Huawei is redesigning AppGallery on its smartwatches, adding a search bar and app categories that have been missing for years.
- A search bar now sits at the top of AppGallery, replacing the old approach of scrolling through a long list to find an app.
- Apps are sorted into categories including Rankings, New, Tools and Navigation, similar to what phone app stores have offered for over a decade.
- A new switch separates app browsing from managing installed apps.
- Each listing now shows an icon, name, short description and a clear install or “Installed” button.
- The update is rolling out now to existing Huawei smartwatches.
- App selection itself remains limited. Huawei has not announced any expansion of the wearable app catalogue alongside the redesign.
What it means for us
Huawei’s wearable app store has been one of the weakest parts of its smartwatch lineup, so this is overdue rather than impressive. A search bar and categories are table stakes that Garmin’s Connect IQ Store, Apple’s App Store and Google Play have had for years.
The bigger issue is what’s in the store, not how it’s organised. Until Huawei attracts more third-party developers to build wearable apps, a tidier shopfront doesn’t change much for runners or cyclists choosing between ecosystems.
Quick answers
What changed in Huawei's smartwatch AppGallery?
Huawei added a search bar, app categories, a switch between browsing and managing installed apps, and clearer listings with icons and descriptions. The update is rolling out now.
Does Huawei's AppGallery have as many apps as Garmin Connect IQ or Apple's App Store?
No. The redesign improves how apps are presented but does not expand the catalogue, which remains limited compared with competing platforms.
Related: the best running watch guide and the release radar.
Last Updated on 30 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
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Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
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- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
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Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
