Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokémon has some interesting ways to evolve Pokemon, and Applin certainly falls into that category. Applin can evolve into Flapple or Appletun, but you'll need special items to get there.
How to evolve Applin into Flapple or Appletun in Pokémon Sword and Shield
To evolve Applin, you need to find special items that can evolve into Flapple or Appletun.
- Apple Tart - Evolves Applin into Flapple
- Sweet Apple - evolves Applin into Appletun
What's really interesting is that Flapple is exclusive to Pokémon Sword and Appletun is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, you can swap Pokémon between players so that you can still have them both in your game if you find someone playing a different version than yours.
To get Apple Pie and Sweet Apple, the process is the same in both games. When you get to Hammerlock, after the third Gym Battle, go down the ramp and head to the area with the Poké Mart.
Turn left and continue to a large arch with a coach near the grass. This area will be after crossing a wooden bridge. Make sure you have an Applin on your team, then talk to that coach until you see the “I don't have” speech option. They'll take the Applin, so talk to them again and at the end of the conversation you'll get the Apple Pie or the Sweet Apple.
Now go to your bag, scroll down to “Others” and use it on your Applin. They will instantly evolve, and there is no need to.