Smartphone apps are software programs you can download and use on your mobile device. There are popular social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram. There are also apps for games, navigation, and even local store memberships.

The App Store is where you can get all these different apps on an iPhone. This guide covers the basics of downloading apps from the iPhone App Store. So, let's get started.

Where Is the iPhone App Store?

native apple apps on iphone home screen

By default, the App Store comes pre-installed on your iPhone. On your Home Screen, you'll notice its blue app icon with a white "A."

To use the App Store, you'll need to first connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network or enable mobile data. Then, tap the app icon to launch the App Store.

How to Download an App From the iPhone App Store

In the App Store, you'll see five tabs at the bottom menu: Today, Games, Apps, Arcade, and Search. You can use the first four to casually browse the variety of apps available. If you already have a specific app in mind, tap the Search tab.

Tap the search bar to key in the app name. Then, tap the Search button on your keyboard to confirm. The App Store will fetch you all the relevant results within a second or two. Now, you can tap on the app's name to read more about its features, ratings, and reviews.

Some apps are free to download, while others require payment before you can download them. If an app has the blue Get button under its name, it's free to download. If it's a paid app, you'll see the price instead.

To download an app, tap Get (or the price button) > Install. Key in your password and tap Sign In. In place of the Get button, a circle is now displayed. A blue outline shows your app download progress.

During this step, if you see a Sign In to Complete Purchase pop-up, it's because you need to log into your Apple ID to download apps on your iPhone.

If you don't have an Apple ID yet, don't worry. It's easy to create an Apple ID account on any Apple device. After you've done so, log in and follow the steps above to start downloading your app.

Once the download is complete, the circle will turn into an Open button. Tap it to launch your newly installed app.

Where to Find Your Downloaded App

After exiting the App Store, your downloaded app will automatically appear on your iPhone's Home Screen. If you can't find it on your Home Screen, swipe left on every Home Screen page until you reach the App Library. Key in the app name in the App Library search bar to locate it.

Why Can't I Find the App I Want in the App Store?

There are a couple of reasons why you can't find an iPhone app in your App Store. First, some apps may not be available in your country or region. So, you'll need to change your App Store country to access those apps.

If you know it's a local app, and a lot of your family and friends are using it, you likely can't find it because they're Android users, and the app is only available for Android. Some developers release an app for Android devices first before iOS, so you may be able to enjoy the app in the future.

Get the Most Out of Your iPhone With the App Store

Thanks to the rise of smartphones and mobile apps, tasks that usually require a computer can now be carried out on your iPhone. From fun games and productivity tools to educational resources, there's something for everyone on the App Store.

So, take your time to explore the world of apps and transform your iPhone into an all-in-one device that helps you stay both productive and entertained.