The App Store is also available on the Apple Watch. With the App Store you can download your favorite apps directly from the Apple Watch. This is how the App Store works on the Apple Watch!
You can install apps on the Apple Watch without needing an iPhone. Developers can create all kinds of apps, such as a sports, calendar, mail, todo, weather or banking app. Many apps are linked to an iPhone version, but there are also more and more Apple Watch apps that are made exclusively for the watch. In this tip we explain everything about the App Store on the Apple Watch, where you can download all Apple Watch apps.
- Explanation
- Use
- Features
- Watch app on iPhone
What is the App Store on the Apple Watch?
The App Store on the Apple Watch is similar to the App Store on other Apple devices, such as your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. You use the digital online store to discover new apps for your Apple Watch. You will find a constantly changing selection of popular apps or apps from certain categories, such as sports apps. On the app pages you can read what an app can do and view the screenshots directly on your Apple Watch. This allows you to immediately see what the app looks like on your watch.
Apple Watch apps can be linked to an iPhone version or stand alone. Developers can also release apps without requiring an iPhone version. In the App Store it is not immediately visible whether it is a completely separate app or whether it has an iPhone version. In many cases, you immediately download the iPhone app when you install the Apple Watch version. You can identify an app that is only available for the Apple Watch by the text Only on the Apple Watch, which can be found on the app page below the screenshots.
How to use the App Store on the Using Apple Watch?
To use the App Store directly on your watch, you need at least an Apple Watch Series 1 and watchOS 6. You'll find the App Store app among all your other apps on your Apple Watch. The selection of apps is shown below each other and you can browse through the range by turning the Digital Crown. If you are looking for a specific app, you can use the search function. The search function is at the very top. It is most convenient to search with the dictation function, although that can be a bit difficult with apps with complicated (English) names. In addition, if your Apple Watch is set to English, you can use the Scribble feature. You can also use the Apple Watch keyboard on your iPhone once you tap the search bar. You just type on your iPhone.
Download Apple Watch Apps
You download a new app by going to the app page and tapping Download (for a free app), the price (for a paid app) or the cloud (if you have downloaded the app before). With paid apps, you have to press the side button twice to buy the app. This confirms that the amount due will be deducted from your App Store credit or charged to your payment method.
To download an app:
- Open the App Store on your Apple Watch.
- Use the search function or browse for the desired app.
- Tap the Download button. If you see an amount, this is the price that will be charged. The cloud indicates that you have downloaded the app before. You can then download it again for free.
- Press the side button twice to confirm your purchase.
- The app will be installed and you will find it in your app overview.
What are the features of the App Store on the Apple Watch?
These are the main features of the App Store on the Apple Watch:
- Browse through a selection of new and popular apps.
- Search for specific apps by dictation.
- View screenshots on your Apple Watch, including full screen.
- View ratings and reviews from other users .
- Read version history and other general information.
- View Apple Watch app privacy labels.
- Download apps directly from your watch.
- View previous purchases, including from family members.
- Check for updates to your installed apps.
At the very bottom of the App Store you will find the Account option. Here you can view your previous purchases, recent updates of installed apps and any App Store subscriptions.
Can I still install apps via the iPhone?
The App Store on the Apple Watch is not the only way to download new apps. You can also just use the App Store on your iPhone to search for Apple Watch apps. And if an iPhone app also has an Apple Watch version, you can add it to your Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone. Read our tip about installing Apple Watch apps.
Want to browse Apple Watch apps from your iPhone? That is also still possible. You do this as follows:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Click on Discover in the bottom right corner.
- Scroll down and tap View Watch apps.
- The App Store on iPhone opens with a separate section for Apple Watch apps.
Also remember that you can see whether there is an Apple Watch version for all apps in the App Store. Below the screenshots on the App Store page you will find the text Also for Apple Watch and possibly other devices on which the app can be installed.
Are you looking for the best Apple Watch apps? Then take a look at these overviews:
- The best Apple Watch apps
- The best Dutch Apple Watch apps
- Apple Watch apps for operating your smart home
- Sports apps for the Apple Watch: these are the best
- The best social media apps for Apple Watch
See also 
The best Apple Watch apps: we recommend these!
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