
Hadrian / Shutterstock.com
Apple users can download apps on their iPhone, their iPad, their Apple Watch, their Mac and, since the release of the Apple TV HD, they can even download apps on theirApple TVstreaming devices. Apple s digital media player has only gotten better in recent years with the release of the Apple TV4K. The same can be said of its App Store, which offers more than 20,000 unique apps to choose from. But how does one download apps on Apple TV in the first place? The process is as simple and easy as downloading to your phone or tablet. Here s what to do.
Why Download Apps On Apple TV?
Before the release of the Apple TV HD, it wasn t even possible to download apps on Apple TV. You were simply stuck with what came pre-installed on the Apple TV device. Occasionally, Apple would add a new app to the home page with a software update. But, more often than not, there was very little change in what you could stream from the device. That all changed with the fourth-generation Apple TV and beyond. But what kind of apps can you download, anyway? What s the purpose of knowing how to download apps on Apple TV? Here are three great examples.
Streaming
First and foremost, Apple TV lets you download just about anystreaming serviceapp you can imagine. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, you name it It likely has an Apple TV app. With previous models, your only way to stream something that didn t have a pre-installed app was via AirPlay or Screen Mirroring. Now, with the added convenience of an Apple TV App Store, you can simply download the streaming service s designated app. Thankfully, all the major players in the streaming space have an Apple TV app.
Gaming
Another feature exclusive to recent Apple TV models? Gaming. Thanks to the Apple Arcade, which is supported on theiPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, you can access a huge library of fun and exciting games designed especially for the Apple TV interface. Plus, the Apple Arcade allows you to save your progress and hand it off to another device on your account. This lets you continue to play from device to device without interruption. The Apple TV has games for all age groups and fans of all genres.
Working Out
Third, the Apple TV App Store has an excellent selection of workout apps to choose from. Harkening back to the early days of Wii Fit, these apps make working out fun, easy, and accessible in one. Apple even offers its own workout interface through its Apple Fitness+ service. No matter if you enjoy some morning yoga, need some weightlifting guidance, or want a guided quick daily workout, the Apple TV App Store has the workout app for you. Browsing the wide selection, you might even get yourself hooked on a brand-new type of workout.
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
$144.00
- 4K Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound and HDR10+ support
- Equipped with the powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Third-generation Siri Remote with improved clickpad
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet options available
How To Download Apps On Apple TV
So: We can now see why downloading apps on Apple TV can be so beneficial. But how do you actually download apps to the device in the first place? Let s walk through the process below, moving one step at a time with photos to help us along the way. For context, we re working with a first-generation Apple TV 4K. As a note: any Apple TV model released before the Apple TV HD (a.k.a. the 4th-generation Apple TV) will not be able to download apps. With this in mind, let s jump right into the guide.
Step One: Open The App Store

History-Computer.com
Firstly, power on your Apple TV device and navigate to the App Store app. Unless you ve moved or re-arranged your apps at some point, this app should be at the top of the Apple TV home page. The icon looks identical to the one found on other Apple devices such as the iPhone or the MacBook. Click it once you ve found it.
Step Two: Browse For Apps

History-Computer.com
Secondly, browse through the App Store to find the applications you want to download. If you want to search for one (or more) by name, you can use the search bar at the top of the page. You can also browse by specific categories or charts using the navigation menu options above. Once you ve pinpointed the app (or apps) you want, click its icon to open up its details page.
Step Three: Hit Download

History-Computer.com
Thirdly, select the Get button to begin the download process. (If you ve downloaded the app before, then you ll see an iCloud icon instead of the Get button.) Once it s complete, the Get button will change to Open. Proceed to use the app as you normally would any other app. Repeat steps two and three as many times as you d like.