Smart & Connected Life Smart Watches & Wearables How to Use the Apple Watch App Store Download apps right from your wrist by Rob LeFebvre Senior News Editor Rob LeFebvre has been a freelance technology writer for 10 years and an educator for 20. His articles have appeared in 148Apps, Cult of Mac, Engadget, and many others. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Rob LeFebvre Updated on December 02, 2020 Smart Watches & Wearables Working From Home Headphones & Ear Buds Smart Home Smart Watches & Wearables Travel Tech Connected Car Tech iPods & MP3 Players Tweet Share Email With the introduction of watchOS 6, Apple Watch owners have access to the Apple App Store right from their wrist instead of having to use their iPhone as an intermediary. While it's not quite as full-featured as the App Store on the iPhone, the Apple Watch App Store makes it easy and convenient to find apps for your wearable. Here's a look at how to use the Apple Watch App Store. You'll need an Apple Watch running watchOS 6 or later to use the Apple Watch App Store. Lifewire / Rob LeFebvre How to Use the Apple Watch App Store If your Apple Watch isn't already running the latest watchOS version, you'll first need to use your iPhone to update your Apple Watch system software. Raise your wrist to activate your Apple Watch and click the Digital Crown to view your apps. Tap the Apple Watch App Store icon to open the App Store. Use the Digital Crown or your finger to scroll through featured apps and curated lists, or tap a category to see more apps. Use the Search box to find a specific app or to search by keyword. Tap Dictation to speak your search term and then tap Done when you're finished. Or, tap Scribble to use the Apple Watch's handwriting recognition system to search. Tap Done when you've entered your search term. Tap an app you want to learn more about. You'll see its icon, a Get button (or a paid app's price), a short description, its star rating, and preview images. Scroll down to see a longer About description, developer information, and an update log. Tap Ratings & Reviews, Version History, Information, Supports, and Privacy Policy for more detailed information. To download an app, tap Get. For paid apps, tap the price. Double-click the side button to install the app. If prompted, enter your Apple ID and password. You'll see new your newly installed Apple Watch app on the Watch's app grid or list. Tap the app to launch it. If you search for an app you've already downloaded on any of your devices, you'll see the "download from cloud" button familiar to iOS App Store users. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit