The App Store wishlist feature allows you to save apps you may want to download later. Unfortunately, Apple removed this feature from the App Store in iOS 11. However, there are still ways to create and manage wishlists of apps you’re interested in.
Table of Contents
Use the Notes App to Create a Wishlist
The easiest way to create an App Store wishlist is by using the Notes app:
- Open the Notes app and create a new note
- Title it something like “App Store Wishlist”
- Go to the App Store and find an app you want to add to your wishlist
- Tap the “Share” button and select “Add to Notes”
- Select the wishlist note you created
- The app name, icon, and App Store link will be added to your wishlist note
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Syncs across devices with iCloud
- Allows you to add notes about each app
Cons:
- No organization features
- Can’t share individual apps
Use a Third-Party Wishlist App
There are also several third-party apps designed specifically for managing App Store wishlists:
Wishing Well
Wishing Well has advanced features like:
- Multiple wishlists
- Alerts for price drops
- Export/share wishlists
- Universal app
Pros: Great organization, alerts
Cons: Costs $2.99
GoWish
GoWish lets you:
- Access wishlists from any device
- Share via SMS, email, etc.
- Avoid duplicate gifts
- Follow friends’ wishlists
Pros: Easy sharing, gift registry
Cons: No price alerts
Add Apps Manually from Links
You can also create an App Store wishlist manually using app links:
- Create a note or document
- Add the name and App Store link for each app you want to save
- Revisit the list to view apps and prices
For example:
Pros: Simple, works on any device
Cons: Time consuming, no alerts
Tips for Managing Your Wishlist
- Review your wishlist every so often and remove apps you’re no longer interested in
- Take advantage of price drop alerts in third party wishlist apps
- Share your wishlist with others to avoid duplicate gifts
- Organize your wishlist into categories like Entertainment, Productivity, etc.
- Prioritize the apps you want the most so you know what to purchase first
Sharing Your Wishlist
Wishlists aren’t just for your own private use. You can also share them with family and friends:
- Share wishlist apps – Tap the share button on App Store links to share individual apps via Messages, Mail, etc. Include notes about why you want a certain app.
- Export a wishlist – Select all text in a Notes wishlist and copy/paste to share, or use the export feature in third party wishlist apps to share a tidy list.
- Share access – Give specific people access to view or collaborate on wishlists created in Notes or third party apps.
Sharing wishlists helps avoid duplicate gifts and also gives gift givers ideas of apps you actually want!
Wishlists for Kids
As a parent, App Store wishlists are useful for managing requests from your kids:
- Have your child create a shared note or use a kid-friendly wishlist app
- Review requested apps first to make sure they are age appropriate
- Set ground rules like 1 purchased app per week to manage app allowances
- Encourage kids to prioritize what they want most rather than an endless list
Teaching kids to utilize wishlists for their app requests teaches organization, decision making, and patience.
Conclusion
While the App Store no longer has a built-in wishlist feature, there are plenty of great alternatives. Using Notes, third-party apps, or manually tracking app links gives you flexibility in creating and managing wishlists tailored to your needs.
The key is finding a method that works for you. Consider factors like ease of use, organization, and sharing capabilities. Setting up wishlists for your own app ideas or for kids to request apps takes just a few minutes.
With a carefully curated App Store wishlist, you’ll never forget an app you wanted to download. Review it often to take advantage of sales or prioritize what to add to your Home Screen next.
