Using iPhone Apps

Those of us who’ve been using the Apple iPhone for a while now tend to take apps for granted. For the first-time iPhone owner, however, the entire setup can seem quite overwhelming. In order to help iPhone newbies overcome that learning curve faster, we’ve compile this beginners’ guide.

What are apps?

App is a shortened form of application, which is another word for program or software. In many ways, and app is just like the software you install on your PC or Mac. Apps, however, tend to focus on a single task or a small subset of tasks, and are generally much smaller than computer programs are.

How many iPhone apps are there?

A recent Apple TV campaign proudly claims that there are more than half a million apps available at the iPhone 3gs App Store. In reality, that’s probably a conservative number, and developers are adding new apps to the store every day. That may seem overwhelming, but don’t fixate on the number. The App Store lets you search iPhone apps, and offers a number of organizational tools.

Android Apps vs iPhone Apps: What’s the Difference?

The main difference is that Android apps run on the Android operating system while iPhone apps run on iOS. There are some iPhone apps not available for Android and vice versa. However, the gap closes a little more every day. There are many iPhone apps for Android, many Android apps for iPhone and most new apps launch with support for both platforms.

Can I run iPhone apps on Android or vice versa?

No. You need the version of the app compiled specifically for that platform.

Can I run iPhone apps on Mac?

You can if you install the iPhone SDK, which includes the Apple iPhone simulator. For the casual user, however, the answer is no. The good news is that you really don’t need to. Most apps that have a Mac or PC application also have Mac and PC versions of the software that automatically synchronize with the iPhone app. Evernote is a popular example of this.

Are there any free apps?

Yes. In fact, there are thousands of free iPhone 3G apps. It’s worth noting that free does not mean cheap. Some of the most popular apps on the market have absolutely no charge associated with them.

Can I delete iPhone apps?

Yes, you can install and remove apps, so feel free to experiment.

How to Delete Apps on iPhone

Locate the icon of the iPhone app software you want to delete. Tap and hold. The screen will shake, and then an ‘X’ will appear over the icon. Tap the ‘X.’ When the iPhone asks for confirmation, select ‘Delete.’ That’s it.

Can I backup iPhone apps?

Yes. The easiest way to do this is through iTunes, which is an app manager among other things. Also, Apple allows you to re-download any iPhone apps download you’ve already paid for. If you want more control or are using a jailbroken iPhone, there are apps like AptBackup.

What is jailbreaking?

Jailbreaking is a technique that removes the limitations on iOS imposed by Apple. It allows root access to the operating system, and it gives power users much more control and flexibility.

How do I find my iPhone app in order to back it up?

The iPhone stores each application in an IPA file, which is just a renamed ZIP file. In the iPhones folder structure, locate Mobile Applications, a subdirectory of the iTunes folder. The easiest way to back these up is to copy the IPA to your Mac, PC or other storage device.

Is there an iPhone App Store alternative?

For most users, the Apple App Store is the only practical option. There are, however, alternatives, such as the Cydia Store, but these markets cater specifically to those users using jailbroken iPhones.

How to Find iPhone App Solutions

If you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, then the iPhone app search at iTunes is a great option. It lets you search all iPhone apps based on keywords and other aspects. The App Store also lets you sort entire lists of apps for iPhone 3gs by popularity. Exploring the most downloaded iPhone 3gs apps is an excellent way to find the most useful ones.