How to easily navigate the redesigned App Store in iOS 11

Download the iOS 11 public beta yet? You may have noticed the App Store looks totally different. Fret not — we’ve got you covered on how to navigate the new space with ease.

The redesigned App Store showcases apps in ways that are more recognizable through top picks, editors choices, and reviews to help you navigate based on popularity and user experience. By tapping from tab to tab, you’re brought to different sections ranging from games to apps along with updates and the search tool. You also now have the option to buy the app directly where it’s listed — with the purchase button located to the right of each app — instead of having to click through to the app’s main page. This makes purchases easier and quicker for the consumer as well as developers.

The Today tab

The “Today” tab refreshes daily, highlighting apps and games of the day, while also featuring original stories from Apple’s editors based on current events. These stories can range from interviews with developers — like the ones behind Monument Valley 2 — where the article also offers a glimpse inside the game, to listicles that name the top apps to use. The tab also lets you go back in time to see days prior, so even if you forget to visit the store, you’re always able to look back. Whether it’s a game or app, or you want to read an interesting article on anything app related, this section will give you daily insight.

The Games tab

With games being an extremely popular part of the App Store, Apple has finally given it it’s own section. At the top, you’re greeted by a feed of different games that fall in sections like editor’s choice, a game to rediscover, or games the Apple team is currently playing. As you scroll down, you’ll find top categories of games such as action, arcade, simulation, puzzle, adventure, among others, and clicking on one will bring you to a variety of games related to it. Other sections on the games tab include games you might like based on your past history, newly-released games, along with the familiar top paid, and top free games. Towards the bottom of the feed is a themed section that changes regularly, such as “The Most Beautiful Games” —  which showcases the top picks based on their graphics and art, with a short synopsis underneath. Once you click on a particular game, it will bring you to a short trailer along with ratings and reviews to read through. Another section titled “Let’s Play” features auto-playing trailers and videos as you scroll through.

The Apps tab

The Apps tab collectively places everything other than games into one section. Aesthetically, the feed is exactly the same as the games tab, but it incorporates different activities based on your past interests — such as cooking and exercise, or photography and travel. At the top, there is a carousel gallery that lists a trending app, one that has received a major update, a new app suggestion, and an app you’ve haven’t used in a while. You can still find the familiar top paid, top free, and top categories for apps. “New Apps We Love” is another similarly-themed section also featured in the games tab — also with auto-playing videos.

The Updates tab

The Updates tab didn’t receive a huge redesign — it does look more polished with larger and bolder typeface. At the top, you’ll find apps available for updates that you need to approve. Towards the bottom is a list of all the apps you updated recently. Underneath each app, you’ll see a clear description of what’s available in the update, and what has changed within each one. You can choose to update particular apps or update them all at once.

The Search tab

The Search tab still serves its main purpose — to help you locate certain apps quickly. This section also received minor changes. Simply type in the app you’re looking for, and it will provide you with a feed of that exact app along with similar suggestions to choose from. You also get the rating underneath each app, and the option to download it on the spot while scrolling through the stream of results.