How we install our apps
Why we install our apps this way
An app you can open from its icon. Improvements that reach you through the web. And a direct connection to the people who build it.
Most Circle apps are Progressive Web Apps, or PWAs: web applications designed to open in their own window from your Home Screen. Some products use a separate Mac download; each product page explains its supported devices.
How we install our apps
How to install on iPhone
- Choose your app on Circle in Safari. Follow its checkout or free-access instructions, then verify your access when asked.
- Wait for the app’s installation page. Add the app from that page, rather than saving the Circle homepage or product page.
- In Safari, tap Share, then Add to Home Screen. If Open as Web App appears, leave it turned on, then tap Add.
- Open the new icon. Your verified account and plan open in the app’s own window. Follow any remaining setup prompts.
Already have an account, or replacing your phone? Use “Already have access?” on your app’s product page. Verify with the same email and follow the instructions to open your existing app or move access to your new device.
How to install on Android
For an app that supports Android, open Circle in Chrome. Choose your app, follow its checkout or free-access instructions, and verify access when asked.
On the app’s installation page, open Chrome’s menu, choose Install and create shortcut, then Install. Some versions say Install app or Add to home screen instead. Follow the prompts, then open the new icon.
Why we build this way
Independent distribution
We can distribute our web apps directly and make improvements without an App Store review for each web update.
Costs we can manage
Our own web checkout helps us manage payment and distribution costs. You see the price and terms before choosing a plan.
Quicker improvements
We can publish fixes and improvements through our servers. You do not need to find a new App Store release for each change.
An icon you can keep close
For our PWAs, installation happens in your browser. No App Store account is needed to add the app to your Home Screen.
More ways to reach you
Web technology can serve phones, tablets and computers. Availability and features still depend on the particular app, device and browser.
A direct relationship
We manage your Circle account, subscriptions and support ourselves. When you need help, you can contact us directly.
How updates reach your app
Updates arrive through the web when your device is connected. An app may wait until you finish an activity, ask you to refresh, or update when you reopen it. An offline device cannot receive a new version immediately.
What a web app can and cannot do
Our PWAs use secure HTTPS connections and browser technology, including service workers where supported. They can feel like native apps, but iOS still controls permissions and device access.
A PWA does not have unrestricted access to your Contacts, Messages, background processing or system functions. Features needing deeper device access may require a native app. Check the product page for the features and devices supported today.
Read this in your language
Use the language menu at the top of this page for English, French, Spanish or Simplified Chinese. The same choices are available in the footer.
For another language, try your browser’s page translation. In Safari on iPhone, open the Page Menu and choose its translation option when available. Supported languages vary; automatic translation can miss details.
Our philosophy
Build once. Distribute directly. Keep improving. Stay close to the people who use it.