Yes, Apple TV has its own dedicated app store called the App Store for Apple TV. The App Store allows you to browse, search for, download and install apps specifically designed for the Apple TV platform. It works similar to the App Store on iPhone and iPad.
How to access the App Store on Apple TV
The App Store can be accessed directly on your Apple TV by going to the App Store app icon on the home screen. Simply scroll left or right to find it. You can also access the App Store by selecting the App Store category from within any other app on Apple TV.
When you open the App Store you will see featured apps and categories to browse through. You can scroll up and down to see different apps. Select any app icon to view details about that app, including screenshots, description, ratings, reviews, and related apps.
Downloading and installing apps
To download an app from the App Store, simply find the app you want and select the Get button. If the app costs money, you will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to complete the purchase.
Once an app is downloaded, it will appear on the home screen along with all your other apps. Most apps will install automatically once downloaded, but some may require you to open them for the first time to complete installation.
Types of apps available
The App Store includes a wide variety of apps made specifically for the TV experience. Here are some of the most popular categories:
- Video & Entertainment – Apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ and many others for watching shows, movies and other video content.
- Games – Game apps of all genres from action to puzzle games.
- Sports – Apps for watching live and on-demand sports content.
- Kids – Educational and entertainment apps for children.
- Lifestyle – Apps like yoga, meditation, cooking and more.
- Music – Apps for listening to music streaming services.
- News – News apps from major networks and publications.
- Health & Fitness – Fitness tracking and workout apps.
- Photos & Videos – Apps for viewing photos and videos from your other devices.
- Education – Learning apps, flashcards and more educational content.
There are thousands of apps to choose from ranging from free apps to paid apps costing a few dollars or more. The selection includes apps from major brands as well as smaller independent developers.
Managing your apps
All of your downloaded apps can be managed through the My Apps section of the App Store. Here you can view all your installed apps, check for available updates, delete unwanted apps, and redownload any previously downloaded apps.
You can also manage storage space used by apps. Go to Settings > Apps on your Apple TV to see how much storage space each app is using and delete apps you want to remove.
The history of the App Store on Apple TV
The App Store first launched on the 4th generation Apple TV in late 2015. This marked the first time apps could be downloaded directly to the Apple TV platform. Prior models relied on content syncing through iTunes on a computer.
The first generation App Store launched with just a few dozen apps. Major streaming services like Netflix and Hulu were not yet available. The app selection has since grown exponentially.
Here is a brief timeline of the App Store on Apple TV:
- September 2015 – Apple announces the 4th gen Apple TV with App Store support.
- October 2015 – Developers can begin submitting Apple TV apps for review.
- Late 2015 – The new Apple TV launches along with the App Store.
- Early 2016 – Major apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO Now launch.
- March 2016 – There are over 3,600 apps available.
- June 2017 – App Store passes 5,000 apps.
- September 2017 – Apps reach over 13,000 as Apple TV grows in popularity.
- September 2022 – There are now over 30,000 Apple TV apps and still growing.
The App Store turned the Apple TV into a robust platform for cord-cutters. It enabled users to replace cable TV packages with on-demand entertainment, news, and more through apps. The App Store remains a key feature differentiating Apple TV from competing devices.
How to find the best apps
With over 30,000 apps now available, finding the best Apple TV apps can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Check top charts – The App Store has charts for top free, paid and grossing apps. These highlight the current most popular apps.
- Read reviews – Check out user reviews and ratings to see what real people think of an app.
- Search by category – Browse top apps by category depending on your interests.
- Ask for recommendations – Friends and family may have good app suggestions.
- Try Apple TV editorial lists – Apple curates lists like “Apps We Love Right Now” to find top picks.
- Search for keywords – Search for keywords related to your interests like “cooking” or “kids” to find relevant apps.
- See what’s new – Check the new apps section to find latest releases.
Taking the time to dig through the App Store can reveal many hidden gem apps you won’t find anywhere else. Discover apps that perfectly suit your viewing preferences.
Do Apple TV apps work on iPhone/iPad?
No, Apple TV apps are not compatible with iPhone or iPad. The apps are specifically designed and optimized for the TV experience on the Apple TV device. They cannot be installed on iOS mobile devices.
Some apps may have both a dedicated Apple TV version as well as a separate iOS app version available. For example, streaming services like Netflix have different Apple TV and iOS apps that share the same account system. But they are tailored for each platform.
There is no overlap between the App Store on Apple TV and the iOS App Store. They are completely separate app ecosystems. You can access both App Stores with the same Apple ID, but cannot interchange apps between Apple TV and iOS devices.
Do all apps work on all Apple TV models?
Most apps are compatible with all Apple TV models. However, some newer apps with advanced features may only work on the latest 4K Apple TV models.
Here is the compatibility breakdown:
- 4th gen Apple TV HD – Has full access to the App Store. Can run nearly all apps.
- 4K Apple TV – Full access and compatibility.
- 2nd/3rd gen Apple TV – Does not have App Store. Relies on iTunes syncing.
- 1st gen Apple TV – No App Store support as runs an older software version.
When browsing the App Store, most app listings clearly state if an app will not work on older Apple TV models. Overall the vast majority of apps support 4th gen or later.
For best app compatibility and performance, use the latest Apple TV 4K model. But even 4th gen HD models can access thousands of great apps.
Do app purchases carry over to other Apple devices?
If you purchase a paid app through the Apple TV App Store, you only need to buy it once. That app will be available to download across any other Apple TVs your account is signed into without paying again.
However, Apple TV app purchases do not carry over to iOS or vice versa. You would need to buy an iOS version separately. App subscriptions may work across both platforms depending on the developer’s policies.
Some key points about Apple TV app purchasing:
- Only need to buy once per account for all Apple TVs.
- Does not also provide iOS version of the app.
- Family Sharing can share app purchases with others.
- Subscriptions may work across Apple TV and iOS depending on app.
So while the Apple TV App Store doesn’t directly share apps with iOS devices, it does provide conveniences like family sharing and being able to redownload apps.
What are some must-have Apple TV apps?
Here are some of the top must-have apps on Apple TV that no owner should miss:
| App | Description |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Top app for streaming movies & shows. |
| Disney+ | Stream Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and more. |
| Hulu | Stream TV shows, movies and Hulu Originals. |
| YouTube | Watch YouTube videos on the big screen. |
| HBO Max | Stream HBO movies, shows, documentaries and more. |
| ESPN | Get the top sports streaming app. |
| Plex | Media app to view local and streamed content. |
| PBS | Free app for documentaries, shows and PBS Kids. |
| CBS News | Watch live CBS News and shows. |
| Pluto TV | Free TV with 100s of channels. |
This covers some of the best apps for core viewing categories like top streaming services, live TV, sports, news, free options, local media playback and more. The great selection means Apple TV owners can customize their TV experience.
What are the most popular paid apps?
While many popular Apple TV apps are free, there are also some paid apps that consistently rank among the top downloads. Here are some of the most popular paid apps:
- Infuse Pro – Robust video player for locally stored media files.
- Games – Wide range of paid game apps from Minecraft to Action RPGs.
- Fitplay – On-demand fitness class app with CrossFit, HIIT, Yoga and more.
- MrMC – Powerful media app for expert users.
- Sky Guide – Star finder app for amateur astronomers.
- Elmedia Player – Media player that supports a wide range of file types.
- Screens – App to remotely control your Mac or PC.
- USBCam – Use iPhone camera as a webcam for Zoom etc.
- WeatherBug – Enhanced weather app with radar, forecasts and alerts.
- TV Forecast – Check the weather while still watching your current video.
Paid apps provide an added level of premium features and functionality. Even at a few dollars they are affordable splurges that can greatly enhance the Apple TV experience. Paid games in particular provide tons of extra entertainment options.
Can you get refunds for paid apps?
Yes, Apple does allow refunds on paid apps and in-app purchases in some circumstances. Here is an overview of the refund policy:
- Refunds available within 90 days of purchase.
- Automatic refunds if an app stops working shortly after purchase.
- Can request one refund reason per account lifetime if you simply changed your mind or made an accidental purchase.
- Refunds for additional reasons may be allowed depending on reason.
- Does not apply to consumable in-app purchases like virtual currencies.
To request a refund on Apple TV:
- Go to Settings > Users & Accounts > Purchase History.
- Select the app purchase.
- Choose Report a Problem and pick the refund option.
- Select a reason from the list and submit.
Apple will review the request and approve or deny based on policies. So while not guaranteed, it is possible to get a refund on mistaken or unwanted Apple TV app purchases.
Can you use gift cards in the App Store?
Yes, Apple gift cards can be used to pay for app and game purchases, in-app purchases, and subscriptions in the Apple TV App Store. Here’s what you need to know about using gift cards:
- Physical and digital gift card value can be spent in the App Store.
- Redeem code at https://redeem.apple.com or on your Apple TV.
- Funds are added to your Apple account balance.
- Balance can then be used for future app transactions.
- Great way to pay if you don’t have a credit card on file.
Using an Apple gift card provides an easy way to get paid apps, games and other content without needing to enter any sensitive payment info. Gift cards also make great presents for Apple TV owners!
Other questions about the Apple TV App Store
Here are answers to some other commonly asked questions about the App Store on Apple TV:
Is there parental control of app purchases?
Yes, restrictions can be set requiring a password for purchases under Settings > General > Restrictions.
Can you browse Top Charts lists by category?
Yes, you can filter the Top Charts tabs by category like Games, Entertainment, Health & Fitness, etc.
Are apps automatically updated?
Apps set to auto-update will update overnight when the Apple TV is idle and connected to power.
Can multiple user profiles access the same apps?
Yes, apps are available to all user profiles after being downloaded under any profile.
Conclusion
The App Store is one of the best features of Apple TV, opening up a world of entertainment, information and functionality. It provides easy access to top streaming services, games, lifestyle apps and much more curated content.
While early Apple TV generations relied on iTunes syncing, the dedicated on-device App Store starting in 2015 made Apple TV a robust platform. The ever-growing catalog means there are apps to suit virtually any interest.
The App Store simplifies finding, installing, managing and paying for Apple TV applications. It combines the simplicity of TV with the dynamic innovations of apps. For Apple TV owners, it unlocks the full potential of the device.
