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How to get apps in the App Store on iPhone

In the App Store app, you can discover new apps, featured stories, tips and tricks, in-app events, and offers.

Today shows featured stories, apps, and in-app events, while Games and Apps let you explore new releases and top charts. You can also get information about an app, buy and download it, and share it. You need an internet connection and an Apple Account to use it.

Here’s how to get apps in the App Store on iPhone.

The information page for an app in the App Store. The page shows the Get button, ratings, age ratings, the developer, screenshots, and more. At the bottom, from left to right, are the following buttons: Today, Games, Apps, Arcade, and Search.

Note: You need an internet connection and an Apple Account to use the App Store. The availability of the App Store and Apple Arcade varies by country or region.

Discover and find apps

  1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap any of the following:
    • Today: Browse featured stories, apps, and in-app events.
    • Games: Find your next game across dozens of categories including action, adventure, racing, puzzles, and more.
    • Apps: Explore new releases, see the top charts, or browse by category.
    • Arcade: Enjoy the curated collection of premium games from Apple Arcade (subscription required) without ads or in-app purchases.
    • Search: Tap the Search button, then enter what you’re looking for. You can search by app name, category, developer, and more. You can also explore different categories or browse the suggested apps.

Get information about an app

  1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap an app’s name or icon to see the following details:
    • Screenshots or previews
    • Ratings and reviews
    • In-app events and offers
    • Developer
    • File size
    • Compatibility with other Apple devices
    • Supported languages
    • Age rating
    • Game Center and Family Sharing support
    • Supported accessibility features
    • Privacy information

Buy and download an app

  1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone.
  2. Go to the app you want and tap Get (if the app is free) or the price.

    If you see the Redownload button instead of Get or the price, you’ve already purchased this app before. Tap the Redownload button to download it again for free.

  3. If required, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to complete your purchase.

Purchases are made with the payment method associated with your Apple Account.

Look for the app in the Recently Added category in App Library. A progress indicator appears on the app icon while it downloads.

Share and approve purchases with Family Sharing

In a Family Sharing group, you can view and download eligible apps that other family members purchased.

Note: Family members’ purchases are only visible to you if they choose to share their purchases. And once a family member leaves the family group, purchases made with Family Sharing may not be accessible anymore.

When family members under a certain age make eligible purchases, the family organizer can review and approve them.