Home > Articles > Hardware > Upgrading & Repairing

Using the Newly Designed iTunes App Store to Find, Purchase, and Download Apps on Your iOS Mobile Device

With more than 700,000 third-party apps available for iOS mobile devices, there's no shortage of innovative ways to enhance what your Apple iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, or iPod touch is capable of. Jason R. Rich explains how to quickly find the best-quality and most-suitable apps to meet your needs by offering strategies for exploring the App Store from your iOS mobile device.
Like this article? We recommend

As an Apple iOS mobile device user, you probably know by now that your iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, or iPod touch comes with the iOS operating system and a handful of apps preinstalled. These core apps allow you to handle a wide range of popular tasks, ranging from managing your contacts and schedule, email accounts, to-do lists, and web surfing.

If you want to expand the capabilities of what your iOS mobile device can do, you'll need to download and install additional apps, which are available exclusively from Apple's online-based App Store. The easiest way to access the App Store is to turn on 3G/4G (LTE) or Wi-Fi Internet connectivity on your iOS mobile device, and then launch the App Store app, which is among the apps that come preinstalled on your device.

From the Home Screen, tap the App Store app's icon to launch the App Store app and access Apple's App Store via the Internet. Then, if you know the name of the app you want to download and install, or if you know the type of app you're looking for, use the app's Search feature.

Use the App Store's Search Option to Quickly Find Apps

On the iPhone or iPod touch, tap the Search button that's displayed near the bottom of the App Store screen and then type what you're looking for into the empty Search field that's displayed. On the iPad or iPad mini, the Search field is continuously displayed near the upper-right corner of the screen.

Once you enter an app name or the type of app you're looking for (such as PDF reader, word processor, time manager, flashlight, or Sudoku game) into the Search field, and then tap the Search key, your customized Search results are displayed in the main area of the screen in the form of app previews. Tap an app preview to access each listed app's detailed Description window or screen; or tap the app's price icon to immediately purchase, download, and install that app.

The App Store Offers App Preview and Detailed Description Screens

An app preview screen (iPhone/iPod touch) or window (iPad/iPad mini) displays an app's logo, title, publisher, category, average star-based rating, total number of ratings, and a single screen shot from the actual app. When you tap the app's icon or title, the Description screen that's displayed offers considerably more information about that app.

Near the top of an app's Description screen/window, you'll see three tabs: Details, Ratings and Reviews, and Related. When you tap Details, you'll see several actual screen shots from the app, a text-based Description of the app, information about What's New in the latest version of the app, and an Information section. Here, you can see at-a-glance details about the app's Seller, Category, when it was last updated, its latest version number, the app's file size (which helps to determine how much internal storage space it'll require when installed on your device), its age-appropriateness rating, and its system requirements.

Below the Information section on the Description screen, tap the Developer Info option to see other apps created by that developer or tap the Version History option to see details about various versions of the app that have been released.

More and more apps require in-app purchases to fully utilize them. If this is the case, as you're looking at an app's Description screen, below the Information section you'll see an option labeled Top In-App Purchases. When you tap this, you will see a list of the most popular in-app purchases available for that app, as well as how much the app add-ons cost. In some cases, this will be a one-time fee—to unlock app features or functions. In other situations, the in-app purchases may be recurring, if what you're paying for is continuously updated content, for example.

Keep in mind that if the price button for an app says Free, it means there is no initial charge for the app. You can simply download and install it onto your device from the App Store. However, in-app purchases may be required to fully utilize that free app. If there's a price associated with the app (typically between $0.99 and $9.99), when you tap the price button and then confirm your purchase decision, the credit card you have associated with your Apple ID account will be billed immediately for the purchase of the app, which will then be downloaded and installed onto the device it was purchased using. An app needs to be purchased only once. Instead of using a credit card or debit card to pay for app purchases (or in-app purchases), it's possible to purchase and redeem iTunes Gift Cards (http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/giftcards), which are available online or wherever gift cards are sold.

As you're viewing an app's Description screen, tap the Ratings and Reviews tab to view a chart that displays its star-based ratings, as well as to read more detailed text-based reviews written by other App Store customers. This information is very useful when it comes to determining the quality and usefulness of an app.

If you tap the Related tab within an app's Description screen, you'll see listings for other apps that are similar to the one you're currently looking at. As you'll discover, for almost every app available from the App Store, there are at least several that are available from other developers that offer similar functionality, but a different user interface, and/or a slightly different selection of features.

Once you acquire any app, whether it's a free or purchased app, in addition to being downloaded and installed onto the device it was purchased on, it also gets stored within your free iCloud account. Thus, you can reinstall it on the same device later (if you delete it from that device), or you can install that same app onto another compatible device that's linked to the same Apple ID/iCloud account.

Some Apps Are iPhone or iPad-Specific; Others Are Hybrid Apps

If you acquire an iPhone app, that same app can be downloaded and installed, at no additional charge, on your iPad, iPad mini, or iPad touch. Keep in mind that almost all iPhone-specific apps will run on all iPhone and iPod touch models. Some iPhone-specific apps, however, have been enhanced specifically for the iPhone 5's larger display. Most iPhone apps will also run on the iPad or iPad mini, although if they're iPhone-specific apps, they will not utilize the full size of the tablet's screen.

As you're browsing for apps within the App Store, if the price icon for an app displays a plus sign icon within it, this means the app is a hybrid app, and that it will automatically adjust to the screen size of whichever iOS mobile device it's running on. So, if you have an iPhone and an iPad, for example, purchasing hybrid apps, when available, makes the most sense because these apps will run on both of your devices.

Also available from the App Store are iPad-specific apps. The majority of these apps will run on any model iPad or iPad mini, but they will not run on an iPhone or iPod touch. Some iPad-specific apps are enhanced to work with the Retina display of the most recently released iPad models.

If you're shopping for apps from the App Store app on the iPhone or iPod touch, only iPhone-specific and hybrid apps will be displayed. However, if you're using the App Store app on the iPad or iPad mini, you'll often be given the choice between viewing iPhone or hybrid/iPad-specific apps. When viewing app search results, for example, look for the iPad Apps and iPhone Apps tabs that are displayed near the top-center of the screen.

Beyond using the App Store's Search feature to quickly find an app based on its title, for example by tapping the Features, Top Charts or Genius buttons that are displayed along the bottom of the App Store screen, you can browse for apps in a variety of other ways.

Browsing Through the Featured Apps within the App Store

Tap the Featured button (displayed near the bottom-left corner of the App Store's screen) to view listings for new and featured apps. To narrow down your search, select a specific app category. To do this on the iPhone, tap the Categories button that's displayed near the top-left corner of the screen, and then choose a category from the listing, such as Business, Entertainment, Finance, Food & Drink, Games, Health & Fitness or News.

On the iPad/iPad mini, choose an app category from the tabs displayed along the top-center of the screen once you tap the Featured button. Tap any app listing to view its more detailed Description screen (and/or to purchase, download, and install the app).

View Listings for Bestselling or Popular Apps

To see which apps are currently the most popular within the App Store, or to see popular Free, Paid or Top Grossing apps in a specific app category, tap the Top Charts button that's displayed near the button-center of the screen. To view popular apps within a specific category, after tapping the Top Charts button, tap the Categories button (iPhone/iPod touch) or All Categories button (iPad/iPad mini) to view a listing of all categories within the App Store and to select one.

As you're viewing a Top Charts screen, three separate lists—Paid, Free, and Top Grossing—are displayed. Use your finger to scroll through the list in order to view up to 300 apps in order of their popularity from each list. On the iPhone/iPod Touch, tap the See All option that's displayed to the right of the Paid, Free, or Top Grossing heading to view all the apps within that list. On the iPad/iPad mini, simply scroll downward as you're viewing each list.

Other Ways to Explore the App Store

If you tap the Genius button that's displayed near the bottom of the App Store screen, all your past purchases will be automatically analyzed, and the App Store app will recommend other apps you might be interested in. This is an easy way to discover new and useful apps that are relevant to you and your interests.

There are several ways to download and install apps you've already purchased from the App Store. One way is to revisit the listing for the app. Instead of a Price button, you'll see an Install button. Tap this button to install (or reinstall) the already purchased app onto the compatible device you're using.

Another option is to tap the Purchased option. On an iPhone/iPod touch, tap the Updates button and then tap the Purchased option. On the iPad/iPad mini, tap the Purchased button that's displayed near the bottom of the screen. You'll then be able to view either all the apps you've purchased to date; or by tapping the Not On This iPhone/iPad button, you'll be able to view only apps you own but that are not currently installed on the device you're using. To download any of the listed (and compatible) apps onto the device you're using, tap the iCloud icon that's displayed in conjunction with an app's listing.

Once you've installed optional apps onto your iOS mobile device, it will be necessary to periodically update them as new versions are released by their respective developers. Updating your apps is always free. To do this, tap the Updates button that's displayed near the bottom of the App Store screen. If one or more app updates are available, either tap the Update button that's associated with each app listed or tap the Update All button, as long as your iOS mobile device has Internet access.

In general, most apps can be downloaded, installed and/or updated using a 3G/4G (LTE) or Wi-Fi Internet connection. However, if the app has a large file size associated with it, you may be required to purchase or update it directly from the App Store using only a Wi-Fi Internet connection. You can always purchase or update any app using the iTunes software on your primary computer, and then use the iTunes Sync process to transfer it to your mobile device.

Final Thoughts

The App Store offers optional apps that can handle a wide range of popular tasks as well as apps that offer very specialized or vertical market functionality. If you have a task in mind that you think, "Gee, it would be great if my iPhone or iPad did that," chances are there's already an optional app available that offers that functionality. You just need to find, purchase, download, and install it from the App Store.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020