Besides its great features as a music and media player, the iPod touch is very appealing thanks to its ability to run apps from the App Store.
These programs ran the gamut from games to ebook readers to informational tools to social networking apps. Some cost a dollar or two; thousands are free.
But, unlike traditional programs, apps downloaded from the App Store aren't run on your computer; they only work on devices running the iOS. Which leads to the question: how do you sync apps to the iPod touch?
- The first step is to identify the app you want to download. Go to the iTunes Store and select the App Store from the tabs across the top.
- Once you’re there, search or browse for the app you want.
- Download the app and pay for it, if required.
- The app will automatically be added to your iTunes library in the Applications section on the left. Unless you've changed your settings, iTunes syncs apps to the iPod touch by default.
- Sync your iPod touch with your computer and it will automatically be added to your iPod touch. Now it's ready to use.
Apps Not Approved by Apple
That process only works if you're buying apps from the App Store. There are other iPod touch programs that haven't been approved by Apple. In fact, there’s even an alternative app store, through a program called Cydia.
Those apps can only be installed and used if you’ve gone through a process called jailbreaking, which opens up the iPod for use with non-Apple-approved software. This process is tricky, though, and can cause problems with the iPod touch that can be so serious that an iPod needs to have all its data erased.
Though you can find apps that do some pretty interesting things for jailbroken iPod touches, I'd caution you to be very careful in pursuing this path. Only try it if you're expert with your iPod and willing void your warranty or take the risk to really mess up your iPod touch.
Got a tech support question? Ask it in the discussion forums.
Want tips like this delivered to your inbox every week? Subscribe to the free weekly iPhone/iPod email newsletter.
