Those who want to make sure they have apps for their soon-to-arrive Apple Watches can now start browsing a new App Store on their iPhones that contains the apps built for the smartwatch.
When users open the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 8.2 or later (which is needed to pair with the Watch), they can browse by tapping on the App Store button. That reveals all of the currently-submitted Apple Watch apps, organized by category.
There are some expected offerings, like navigation apps, workout assistants and applications from Twitter and other social networks. But there are also applications that people may not have considered, like games designed to be played on a wrist. Seattle-area companies are well-represented in the store, with offerings from Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, the Omni Group and more.
Each app listing includes screenshot previews of what the app looks like on the Watch’s smaller screen, along with the usual screenshots of what the app does on the iPhone.
Because of the way Apple’s WatchKit software development kit works, all apps running on the Watch will need to have their companion apps installed on the iPhone.
Using the App Store today won’t do much for people who don’t yet have the smartwatch, aside from allowing them to look around and download apps that they can subsequently upload to the Watch once it arrives (through the same Apple Watch app).
The Apple Watch is first slated to show up on consumers’ doorsteps tomorrow, though that will be limited to buyers who were lucky enough to snag an early pre-order. For many others, Apple isn’t expecting Watches to ship until May or June.
