Apps are the programmes you install on your iPhone to do specific things, check the weather, video call family, listen to music, or book a GP appointment. Your iPhone comes with some apps already installed, but you can add many more for free (or for a small cost) using the App Store.

Here’s how it all works.

What is the App Store?

The App Store is Apple’s official shop for iPhone apps. It’s already on your phone, look for a blue icon with a white letter “A” made of a pencil and ruler.

Every app available through the App Store has been checked by Apple, which means it’s generally safe to download. You don’t need to worry about accidentally installing something harmful if you stick to the App Store.

Finding an app

Tap the App Store icon to open it.
Tap the Search tab at the bottom of the screen (a magnifying glass icon).
Tap the search bar at the top and type what you’re looking for, for example:
- The name of an app: “WhatsApp” or “BBC iPlayer”
- What you want to do: “video call” or “weather forecast”
Tap Search on the keyboard.

A list of results will appear. Tap on any app to see more details, screenshots, a description, reviews from other users, and whether it costs anything.

Downloading a free app

Most apps are free to download. On the app’s page, look for a button that says Get (instead of a price). Here’s what to do:

Tap Get.
You may be asked to confirm with Face ID (look at your phone), Touch ID (fingerprint), or your Apple ID password. This is a security check, it’s normal.
The app will download and appear on your home screen. This usually takes less than a minute.

That’s it. Once it’s downloaded, tap the app icon to open it.

Downloading a paid app

Some apps cost money, the price is shown on the button instead of “Get” (for example, £2.99).

Tap the price button and confirm the purchase the same way as a free app (Face ID, Touch ID, or password). The cost is charged to whichever payment method is linked to your Apple ID.

Tip: if you’re not sure whether you want a paid app, look for a free version first. Many apps offer a free version with basic features, and a paid “Pro” version with extras.

Updating apps

Apps receive updates from time to time, improvements, bug fixes, or new features. It’s worth keeping your apps up to date.

To update apps manually:

Open the App Store.
Tap your profile picture (top right corner).
Scroll down to see apps with updates available.
Tap Update next to an app, or tap Update All to update everything at once.

You can also set your iPhone to update apps automatically: go to Settings → App Store and switch on App Updates.

Deleting an app you no longer want

If you want to remove an app from your phone, to free up space, or because you don’t use it any more:

Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the − button (a small minus sign) that appears in the corner of the app.
Tap Delete App, then Delete to confirm.

The app is removed from your phone. If you change your mind later, you can always download it again for free from the App Store.

Note: deleting an app removes it from your phone, but it doesn’t cancel any subscription you may have set up. If you were paying for the app, cancel the subscription separately in Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions.

A few things to know

Free apps with in-app purchases, many free apps let you buy extras inside them (more features, in-game items, etc.). You’ll always be asked to confirm before anything is charged.
You need an Apple ID, this is the account you use for the App Store. If you bought your iPhone from a shop, you may already have one set up. If not, you can create one for free.
Apps take up space, each app uses some storage on your phone. If you’re running low on space, deleting unused apps is one of the easiest ways to free some up.

Not sure which apps to download, or need help getting set up? Get in touch with Hebden Tech Tutors for a friendly one-to-one session at home.