How to Use the New App Store Features in iOS: A Complete Guide for Kenyan Users
The App Store is the heart of your iPhone, offering millions of apps that enhance productivity, entertainment, and daily life. With every iOS update, Apple introduces new features to make discovering, downloading, and managing apps easier. If you’re an iPhone user in Kenya, these updates can significantly improve your experience—whether you're downloading mobile banking apps, entertainment platforms like Showmax, or local services like M-PESA.
In this guide, we’ll explore the latest App Store features in iOS, how to use them, and why they matter for Kenyan users.
1. Redesigned App Store Tabs for Easier Navigation
Apple has streamlined the App Store’s layout, making it more intuitive. The bottom navigation bar now includes five key tabs:
- Today – Highlights featured apps, promotions, and stories.
- Games – Dedicated to mobile gaming, with new releases and top charts.
- Apps – A hub for all non-gaming applications.
- Arcade – Apple’s subscription-based gaming service (not widely used in Kenya yet).
- Search – Helps you quickly find apps.
Why This Matters for Kenyans:
- Easier access to financial apps like M-PESA, KCB, and Equity Bank.
- Quick discovery of local apps such as Bolt, Glovo, and Jumia.
- Better visibility of discounted apps and limited-time offers.
2. App Previews & Instant Downloads
App Previews (Video Previews)
Before downloading an app, you can now watch short video previews (similar to movie trailers) to see how it works.
How to Use It:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on any app.
- Scroll to the "Preview" section and watch the demo.
Instant Downloads (App Clips)
App Clips let you use a small part of an app without installing the full version. For example:
- Scan a QR code at a restaurant to view the menu.
- Pay for parking via an App Clip instead of downloading a full parking app.
How to Use App Clips in Kenya:
- Look for App Clip QR codes at stores, restaurants, or events.
- Scan with your iPhone camera.
- A small app window opens—use it instantly without installing.
3. Personalized App Recommendations
The App Store now uses AI to suggest apps based on your usage. If you frequently use Safaricom apps, it may recommend similar local services.
How to Improve Recommendations:
- Go to App Store > Profile Picture (top right).
- Tap "Personalized Recommendations".
- Adjust preferences to get better suggestions.
4. In-App Events (Limited-Time Offers & Updates)
Apple now highlights time-sensitive events within apps, such as:
- Sales (e.g., Jumia Black Friday deals).
- Live streams (e.g., YouTube Premieres).
- Game tournaments (e.g., Call of Duty Mobile events).
How to Find In-App Events:
- Open the App Store.
- Scroll down on the Today tab.
- Look for the "In-App Events" section.
5. Family Sharing for Subscriptions
Kenyans love cost-sharing, and Apple’s Family Sharing now extends to App Store subscriptions.
How to Share Subscriptions:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
- Tap "Subscriptions".
- Select which subscriptions to share (e.g., Netflix, Spotify).
Benefits:
- Split costs for Showmax, Disney+, or Apple Music with family.
- Avoid duplicate payments for the same service.
6. Improved Search with Siri Suggestions
The Search tab now predicts what you need before you type. If you frequently search for betting apps, it may suggest SportyBet or Betika.
How to Use It:
- Tap the Search tab in the App Store.
- See "Suggested Searches" based on your habits.
- Tap any suggestion to load results instantly.
7. Privacy Labels (Know Before You Download)
Apple now forces developers to disclose how apps use your data. Before downloading, check:
- Data Collection (Does the app track your location?)
- Third-Party Sharing (Is your data sold to advertisers?)
How to Check Privacy Labels:
- Open any app in the App Store.
- Scroll to "App Privacy".
- Review permissions before installing.
Why Kenyans Should Care:
- Avoid fraudulent loan apps that misuse personal data.
- Protect financial info when using banking apps.
8. Offload Unused Apps (Save iPhone Storage)
Many Kenyans use budget iPhones with limited storage. iOS can automatically remove unused apps while keeping their data.
How to Enable It:
- Go to Settings > App Store.
- Toggle "Offload Unused Apps".
When you reinstall the app, your data is restored!
9. Regional Pricing & Localized Offers
Apple now adjusts App Store prices based on Kenyan purchasing power. This means:
- Cheaper in-app purchases in games.
- Discounts on subscription services.
How to Check Local Pricing:
- Open an app’s pricing section.
- Compare with previous costs—some apps are now more affordable.
10. How to Update Apps Faster
Slow internet in Kenya? iOS now allows background updates so apps refresh even when you’re not using them.
How to Enable It:
- Go to Settings > App Store.
- Turn on "Automatic Downloads" for updates.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of the App Store in Kenya
The new App Store features make it easier than ever to:
✔ Discover local Kenyan apps faster.
✔ Save money with shared subscriptions.
✔ Avoid scams with privacy labels.
✔ Free up space with offloading.
If you’re looking for a new or refurbished iPhone to enjoy these features, check out Telefon.co.ke for the best deals in Kenya!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below or visit our forum to discuss more iPhone tips! 🚀
About the Author:
Drake Ocholi is the founder of Telefon, Kenya’s trusted marketplace for buying and selling iPhones. Follow us on social media for more tech guides!
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