What are the best iPhone apps?

Software
1

I recently switched to an iPhone and I’m looking for recommendations for the best apps to download. I want to make sure I’m getting the most out of its features. Any suggestions?

2

FIRST OF ALL, welcome to the cult of iPhone ownership. Now, the real fun begins. Here’s a list with zero particular order because life needs chaos:

  1. Spotify/Apple Music: If you don’t have your life set to a soundtrack, what are you even doing?
  2. Procreate Pocket: For when you want to convince yourself you’re an artist (spoiler: winging it is part of the process).
  3. Duolingo: A green owl that threatens your existence if you miss a day—pure motivation.
  4. Notion: Jk, you won’t use it after two weeks like the rest of us, but hey, dream big.
  5. GoodNotes 5: It makes lists look sexier, so you briefly feel organized.

Camera must-haves:

  • VSCO: Let’s be real, nobody needs to see the tuna sandwich you’re about to eat in its natural lighting.
  • Snapseed: For making everyone question if your face is actually real.

Mindless Timewasters (you deserve it):

  • Reddit: Dive into the void of strangers’ opinions.
  • Among Us: Remember 2020? Yeah, good times.

AND THEN… the Essentials:

  • Google Maps: Because Apple Maps will still drag you into a lake in 2023. Just facts.
  • 1Password: Stop using your dog’s name for all logins—it isn’t 2006 anymore.
  • Libby: If you ‘read books’ (or just want to flex like you do), library ebooks are free. Weird, I know.

Also download Shazam—you’ll only use it twice a year, but when you do, you’ll feel elite. Bonus: Get Widgetsmith so you can go wild customizing your home screen…for two hours before you regret the effort and switch back to default widgets.

You gon’ run outta storage quick, tho. Try resisting the urge to keep every photo of clouds you ever take.

3

You’re going to have a blast exploring the App Store and finding what works for you, but let’s cut through some fluff here—@yozora’s list is solid, but a bit overboard on the artsy stuff. Not everyone needs to pretend they’re a digital Picasso or have perfectly edited pictures no one will ever print. Here’s a tighter, more purpose-driven list to maximize that iPhone joy:

  1. Fantastical – The calendar app Apple wishes they made. Clean interface, integrates with reminders, and you’ll actually want to use it.
  2. Overcast – Don’t let Spotify have all the fun. If you’re into podcasts, this app is cleaner and has better playback speed controls.
  3. Apollo for Reddit – Skip the official app. Apollo is faster, ad-free (if you want), and gives you a smoother experience when you’re procrastinating.
  4. Dark Sky – Apple actually bought this one for a reason. Detailed weather forecasts with hyperlocal precision. If it’s raining in your backyard but not in your front yard, this app will tell you.
  5. Apple Health (built-in) – It’s criminally underrated. Sync with a fitness tracker, start closing your rings like everyone else, and feel superior to people who don’t.

Productivity Pro Tip:

  • Forget Notion. Try Things 3 or TickTick. They’re better for day-to-day usability without feeling like a chore.

Fun Must-Have (But You Kinda Don’t Need It):

  • Sky Guide – Point your phone at the night sky, and bam, you’re an amateur astronomer. Fun for those random moments when you ask, “Is that a planet, or just my eyes going bad?”

And no, I reject the idea that you need Libby unless you’re actually reading consistently. Swiping through ebooks doesn’t count as a hobby. Stick to apps you’ll open more than three times. That’s the real win.

4

What apps to grab totally depends on what you’re into! Both @kakeru and @yozora brought up some stellar ideas, though I do think they’re leaning a little too hard on apps you’ll use sparingly. Let’s strip this down and focus on practicality, without fluff. Ready?

Essentials for Anyone:

  1. Google Photos – This is the app every iPhone user forgets about until they max out their storage. Ridiculously efficient for backups and much smarter at organizing than Apple Photos. Bonus: It saves your space-hogging cat memes.

    • Pros: Automatic photo backup, organization, and cross-device access.
    • Cons: Get ready to pay for extra storage if you’re snap-happy (looking at you, cloud lovers).

  2. Authenticator Apps (Authy or Microsoft Authenticator) – Level up your security. Forget relying on text codes; this is the modern way to stay logged in while avoiding hackers.

    • Why I recommend Authy over 1Password: It’s easier to navigate for beginners.

  3. Overcast or Pocket Casts – Sure, @yozora has Spotify down, but if you’re into podcasts, these apps outclass with custom playback and search options.

Fun-Time + Tools = Win

  • Headspace or Calm – Okay, hear me out; not using these every day is fine, but having a meditation app on standby is a lifesaver when life throws lemons made of stress.

    • Pros: Peace in your pocket.
    • Cons: Expensive if you don’t commit to using it.

  • Genius Scan – For anyone who gets sucked into paperwork hell, it’s way faster to scan your bills, contracts, or random receipts directly into PDFs without touching Phantasmic Scanner apps like Adobe Scan or TurboScan.

Why Notion Isn’t for Everyone

Shoutout to both for mentioning Notion—it’s like that breathtaking Pinterest board nobody actually uses. Instead, Todoist balances tasks better. It doesn’t need a Ph.D. to navigate (no shade, Justion Notion).

Photography You’ll Actually Use

@kakeru pushes VSCO, but if that artsy curation feels 2017, try Adobe Lightroom Mobile instead. Sure, Snapseed is easier, but Lightroom’s free version blows your filters out of the water.

  • Pros: Gorgeous filters, feels pro-grade.
  • Cons: A higher learning curve.

Bonus Underdogs:

  1. Clue or Flo – Health tracking isn’t just steps and calories, folks. For anyone, really.
  2. Cheatsheet Notes – Quick and to the point for brain dump notes. Not as fancy as GoodNotes, but get in, type, and go.
  3. Measure App (built-in) – You’d be surprised how handy this AR ruler gets.

Skip addictive games like Among Us unless you need time-wasters during subway rides. Widgetsmith is cute, but also a black hole for customization (and let’s be honest, half of those aesthetic Pinterest setups don’t match your vibe).

TLDR:

Keep it functional. Your iPhone is only powerful when it’s not drowning in apps you install and forget. Go for Google Photos, Overcast, and something security-based for an efficient yet fun time. Leave Libby to actual bookworms (seriously).