Are you eagerly anticipating the purchase of a new iPhone, perhaps the latest iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro? Beyond just communication, these powerful devices have the potential to transform into versatile tools, thanks to the multitude of apps available on the Apple App Store. Whether you’re looking to turn your iOS 17-powered handset into a fitness tracker, an encyclopedia, or a language-learning tool, the possibilities are endless.
Navigating the vast sea of applications on the App Store, which boasts millions of options, can be overwhelming. To help you discover the cream of the crop, this guide is designed to unveil the top apps and hidden gems for your iPhone. From photo editing to social networking, messaging to staying organized, and even managing your health, we’ve categorized our favourites to make it easier for you to find the apps that align with your interests.
Top picks for iPhone apps in 2023
Gmail (5.0)
Google’s email app, Gmail, is a fantastic communication tool that supports mail accounts from various providers. While it may not integrate your calendar like Outlook, it offers a smooth and fast experience, making email management more straightforward than the preinstalled Apple Mail app. With a feature allowing you to undo sending within five seconds, it adds an extra layer of convenience.
Kik
Kik stands out among messaging apps by requiring only a username, eliminating the need to share your phone number. Boasting over 6,000 bots in its store, Kik was ahead of the curve in the realm of artificial conversationalists. Group chat, photo and video sharing, and gaming contribute to the app’s appeal, particularly among a younger audience.
Microsoft Outlook (4.5)
Microsoft Outlook’s mobile email app is lightweight, flexible, and supports nearly every email account. With an integrated calendar and a Focused inbox for important messages, it offers a comprehensive solution. The app, which is frequently updated, is free and even includes an Apple Watch app and 3D Touch support.
Skype (4.0)
As one of the best free communication tools for the iPhone, Skype allows video calls, rich texting with animated emojis, and a selection of informative and entertaining bots. Whether calling or chatting with other Skype users for free or purchasing credit for calls to any phone number, landline, or mobile, Skype provides a versatile communication platform.
Spark Mail
Spark Mail combines a sleek interface with intelligent email organization, categorizing your emails into logical groups like Personal, Newsletters, and Notifications. It supports multiple accounts, offers customizable swipe actions, and allows you to pin important emails or snooze emails for later.
Chegg eReader
Every college student is familiar with handing over several 100-dollar bills and lugging many pounds of textbooks from the campus store. Chegg’s goal is to take some of the pain out of that process. The app lets you rent, buy, or sell books. The company offers study apps, too.
Duolingo
Could your learning a new language somehow add value to other people all over the world? It’s a strange idea, but one that’s playing out when you use the free language learning app Duolingo. As far as free, language-learning apps go, the Duolingo iPhone app is easily the best. A recent update makes your next lessons available offline, so you can continue learning even when you’re not connected to the Internet.
Elevate
Elevate offers training in writing, listening, speaking, reading, and math. You can set your goals, and after you’ve completed some engaging exercises, it graphically shows your performance in each of these categories. Unlocking all content costs $39.99 per year, but you can try everything free for 30 days. Go ahead: Make yourself smarter!
NASA
NASA has released many iPhone apps, most of them with a specific focus (NASA Television, ISSLive, NASA Space Weather). However, this is the space agency’s flagship app, and, in that role, it aggregates a wide range of NASA content. Space enthusiasts and curious minds will love how it packs a wealth of news stories, features, images, videos, and information about the space agency’s activities into this one mobile app.
Wikipedia
Half the fun of having a smartphone is looking things up when you’re in the middle of a bar bet—and hopefully being right. Wikipedia is the go-to source for fact-checking in the mobile age, and the Wikipedia app usually returns results faster than a mobile search engine.
Crunchyroll (4.0)
If you love anime (or live-action Asian TV), Crunchyroll is the ad-free streaming service for you. It offers tens of thousands of episodes, shows simulcast from overseas, and numerous services fans crave, including social interaction features. We do wish, however, that it had a Netflix-like recommendation feature.
Hulu (4.0)
Hulu is the best service for legally streaming new and classic domestic and international TV programs soon after they air, and the service offers some excellent films as well as a notably extensive anime collection. You can even stream live content with a Hulu with Live TV subscription.
Tubi (4.0)
Tubi is an awesome video streaming service with thousands of mainstream movies and TV shows to watch free of charge. You may not always get the newest releases, and you’ll have to sit through ads, but your wallet will thank you. Just be sure to stay connected to the internet when watching on mobile, as the app doesn’t support offline downloads.
Vimeo (3.5)
Vimeo is the grownup’s version of YouTube. With a higher quality level in general, you’ll find art films and independent projects, as well as animation, sports, music, instruction, and comedy. No more being overwhelmed with cats, memes, and skateboard wipeout videos. Not to mention the ads and the uncivil comments found on the incumbent internet video service. Fave and share, follow users who post videos you like, add to your Watch Later set, and save videos for offline viewing. Among some slick interface features is a PiP player, for while you explore other parts of the app.
As you embark on your journey with the latest iPhone, these apps are sure to enhance your experience, whether you’re communicating, organizing, or simply having fun. Stay tuned for updates as new and exciting apps continue to make their mark on the App Store in 2023.
