;
@@ -1399,7 +1417,7 @@ abstract class PackageManager extends StateNotifier<PackageManagerState> {
   ///
   /// Comparison uses Android versionCode only. Returns false when either
   /// versionCode is unavailable or the app is not installed.
-  bool hasDowngrade(String appId, FileMetadata latest) {
+  bool hasDowngrade(String appId, Installable latest) {
     final installed = state.installed[appId];
     if (installed == null) return false;
     final installedCode = installed.versionCode;
diff --git a/lib/services/updates_service.dart b/lib/services/updates_service.dart
index bc000ea..1e9a9e0 100644
--- a/lib/services/updates_service.dart
+++ b/lib/services/updates_service.dart
@@ -382,7 +382,7 @@ class CategorizedUpdatesNotifier extends Notifier<CategorizedUpdates> {
 
     for (final app in installedApps) {
       final pkg = installedMap[app.identifier]!;
-      final latest = app.latestFileMetadata;
+      final latest = app.installable;
 
       // Determine if update available using versionCode (via PackageManager)
       final pm = ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier);
diff --git a/lib/utils/app_query.dart b/lib/utils/app_query.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d0f8bd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/utils/app_query.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+import 'package:hooks_riverpod/hooks_riverpod.dart';
+import 'package:models/models.dart';
+
+/// Reactive query provider: fetches SoftwareAsset (3063) events and resolves
+/// their parent App (32267) via the direct relationship.
+///
+/// This is the primary query path for app listings. Each SoftwareAsset carries
+/// version, versionCode, hash, urls, and platform — everything needed for
+/// app cards and update detection — and links directly to its App.
+AutoDisposeStateNotifierProvider<RequestNotifier<SoftwareAsset>,
+    StorageState<SoftwareAsset>> appAssetsQuery({
+  Set<String>? authors,
+  Map<String, Set<String>>? tags,
+  String? search,
+  DateTime? since,
+  DateTime? until,
+  int? limit,
+  Source? source,
+  required String subscriptionPrefix,
+}) {
+  return query<SoftwareAsset>(
+    authors: authors,
+    tags: tags,
+    search: search,
+    since: since,
+    until: until,
+    limit: limit,
+    and: (asset) => {asset.app.query(), asset.author.query()},
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: subscriptionPrefix,
+  );
+}
+
+/// Reactive query provider: fetches FileMetadata (1063) events and resolves
+/// their parent App (32267) via the direct `#i` → `#d` relationship.
+///
+/// Same shape as [appAssetsQuery] but for legacy 1063-only apps.
+/// Delete this function when legacy 1063 support is fully removed.
+AutoDisposeStateNotifierProvider<RequestNotifier<FileMetadata>,
+    StorageState<FileMetadata>> legacyAppQuery({
+  Set<String>? authors,
+  Map<String, Set<String>>? tags,
+  String? search,
+  DateTime? since,
+  DateTime? until,
+  int? limit,
+  Source? source,
+  required String subscriptionPrefix,
+}) {
+  return query<FileMetadata>(
+    authors: authors,
+    tags: tags,
+    search: search,
+    since: since,
+    until: until,
+    limit: limit,
+    and: (fm) => {fm.app.query(), fm.author.query()},
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: subscriptionPrefix,
+  );
+}
+
+/// Result of a paginated asset-first fetch.
+class AssetFetchResult {
+  final List<App> apps;
+  final int assetCount;
+  const AssetFetchResult(this.apps, this.assetCount);
+}
+
+/// Imperative one-shot: fetches a page of SoftwareAsset (3063) events,
+/// resolves their parent Apps, and pre-loads author profiles.
+/// Returns the resolved Apps (deduplicated) and the raw asset count
+/// (for accurate pagination — multiple assets may map to one app).
+Future<AssetFetchResult> fetchAppsByAsset(
+  StorageNotifier storage, {
+  Map<String, Set<String>>? tags,
+  DateTime? until,
+  int? limit,
+  Source? source,
+  required String subscriptionPrefix,
+}) async {
+  final assets = await storage.query(
+    RequestFilter<SoftwareAsset>(
+      tags: tags,
+      until: until,
+      limit: limit,
+    ).toRequest(),
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: subscriptionPrefix,
+  );
+
+  if (assets.isEmpty) return const AssetFetchResult([], 0);
+
+  final appFilters = assets
+      .map((a) => a.app.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
+      .nonNulls
+      .toList();
+
+  if (appFilters.isEmpty) return AssetFetchResult(const [], assets.length);
+
+  final apps = await storage.query(
+    Request<App>(appFilters),
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: '$subscriptionPrefix-apps',
+  );
+
+  await _loadAuthors(storage, apps, source, '$subscriptionPrefix-authors');
+
+  return AssetFetchResult(apps, assets.length);
+}
+
+/// Imperative one-shot: fetches a page of FileMetadata (1063) events,
+/// resolves their parent Apps, and pre-loads author profiles.
+/// Same shape as [fetchAppsByAsset] but for legacy 1063-only apps.
+Future<AssetFetchResult> fetchLegacyAppsByMetadata(
+  StorageNotifier storage, {
+  Map<String, Set<String>>? tags,
+  DateTime? until,
+  int? limit,
+  Source? source,
+  required String subscriptionPrefix,
+}) async {
+  final metadatas = await storage.query(
+    RequestFilter<FileMetadata>(
+      tags: tags,
+      until: until,
+      limit: limit,
+    ).toRequest(),
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: subscriptionPrefix,
+  );
+
+  if (metadatas.isEmpty) return const AssetFetchResult([], 0);
+
+  final appFilters = metadatas
+      .map((fm) => fm.app.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
+      .nonNulls
+      .toList();
+
+  if (appFilters.isEmpty) return AssetFetchResult(const [], metadatas.length);
+
+  final apps = await storage.query(
+    Request<App>(appFilters),
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: '$subscriptionPrefix-apps',
+  );
+
+  await _loadAuthors(storage, apps, source, '$subscriptionPrefix-authors');
+
+  return AssetFetchResult(apps, metadatas.length);
+}
+
+Future<void> _loadAuthors(
+  StorageNotifier storage,
+  List<App> apps,
+  Source? source,
+  String subscriptionPrefix,
+) async {
+  if (apps.isEmpty) return;
+  final authorFilters = apps
+      .map((a) => a.author.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
+      .nonNulls
+      .toList();
+  if (authorFilters.isEmpty) return;
+  await storage.query(
+    Request<Profile>(authorFilters),
+    source: source,
+    subscriptionPrefix: subscriptionPrefix,
+  );
+}
diff --git a/lib/utils/extensions.dart b/lib/utils/extensions.dart
index 527c3e0..ce4b3eb 100644
--- a/lib/utils/extensions.dart
+++ b/lib/utils/extensions.dart
@@ -33,17 +33,18 @@ extension AppExt on App {
   bool get isInstalled =>
       ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier).isInstalled(identifier);
 
-  /// Latest file metadata associated to the latest release
-  /// Prefers SoftwareAsset (new format) over FileMetadata (old format)
-  /// Note: assumes latest metadata has been loaded for the current platform
-  FileMetadata? get latestFileMetadata =>
+  /// Resolved installable for the current platform.
+  /// Prefers direct SoftwareAsset (3063) via `latestAsset` relationship,
+  /// falls back to Release chain (1063).
+  Installable? get installable =>
+      latestAsset.value ??
       latestRelease.value?.latestAsset.value ??
       latestRelease.value?.latestMetadata.value;
 
   /// Whether there is an update available for the installed app.
   /// Delegates to PackageManager (versionCode-only comparison).
   bool get hasUpdate {
-    final latest = latestFileMetadata;
+    final latest = installable;
     if (latest == null) return false;
     return ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier).hasUpdate(identifier, latest);
   }
@@ -51,7 +52,7 @@ extension AppExt on App {
   /// Whether the relay version would be a downgrade from the installed version.
   /// Delegates to PackageManager (versionCode-only comparison).
   bool get hasDowngrade {
-    final latest = latestFileMetadata;
+    final latest = installable;
     if (latest == null) return false;
     return ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier).hasDowngrade(identifier, latest);
   }
@@ -64,29 +65,24 @@ extension WidgetRefExt on WidgetRef {
   Ref get asRef => read(Provider((ref) => ref));
 }
 
-/// Extension to handle both old and new format certificate hashes
-extension FileMetadataExt on FileMetadata {
-  /// Returns the APK certificate hash, checking new format first then old
-  /// New format (SoftwareAsset): apkCertificateHashes (Set)
-  /// Old format (FileMetadata): apkSignatureHash (String?)
+/// Extension to get APK certificate hashes from either format.
+extension InstallableExt on Installable {
+  /// Returns the primary APK certificate hash.
+  /// SoftwareAsset: uses apkCertificateHashes. FileMetadata: uses apkSignatureHash.
   String? get certificateHash {
-    // Try new format first (SoftwareAsset has apkCertificateHashes)
     if (this is SoftwareAsset) {
       final hashes = (this as SoftwareAsset).apkCertificateHashes;
       if (hashes.isNotEmpty) return hashes.first;
     }
-    // Fall back to old format
     return apkSignatureHash;
   }
 
-  /// Returns all APK certificate hashes
+  /// Returns all APK certificate hashes.
   Set<String> get certificateHashes {
-    // Try new format first
     if (this is SoftwareAsset) {
       final hashes = (this as SoftwareAsset).apkCertificateHashes;
       if (hashes.isNotEmpty) return hashes;
     }
-    // Fall back to old format (single hash as set)
     return apkSignatureHash != null ? {apkSignatureHash!} : {};
   }
 }
diff --git a/lib/widgets/app_detail_widgets.dart b/lib/widgets/app_detail_widgets.dart
index 770c997..4629ab5 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/app_detail_widgets.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/app_detail_widgets.dart
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ class _ZappersListSection extends ConsumerWidget {
 
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context, WidgetRef ref) {
-    final metadataId = app.latestFileMetadata?.id;
+    final metadataId = app.installable?.id;
 
     // Query zaps on app (via #a tag)
     final zapsState = ref.watch(
@@ -925,7 +925,7 @@ class DebugVersionsSection extends HookConsumerWidget {
     WidgetRef ref,
     App app,
     Release release,
-    FileMetadata metadata,
+    Installable metadata,
   ) async {
     // Use PackageManager to start download
     final pm = ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier);
diff --git a/lib/widgets/app_info_table.dart b/lib/widgets/app_info_table.dart
index 7522495..9608608 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/app_info_table.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/app_info_table.dart
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ class AppInfoTable extends HookConsumerWidget {
   const AppInfoTable({super.key, required this.app, this.fileMetadata});
 
   final App app;
-  final FileMetadata? fileMetadata;
+  final Installable? fileMetadata;
 
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context, WidgetRef ref) {
diff --git a/lib/widgets/batch_progress_banner.dart b/lib/widgets/batch_progress_banner.dart
index 5ddc0de..ec95e23 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/batch_progress_banner.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/batch_progress_banner.dart
@@ -25,11 +25,11 @@ class UpdateAllRow extends ConsumerWidget {
         onPressed: () async {
           final pm = ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier);
           final items = allUpdates
-              .where((app) => app.latestFileMetadata != null)
+              .where((app) => app.installable != null)
               .map(
                 (app) => (
                   appId: app.identifier,
-                  target: app.latestFileMetadata!,
+                  target: app.installable!,
                   displayName: app.name,
                 ),
               )
diff --git a/lib/widgets/comments_section.dart b/lib/widgets/comments_section.dart
index 639e831..48599fb 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/comments_section.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/comments_section.dart
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ class CommentsSection extends HookConsumerWidget {
   const CommentsSection({super.key, required this.app, this.fileMetadata});
 
   final App app;
-  final FileMetadata? fileMetadata;
+  final Installable? fileMetadata;
 
   @override
   Widget build(BuildContext context, WidgetRef ref) {
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ class _CommentsSectionLayout extends StatelessWidget {
   final Object? errorException;
   final Widget addCommentButton;
   final App? app;
-  final FileMetadata? fileMetadata;
+  final Installable? fileMetadata;
   final AppStack? stack;
 
   @override
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ class _ThreadedCommentCard extends HookConsumerWidget {
   final Comment comment;
   final int depth;
   final App? app;
-  final FileMetadata? fileMetadata;
+  final Installable? fileMetadata;
   final AppStack? stack;
 
   // Thread line colors for different depths
@@ -478,7 +478,7 @@ class _ThreadedCommentCard extends HookConsumerWidget {
 class _AddCommentButton extends ConsumerWidget {
   const _AddCommentButton({required this.fileMetadata, required this.app});
 
-  final FileMetadata fileMetadata;
+  final Installable fileMetadata;
   final App app;
 
   @override
@@ -547,7 +547,7 @@ class _AddStackCommentButton extends ConsumerWidget {
 class _CommentComposer extends HookConsumerWidget {
   const _CommentComposer({required this.fileMetadata, required this.app});
 
-  final FileMetadata fileMetadata;
+  final Installable fileMetadata;
   final App app;
 
   @override
@@ -701,7 +701,7 @@ class _ReplyComposer extends HookConsumerWidget {
 
   final Comment parentComment;
   final App? app;
-  final FileMetadata? fileMetadata;
+  final Installable? fileMetadata;
   final AppStack? stack;
 
   @override
diff --git a/lib/widgets/install_alert_dialog.dart b/lib/widgets/install_alert_dialog.dart
index 30749e0..f23c220 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/install_alert_dialog.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/install_alert_dialog.dart
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ class InstallAlertDialog extends HookConsumerWidget {
                   '${app.name ?? app.identifier} will be installed from its original release location:',
               oneLine: false,
               showFullUrl: true,
-              url: app.latestFileMetadata!.urls.first,
+              url: app.installable!.urls.first,
               size: baseTextSize,
             ),
           ] else ...[
diff --git a/lib/widgets/install_button.dart b/lib/widgets/install_button.dart
index a1154d6..9f0be34 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/install_button.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/install_button.dart
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class InstallButton extends ConsumerWidget {
     final hasUpdate = app.hasUpdate;
     final hasDowngrade = app.hasDowngrade;
     final hasRelease = release != null;
-    final fileMetadata = app.latestFileMetadata;
+    final fileMetadata = app.installable;
 
     // Listen for errors to show toasts
     ref.listen(installOperationProvider(app.identifier), (prev, next) {
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ class InstallButton extends ConsumerWidget {
     required bool hasUpdate,
     required bool hasDowngrade,
     required bool hasRelease,
-    required FileMetadata? fileMetadata,
+    required Installable? fileMetadata,
     required double fontSize,
   }) {
     // Completed is a terminal "result" state and may linger for batch progress UX.
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ class InstallButton extends ConsumerWidget {
   }
 
   String? _formatTotalSizeMb() {
-    final sizeBytes = app.latestFileMetadata?.size;
+    final sizeBytes = app.installable?.size;
     if (sizeBytes == null || sizeBytes <= 0) return null;
     final mb = sizeBytes / (1024 * 1024);
     return '${mb.toStringAsFixed(1)} MB';
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ class InstallButton extends ConsumerWidget {
   Future<void> _startDownload(
     BuildContext context,
     WidgetRef ref,
-    FileMetadata fileMetadata,
+    Installable fileMetadata,
   ) async {
     final pm = ref.read(packageManagerProvider.notifier);
     await pm.startDownload(app.identifier, fileMetadata, displayName: app.name);
diff --git a/lib/widgets/latest_releases_container.dart b/lib/widgets/latest_releases_container.dart
index d2d03be..efc4c9e 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/latest_releases_container.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/latest_releases_container.dart
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import 'package:hooks_riverpod/hooks_riverpod.dart';
 import 'package:models/models.dart';
 import 'package:purplebase/purplebase.dart';
 import 'package:zapstore/services/updates_service.dart';
+import 'package:zapstore/utils/app_query.dart';
 import 'package:zapstore/utils/extensions.dart';
 import 'app_card.dart';
 
@@ -295,47 +296,34 @@ class LatestReleasesNotifier extends StateNotifier<LatestReleasesState> {
 
   final Ref ref;
   static const int _pageSize = 5;
-  ProviderSubscription<StorageState<App>>? _sub;
-  // We keep a fixed live head window from query(); older pages are appended
+  ProviderSubscription<StorageState<SoftwareAsset>>? _sub;
 
   void _startQuery() {
     _sub?.close();
 
-    _sub = ref.listen<StorageState<App>>(
-      query<App>(
+    _sub = ref.listen<StorageState<SoftwareAsset>>(
+      appAssetsQuery(
         limit: _pageSize,
         tags: {
           '#f': {'android-arm64-v8a'},
         },
-        and: (app) => {
-          app.latestRelease.query(
-            source: const LocalAndRemoteSource(
-              relays: 'AppCatalog',
-              stream: false,
-            ),
-            and: (release) => {
-              release.latestMetadata.query(),
-              release.latestAsset.query(),
-            },
-          ),
-        },
-        // NOTE: It must stream=true
         source: const LocalAndRemoteSource(relays: 'AppCatalog', stream: true),
         subscriptionPrefix: 'app-latest',
       ),
-      (previous, next) async {
-        // Always mirror storage state and ensure olderApps don't duplicate the live head
-        if (next is StorageData<App>) {
-          final liveIds = next.models.map((a) => a.id).toSet();
+      (previous, next) {
+        final appState = _appsFromAssetState(next);
+
+        if (appState is StorageData<App>) {
+          final liveIds = appState.models.map((a) => a.id).toSet();
           final filteredOlder = state.olderApps
               .where((a) => !liveIds.contains(a.id))
               .toList();
-          state = state.copyWith(storage: next, olderApps: filteredOlder);
+          state = state.copyWith(storage: appState, olderApps: filteredOlder);
         } else {
-          state = state.copyWith(storage: next);
+          state = state.copyWith(storage: appState);
         }
 
-        if (next is StorageError<App>) {
+        if (appState is StorageError<App>) {
           state = state.copyWith(isLoadingMore: false);
         }
       },
@@ -343,10 +331,31 @@ class LatestReleasesNotifier extends StateNotifier<LatestReleasesState> {
     );
   }
 
-  /// Fetch authors for a page of apps (used during pagination)
-  /// Note: Profiles are now loaded reactively via `query<Profile>` in individual widgets
-  Future<void> _loadRelationshipsFor(List<App> appsPage) async {
-    // No-op: profiles are now loaded reactively via `query<Profile>` with caching
+  /// Derive a `StorageState<App>` from the SoftwareAsset query results.
+  StorageState<App> _appsFromAssetState(StorageState<SoftwareAsset> assetState) {
+    return switch (assetState) {
+      StorageLoading<SoftwareAsset>() => StorageLoading<App>(
+          _uniqueAppsFromAssets(assetState.models),
+        ),
+      StorageData<SoftwareAsset>(:final models) => StorageData<App>(
+          _uniqueAppsFromAssets(models),
+        ),
+      StorageError<SoftwareAsset>(:final exception) =>
+        StorageError<App>(const [], exception: exception),
+    };
+  }
+
+  /// Extract unique Apps from assets, preserving order (newest first).
+  List<App> _uniqueAppsFromAssets(List<SoftwareAsset> assets) {
+    final seen = <String>{};
+    final apps = <App>[];
+    for (final asset in assets) {
+      final app = asset.app.value;
+      if (app != null && seen.add(app.identifier)) {
+        apps.add(app);
+      }
+    }
+    return apps;
   }
 
   Future<void> loadMore() async {
@@ -362,68 +371,26 @@ class LatestReleasesNotifier extends StateNotifier<LatestReleasesState> {
     state = state.copyWith(isLoadingMore: true);
 
     try {
-      // Fetch older apps
-      final olderPage = await ref.storage.query(
-        RequestFilter<App>(
-          until: oldest,
-          limit: _pageSize,
-          tags: {
-            '#f': {'android-arm64-v8a'},
-          },
-        ).toRequest(),
+      final result = await fetchAppsByAsset(
+        ref.storage,
+        tags: {
+          '#f': {'android-arm64-v8a'},
+        },
+        until: oldest,
+        limit: _pageSize,
         source: const LocalAndRemoteSource(stream: false),
         subscriptionPrefix: 'app-latest-older',
       );
 
-      if (olderPage.isNotEmpty) {
-        // Load relationships: releases and their file metadata (same relay group)
-        final releases = await ref.storage.query(
-          Request<Release>(
-            olderPage
-                .map((app) => app.latestRelease.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
-                .nonNulls
-                .toList(),
-          ),
-          source: const RemoteSource(stream: false),
-          subscriptionPrefix: 'app-latest-releases',
-        );
-
-        // Load file metadata for the releases (old format)
-        if (releases.isNotEmpty) {
-          await ref.storage.query(
-            Request<FileMetadata>(
-              releases
-                  .map((r) => r.latestMetadata.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
-                  .nonNulls
-                  .toList(),
-            ),
-            source: const RemoteSource(stream: false),
-            subscriptionPrefix: 'app-latest-metadata',
-          );
-          // Load software assets for the releases (new format)
-          await ref.storage.query(
-            Request<SoftwareAsset>(
-              releases
-                  .map((r) => r.latestAsset.req?.filters.firstOrNull)
-                  .nonNulls
-                  .toList(),
-            ),
-            source: const RemoteSource(stream: false),
-            subscriptionPrefix: 'app-latest-assets',
-          );
-        }
-
-        // Load release authors from different relay group (social)
-        await _loadRelationshipsFor(olderPage);
-
+      if (result.apps.isNotEmpty) {
         final existingIds = combined.map((a) => a.id).toSet();
-        final uniqueOlder = olderPage
+        final uniqueOlder = result.apps
             .where((a) => !existingIds.contains(a.id))
             .toList();
         state = state.copyWith(
           olderApps: [...state.olderApps, ...uniqueOlder],
           isLoadingMore: false,
-          hasMore: olderPage.length >= _pageSize,
+          hasMore: result.assetCount >= _pageSize,
         );
       } else {
         state = state.copyWith(isLoadingMore: false, hasMore: false);
diff --git a/lib/widgets/relevant_who_follow_container.dart b/lib/widgets/relevant_who_follow_container.dart
index f6e8ad8..1e48437 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/relevant_who_follow_container.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/relevant_who_follow_container.dart
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ class RelevantWhoFollowContainer extends HookConsumerWidget {
     );
 
     // Also query zaps on the latest metadata if available
-    final latestMetadata = app.latestFileMetadata;
+    final latestMetadata = app.installable;
     final metadataZapsState = latestMetadata != null
         ? ref.watch(
             query<Zap>(
diff --git a/lib/widgets/version_pill_widget.dart b/lib/widgets/version_pill_widget.dart
index 24a47e8..9e8aff6 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/version_pill_widget.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/version_pill_widget.dart
@@ -28,22 +28,22 @@ class VersionPillWidget extends HookConsumerWidget {
       packageManagerProvider.select((s) => s.installed[app.identifier]),
     );
 
-    // Watch app with relationships to ensure Release and FileMetadata are loaded
+    // Watch app with relationships from local cache only — parent screens are
+    // responsible for loading data from remote.
     final appState = ref.watch(
       model<App>(
         app,
         and: (a) => {
+          a.latestAsset.query(source: const LocalSource()),
           a.latestRelease.query(
-            source: const LocalAndRemoteSource(
-              relays: 'AppCatalog',
-              stream: false,
-            ),
+            source: const LocalSource(),
             and: (release) => {
-              release.latestMetadata.query(),
-              release.latestAsset.query(),
+              release.latestMetadata.query(source: const LocalSource()),
+              release.latestAsset.query(source: const LocalSource()),
             },
           ),
         },
+        source: const LocalSource(),
         subscriptionPrefix: 'app-version-pill',
       ),
     );
@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ class VersionPillWidget extends HookConsumerWidget {
     final installedPackage = loadedApp.installedPackage;
     final installedVersion = installedPackage?.version;
     final installedVersionCode = installedPackage?.versionCode;
-    final availableVersion = loadedApp.latestFileMetadata?.version;
-    final availableVersionCode = loadedApp.latestFileMetadata?.versionCode;
+    final availableVersion = loadedApp.installable?.version;
+    final availableVersionCode = loadedApp.installable?.versionCode;
     final isInstalled = loadedApp.isInstalled;
     final updateAvailable = loadedApp.hasUpdate;
     final downgradeAvailable = loadedApp.hasDowngrade;
diff --git a/lib/widgets/zap_widgets.dart b/lib/widgets/zap_widgets.dart
index f51c406..7460fdf 100644
--- a/lib/widgets/zap_widgets.dart
+++ b/lib/widgets/zap_widgets.dart
@@ -427,7 +427,7 @@ class ZapAmountDialog extends HookConsumerWidget {
                             : await secureStorage.getNWCString();
 
                         // Build zap request
-                        final latestMetadata = app.latestFileMetadata;
+                        final latestMetadata = app.installable;
                         final author = app.author.value;
 
                         if (latestMetadata == null || author == null) {
@@ -445,7 +445,7 @@ class ZapAmountDialog extends HookConsumerWidget {
                         if (comment.isNotEmpty) zapRequest.comment = comment;
                         zapRequest.linkProfileByPubkey(author.pubkey);
                         zapRequest.linkModel(app);
-                        zapRequest.linkModel(latestMetadata);
+                        zapRequest.linkModelById(latestMetadata.id);
                         zapRequest.relays = socialRelays;
 
                         final signedZapRequest = await zapRequest.signWith(
diff --git a/linux/flutter/generated_plugin_registrant.cc b/linux/flutter/generated_plugin_registrant.cc
index e71a16d..57efdf4 100644
--- a/linux/flutter/generated_plugin_registrant.cc
+++ b/linux/flutter/generated_plugin_registrant.cc
@@ -6,6 +6,22 @@
 
 #include "generated_plugin_registrant.h"
 
+#include <flutter_secure_storage_linux/flutter_secure_storage_linux_plugin.h>
+#include <gtk/gtk_plugin.h>
+#include <sqlite3_flutter_libs/sqlite3_flutter_libs_plugin.h>
+#include <url_launcher_linux/url_launcher_plugin.h>
 
 void fl_register_plugins(FlPluginRegistry* registry) {
+  g_autoptr(FlPluginRegistrar) flutter_secure_storage_linux_registrar =
+      fl_plugin_registry_get_registrar_for_plugin(registry, "FlutterSecureStorageLinuxPlugin");
+  flutter_secure_storage_linux_plugin_register_with_registrar(flutter_secure_storage_linux_registrar);
+  g_autoptr(FlPluginRegistrar) gtk_registrar =
+      fl_plugin_registry_get_registrar_for_plugin(registry, "GtkPlugin");
+  gtk_plugin_register_with_registrar(gtk_registrar);
+  g_autoptr(FlPluginRegistrar) sqlite3_flutter_libs_registrar =
+      fl_plugin_registry_get_registrar_for_plugin(registry, "Sqlite3FlutterLibsPlugin");
+  sqlite3_flutter_libs_plugin_register_with_registrar(sqlite3_flutter_libs_registrar);
+  g_autoptr(FlPluginRegistrar) url_launcher_linux_registrar =
+      fl_plugin_registry_get_registrar_for_plugin(registry, "UrlLauncherPlugin");
+  url_launcher_plugin_register_with_registrar(url_launcher_linux_registrar);
 }
diff --git a/linux/flutter/generated_plugins.cmake b/linux/flutter/generated_plugins.cmake
index 2e1de87..9137173 100644
--- a/linux/flutter/generated_plugins.cmake
+++ b/linux/flutter/generated_plugins.cmake
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@
 #
 
 list(APPEND FLUTTER_PLUGIN_LIST
+  flutter_secure_storage_linux
+  gtk
+  sqlite3_flutter_libs
+  url_launcher_linux
 )
 
 list(APPEND FLUTTER_FFI_PLUGIN_LIST
diff --git a/macos/Flutter/GeneratedPluginRegistrant.swift b/macos/Flutter/GeneratedPluginRegistrant.swift
index cccf817..065ad84 100644
--- a/macos/Flutter/GeneratedPluginRegistrant.swift
+++ b/macos/Flutter/GeneratedPluginRegistrant.swift
@@ -5,6 +5,28 @@
 import FlutterMacOS
 import Foundation
 
+import app_links
+import connectivity_plus
+import device_info_plus
+import flutter_local_notifications
+import flutter_secure_storage_macos
+import path_provider_foundation
+import share_plus
+import shared_preferences_foundation
+import sqflite_darwin
+import sqlite3_flutter_libs
+import url_launcher_macos
 
 func RegisterGeneratedPlugins(registry: FlutterPluginRegistry) {
+  AppLinksMacosPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "AppLinksMacosPlugin"))
+  ConnectivityPlusPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "ConnectivityPlusPlugin"))
+  DeviceInfoPlusMacosPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "DeviceInfoPlusMacosPlugin"))
+  FlutterLocalNotificationsPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "FlutterLocalNotificationsPlugin"))
+  FlutterSecureStoragePlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "FlutterSecureStoragePlugin"))
+  PathProviderPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "PathProviderPlugin"))
+  SharePlusMacosPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "SharePlusMacosPlugin"))
+  SharedPreferencesPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "SharedPreferencesPlugin"))
+  SqflitePlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "SqflitePlugin"))
+  Sqlite3FlutterLibsPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "Sqlite3FlutterLibsPlugin"))
+  UrlLauncherPlugin.register(with: registry.registrar(forPlugin: "UrlLauncherPlugin"))
 }
diff --git a/spec/features/FEAT-004-asset-first-queries.md b/spec/features/FEAT-004-asset-first-queries.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d12747e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/features/FEAT-004-asset-first-queries.md
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+# FEAT-004 — Asset-First Query Optimization
+
+## Goal
+
+Speed up app listing screens by querying SoftwareAsset (kind 3063) first,
+resolving the App (32267) via its direct relationship, and skipping the
+intermediate Release (30063) for card-level display.
+
+## Non-Goals
+
+- Removing Release from the data model or detail screen
+- Changing the models package
+- Migrating all screens at once (phased rollout starting with Latest Releases)
+
+## User-Visible Behavior
+
+- App cards on the home screen load faster (2 hops instead of 4)
+- No change to what the user sees: same name, icon, version pill, description
+- Legacy 1063-only apps still appear, loaded via a separate fallback query
+- Offline: local-first behavior unchanged — cached assets and apps render immediately
+
+## Edge Cases
+
+- App has only legacy FileMetadata (1063), no SoftwareAsset (3063) → fallback query picks it up (when `includeLegacy: true`; Latest Releases skips these)
+- App has both 3063 and 1063 → 3063 wins (already the existing preference)
+- SoftwareAsset exists but its App relationship fails to resolve → card skipped, no crash
+- Network failure → local cache used, graceful degradation unchanged
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [ ] `latestFileMetadata` renamed to `latestAsset` across codebase, with 3063→1063 fallback
+- [ ] Centralized query helper with `includeLegacy` flag, reusable across screens
+- [ ] LatestReleasesNotifier uses centralized query (3063-only, no legacy fallback)
+- [ ] VersionPillWidget reads locally instead of re-fetching the full chain from remote
+- [ ] `flutter analyze` clean
+- [ ] Legacy 1063-only apps still appear in listings
+
+## Notes
+
+- The detail screen continues using Release for release notes, commit info, etc.
+  Release is loaded via `latestRelease` relationship when needed, not as part of the card query.
+- When legacy 1063 is fully removed, the fallback query function is deleted — single removal point.
diff --git a/spec/work/WORK-007-asset-first-queries.md b/spec/work/WORK-007-asset-first-queries.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f1cef7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/work/WORK-007-asset-first-queries.md
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+# WORK-007 — Asset-First Query Optimization
+
+**Feature:** FEAT-004-asset-first-queries.md
+**Status:** In Progress
+
+## Tasks
+
+- [x] 1. Rename `latestFileMetadata` → `latestAsset` in AppExt
+  - Files: `lib/utils/extensions.dart`, all call sites
+  - Returns `Installable?` (shared interface for FileMetadata + SoftwareAsset)
+
+- [x] 2. Make SoftwareAsset self-referential (`RegularModel<SoftwareAsset>`)
+  - Files: `purplebase/models/lib/src/models/asset.dart`
+  - No longer extends FileMetadata — duplicates shared getters
+  - Added `Installable` interface implemented by both FileMetadata and SoftwareAsset
+  - Updated entire install pipeline (InstallOperation, PackageManager, platform impls) to use `Installable`
+
+- [x] 3. Create centralized app query helper function
+  - Files: `lib/utils/app_query.dart` (new)
+  - `appAssetsQuery()`: reactive `query<SoftwareAsset>` with `asset.app.query()`
+  - `legacyAppQuery()`: reactive `query<App>` with old chain — delete when 1063 removed
+  - `fetchAppsByAsset()`: imperative one-shot for pagination
+
+- [x] 4. Rewrite LatestReleasesNotifier to use centralized helper
+  - Files: `lib/widgets/latest_releases_container.dart`
+  - 3063-only, no legacy fallback
+  - Live head: `appAssetsQuery()` with `stream: true`, derives Apps from assets
+  - Pagination: `fetchAppsByAsset()` imperative call
+
+- [x] 5. Update VersionPillWidget to not re-fetch from remote
+  - Files: `lib/widgets/version_pill_widget.dart`
+  - Switched to `LocalSource` only — parent screens load data
+
+- [x] 6. Self-review against INVARIANTS.md — all clean
+
+## Decisions
+
+### 2026-03-26 — Query direction: asset-first
+
+**Context:** Current queries go App→Release→FileMetadata/SoftwareAsset (3-4 hops).
+SoftwareAsset (3063) has a direct `BelongsTo<App>` relationship.
+**Options:** (A) Keep App-first, optimize relay-side. (B) Query 3063 first, resolve App via relationship.
+**Decision:** Option B.
+**Rationale:** Eliminates Release from the card-display path. 2 hops instead of 4.
+When 1063 is removed, the fallback function is simply deleted.
+
+### 2026-03-26 — VersionPillWidget remote query
+
+**Context:** VersionPillWidget independently re-fetches App→Release→Metadata from remote.
+**Decision:** Switch to LocalSource or remove the query. Listing screens are responsible for loading data.
+**Rationale:** Eliminates redundant network requests per card. Data is already loaded by the parent.
+
+### 2026-03-26 — No legacy fallback in Latest Releases
+
+**Context:** Latest Releases is the hot path on the home screen.
+**Decision:** 3063-only, no 1063 fallback. Other screens can opt in via `includeLegacy: true`.
+**Rationale:** Optimizes for fastest retrieval. Legacy apps appear elsewhere (search, updates, stacks).
+
+## Spec Issues
+
+_None_
+
+## Progress Notes
+
+**2026-03-26:** Completed rename of `latestFileMetadata` → `latestAsset` across all call sites.
+**2026-03-26:** Made SoftwareAsset self-referential. Introduced `Installable` interface. Updated entire install pipeline.
+**2026-03-26:** Created centralized query helpers. Rewrote LatestReleasesNotifier (3063-only). VersionPillWidget now local-only.
+**2026-03-26:** `dart analyze lib/` — no issues found.
+