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TapKit can launch any installed app by its display name.

Basic Usage

Open an app by name:
phone.open_app("Safari")
phone.open_app("Settings")
phone.open_app("Messages")

Parameters

ParameterTypeDescription
app_namestrDisplay name of the app to open

App Names

Use the exact display name as shown on the home screen:
# Built-in apps
phone.open_app("Safari")
phone.open_app("Settings")
phone.open_app("Photos")
phone.open_app("Camera")
phone.open_app("Messages")
phone.open_app("Mail")
phone.open_app("Maps")
phone.open_app("Notes")
phone.open_app("Calendar")
phone.open_app("App Store")
phone.open_app("Music")

# Third-party apps (exact name as displayed)
phone.open_app("Twitter")  # or "X"
phone.open_app("Instagram")
phone.open_app("Slack")
phone.open_app("Chrome")
App names are case-sensitive. Use the exact name as it appears on the device.

Wait for App to Load

Apps take time to launch. Add appropriate delays:
# Open app
phone.open_app("Safari")

# Wait for app to fully load
time.sleep(1)

# Now interact with the app
phone.tap((phone.width // 2, 100))
Different apps have different load times:
# Light apps
phone.open_app("Calculator")
time.sleep(0.3)

# Heavy apps
phone.open_app("Instagram")
time.sleep(2)

Examples

Open Settings Section

# Open Settings
phone.open_app("Settings")
time.sleep(1)

# Scroll to find option
phone.flick(phone.screen.center, direction="up")
time.sleep(0.3)

# Tap an option (e.g., Wi-Fi)
phone.tap((phone.width // 2, 150))

Browser Automation

# Open Safari
phone.open_app("Safari")
time.sleep(1)

# Tap address bar
phone.tap((phone.width // 2, 80))
time.sleep(0.3)

# Type URL
phone.type_text("example.com")

# Submit (tap Go on keyboard)
phone.tap((phone.width - 50, phone.height - 50))

Switch Between Apps

# Start in Safari
phone.open_app("Safari")
time.sleep(1)

# Do something
phone.tap(phone.screen.center)

# Switch to Notes
phone.open_app("Notes")
time.sleep(1)

# Take note
phone.type_text("Task completed")

Verify App Opened

phone.open_app("Photos")
time.sleep(1)

# Take screenshot to verify
screenshot = phone.screenshot()

# Process screenshot to verify correct app
# (e.g., check for specific UI elements)

Tips

If the app doesn’t open, verify:
  • The exact app name (check home screen)
  • The app is installed on the device
  • Case matches exactly
If the app is already in the foreground, open_app will still succeed but may not cause any visible change.
Some apps show welcome screens or permission dialogs on first launch. Account for these in your automation.

Next Steps