Apple is a globally-popular fruit and the apple tree serves as the largest deciduous fruit tree species in China. This review article summarizes the recent important acheivements in apple, comprising of the origin and evolution of cultivated apple, the genetic diversity and core germplasm of Malus sieversii in Xinjiang, the genetic and developmental mechanism of quality-related traits, the breeding of characteristic and diversified varieties such as white-fleshed, red-fleshed and functional apples as well as the research and development of efficient production technology. In view of the complexity in functional apple breeding and the long-process in achieving the economical value, a system ‘Four-Quality’ is proposed, which refers Quality formation, Quality breeding, Quality varieties and Quality maintenance. Furthermore, a “Seven-in-one” system for research, development and promotion of scientific and technological achievements is suggested, which includes independent promotion, multiple licenses, exclusive transfer, integrated demonstration, network media, technical training and popular articles. Based on the current status on research, two subjects are suggested as the following: (1) deciphering the development mechanism of quality traits from transcription, translation and modification, by deployment of the modern molecular biology technologies, with the aim of theoretical supports in breeding for high-quality; (2) strengthening the breeding for high-quality，storage-resistant, late-maturing white meat apples and new varieties with high-flavonoid at different ripening stages, in order to meet the diversified needs in market and increase the farmers’ incomes.