Question: Apps are assigned to what?

Apps are tied to your google account.

 

I agree with pool_shark. Your apps are associated/assigned to your google account, therefore, when you receive your new phone, you just need to use your existing google email account to sign into/register the phone. Also you can log onto the Market website(www.market.android.com) using this same account and then select the following links "My library-Apps-My Orders" to view the current devices that are associated with your google account. This is also where you will eventually see your new phone listed. As far as your apps, they will be available for you to redownload in this same location or some of them will even install immediately after you log onto your new phone. The paid apps will be listed here so that you can reinstall them without having to repay for them. Everything listed here can also be done directly on your phone from the Market app, just be aware that the steps to locate everything will be a little different. Hope this helps.