Download and install apps from the App Store

Download and install apps from the App Store
Mac Tip #352, 20 August 2008

Recent software updates for the iPod touch and iPhone have made it possible to add software that isn’t installed by default. Do this through the App Store — a name that suggests apps cost money, although many are in fact free.

Call up the App Store from within iTunes

Connect to the Internet, open iTunes, and click on iTunes Store in the left-hand column of the window. When the iTunes Store appears click the link for the App Store.

Browse the App Store

The App Store page appears in iTunes. Notice the quick link for a list of all free applications, under Categories on the left of the App Store page.

See more information about an app

Browse around the App Store until you find an app you like. Click the name of the app to find out more, or click the Get App button to initiate a download. The screenshot shows more information about Evernote, a free application I thoroughly recommend. If you decide you want the application click the Get App button.

You may find you need to log in to the iTunes Store.

Confirm the purchase for apps that have a cost

If the app has a cost attached you may see an alert, asking you to confirm this purchase. Click Buy or Cancel, as appropriate. Free apps don’t spark an alert.

The app downloads — probably very quickly, as most are small.

See all downloaded apps

Click on Applications in the list of sources on the left of the iTunes window. A page displays all applications you have downloaded. In my screenshot, the free Sudoku game is now available under Applications, along with some others I’d previously downloaded. Next time I sync my iPod the game will be transferred.

All iPod apps automatically show up on the Home Screens of the iPod.

Sync your iPod to transfer apps

Sudoku is being installed on my iPod, during a sync.

The app is available on my iPod

Sudoku is displayed along with some other applications on Page 2 of my iPod’s Home Screen.

Notes

Other iPods don’t have all the features of an iPod touch and cannot run apps, but otherwise synchronise in the same way. The iPhone should be very similar to the iPod touch, but unfortunately I don’t have one and can’t check exactly how it works.

If you can add useful information for other readers about synchronising or using apps on an iPod touch or iPhone, please leave comments below.

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