Apps From the Apple Watch Store: What's Available and How to Find Them
If you own an Apple Watch, you might wonder what apps are available and how to get them. The Apple Watch App Store is where you download apps designed specifically for your watch—but it works a bit differently than you might expect, especially if you're familiar with the iPhone App Store. Here's what you need to know. ⌚
How the Apple Watch App Store Works
The Apple Watch has its own dedicated app marketplace, but you don't access it directly from your watch in most cases. Instead, you use the Watch app on your paired iPhone to browse, download, and manage apps. When you find an app you want, you download it to your phone, and it automatically installs on your watch if the developer has created a watch version.
Not every iPhone app has a watch companion. Developers decide whether to create a watch version based on what makes sense for a small screen and the watch's capabilities. Some apps are watch-only, meaning they exist only on the Apple Watch, while others are iPhone-only, and many offer both versions.
Where to Find Apple Watch Apps
On your iPhone: Open the Watch app, tap the App Store tab at the bottom, and browse available apps by category or search by name.
On your Apple Watch directly: On newer watch models, you can access the App Store directly on the watch itself by opening the App Store app and browsing or searching.
On the web: You can visit the Apple App Store on your computer (apple.com) and filter results to show Apple Watch apps, though the iPhone Watch app is the most common method.
Types of Apps Available
Apple Watch apps generally fall into a few categories:
| Category | Examples | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Health & Fitness | Workouts, heart rate tracking, activity rings, meditation | Monitor activity, sleep, stress, and wellness goals |
| Communication | Messages, Mail, Phone, third-party messaging apps | Stay in touch without your iPhone |
| Productivity | Reminders, Calendar, Notes, to-do apps | Manage tasks and schedules on your wrist |
| Entertainment | Music, Podcasts, audiobooks | Listen to audio content independently or from your phone |
| Utilities | Weather, Stocks, Tips, Flashlight | Quick access to useful information |
| Travel & Navigation | Maps, Passbook, airline apps | Get directions and access travel documents |
What Determines Whether an App Works on Your Watch
Several factors influence which apps are available to you:
Your watchOS version: Older Apple Watch models run older versions of watchOS and may not support newer apps. Keeping your watch updated gives you access to more recent releases.
Your iPhone's iOS version: The iPhone must be running a compatible iOS version for watch apps to work properly. They're designed to sync, so both devices need to be reasonably current.
Developer choice: Not every app developer creates a watch version. Some apps are too complex for a small screen, while others simply aren't worth the development effort for that platform.
Watch model and capabilities: Some apps take advantage of features like the always-on display, cellular connectivity, or advanced sensors that only exist on certain watch models.
Installing and Managing Apps
Once you download an app through the Watch app on your iPhone, it typically installs automatically on your watch. You control this in the Watch app settings—you can choose whether apps automatically install or require manual approval.
To remove an app from your watch, you can either:
- Delete it directly from your watch by pressing and holding the app, then tapping "Remove"
- Remove it from the Watch app on your iPhone, which will uninstall it from your watch
You can reinstall apps anytime without repaying, since your purchase is tied to your Apple ID.
Important Considerations for Watch App Use
Storage is limited: Apple Watch storage ranges from 8GB to 16GB depending on the model, and the operating system takes up significant space. Large apps or lots of apps can fill up your watch quickly. You may need to prioritize which apps you keep installed.
Not all features work offline: Some watch apps require your iPhone nearby or a cellular connection (if your watch supports it). Check app descriptions to understand what functionality works independently.
Battery life varies by app: Apps that use the display frequently, GPS, or cellular connection drain your battery faster. Health and fitness apps, in particular, can impact daily battery life.
Pricing is the same as iPhone: If an app costs money on iPhone, its watch version typically costs the same. Free apps with in-app purchases follow the same model.
Finding Quality Apps: What to Look For
When browsing the Apple Watch App Store, check:
- User reviews: Look for patterns in feedback about performance and usefulness on the watch
- Developer reputation: Established companies and well-known app makers tend to optimize for the watch experience
- App description: Read what functions are actually available on the watch—not all iPhone features make it to the watch version
- Permissions: The app will ask for access to health data, location, or other features—only approve what makes sense
The Apple Watch app ecosystem has matured significantly, and you'll find quality options in nearly every category. The key is understanding that watch apps are designed for quick glances and specific tasks, not for the deep interaction you'd have on a larger screen.
