November 9, 2024
An iPhone 15 Pro home screen with festive decorations.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Although I take a look at and assessment a wide range of smartphones, together with Android telephones, my main gadget is my iPhone 15 Professional. Not solely is it my predominant gadget as a result of I just like the {hardware}, however I’m fairly vested within the Apple ecosystem — particularly in relation to apps from the App Retailer.

As you possibly can guess, my whole life is just about accessible on my iPhone. Not simply photographs and messages, but additionally all the apps I exploit every day. And whereas there’s no scarcity of nice iPhone apps, however these are those I couldn’t stay with out in 2023.

1Password

1Password 8 iOS app screenshots
1Password

1Password is likely one of the first apps I set up on each telephone I assessment, and it’s one I would like in an effort to do anything on any gadget, together with tablets and computer systems. Just about every thing nowadays wants a digital account with a password, and the important thing to maintaining all of that safe is a powerful password.

I’ve been utilizing 1Password for years and have a paid account that I feel is effectively price the fee. With 1Password, I’m in a position to generate lengthy and safe passwords with ease and maintain all of my login knowledge secure and safe with 1Password’s end-to-end encryption. I can simply autofill my account data after I want it, whether or not it’s in Safari or one other app.

I additionally take pleasure in utilizing 1Password to maintain different bits of knowledge safe, similar to driver’s licenses, Social Safety numbers, software program license keys, e-mail, financial institution accounts, bank cards, and extra. It’s all protected with a grasp password that solely I do know, and it may even let me find out about websites which might be compromised with a advice that I alter the password.

There’s little question that 1Password is actually an app I can not stay with out as a result of then I’d lose entry to every thing.

Twilio Authy

Twilio Authy 2FA app running on an iPhone.
Joe Maring / Digital Developments

On high of 1Password, I exploit Twilio Authy for two-factor authentication (2FA) for a number of accounts. It’s a reasonably bare-bones app, however it’s straightforward so as to add no matter account you wish to allow 2FA for simply by scanning a QR code or getting into a key manually.

Upon getting it arrange, you possibly can backup your keys and even allow it on a number of gadgets should you want it on multiple telephone. Codes refresh each 30 seconds, and you may simply copy and paste a code straight from Authy.

Google Photographs

Screenshots of the Google Photos app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

I take a variety of photographs and movies on my iPhone 15 Professional, particularly of my daughter. I like to verify I by no means lose these moments, so I exploit iCloud Photographs to make sure they’re synced on all my Apple gadgets. However I additionally use Google Photographs as a secondary backup as a result of, effectively, you possibly can’t ever have too many backups.

I additionally use Google Photographs as a result of I additionally take photographs with numerous Android telephones, just like the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel 8 Professional. Having Google Photographs on my iPhone 15 Professional lets me not solely again up my iPhone photographs, however I can even view and obtain photographs that I took with different gadgets. On high of that, I like trying again on the recollections that Google Photographs brings up, much like Apple’s personal Photographs app.

Household Album

Screenshots of the Family Album app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Talking of photographs and movies, Household Album is a crucial app for me and my household and closest buddies. I take a variety of photographs and movies of my daughter and her shenanigans, and I like sharing these moments with my household. However it will be annoying to ship dozens of pictures every day in group chats, and never everybody in my circle makes use of an iPhone and even social media. Enter Household Album.

With Household Album, I’m in a position to add these moments with my daughter to share with whoever I’ve invited to the app. Those that are invited are additionally in a position to add their photographs and movies into the album for everybody else to see. Every part is organized by yr and month, so it’s not simply an infinite picture stream like on my telephone.

Household Album additionally does some cute extras too. Each quarter, it should compile a brief video of assorted photographs and video clips from the previous three months that you could look again on and see how your youngster has grown. It additionally has a widget that brings up recollections from a yr in the past, and the app typically shares different moments from a couple of months earlier and even years in the past. You can even order eight free prints each month (you simply need to pay transport), in addition to different objects like picture books.

Although Household Album is fully free to make use of, there may be additionally a Premium tier with extra options. Premium unlocks longer video uploads (free is restricted to about two minutes), uploads from the pc, provides journal entries, and extra.

The app is simple to make use of and arrange for your entire household, and you may get notified at any time when there are new additions to the album.

Disneyland

Screenshots of the Disneyland app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

If you already know me in any respect, you could have observed that I’m going to Disneyland … so much. I’ve an annual go and solely stay a couple of miles away, so I’m going there as a lot as I can. And the Disneyland app at all times makes my journey clean crusing.

With the Disneyland app, you possibly can hyperlink your tickets or passes, even these for different folks. Along with your linked tickets, you’re in a position to make park reservations, be part of sure digital queues, order meals, make cell merchandise purchases with relevant reductions, and even make eating reservations for sit-down eating places. The Disneyland app can be the easiest way to view wait occasions for rides and leisure, take a look at restaurant menus, and even view your PhotoPass recollections.

There are additionally Genie+ and particular person Lightning Lanes that you could buy to get front-of-line entry at sure rides, although I personally don’t use this since I’m going so typically — it’s extra for out-of-town guests.

For those who’re planning a visit to Disneyland or Disney California Journey anytime quickly, I’d strongly advocate getting the app forward of time to streamline your journey.

RSVLTS

Screenshots of the RSVLTS app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

I found this clothes model this yr, and boy, let me inform you — it’s made fairly a dent in my pockets. However it’s so price it! If you’d like cool button-up shirts for no matter fandom you’re into, whether or not it’s Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Bluey, Godzilla, Avenue Fighter, Nickelodeon, or no matter else, RSVLTS (pronounced “Roosevelts”) possible has one thing for you. And there’s an app.

I browse the RSVLTS app typically, as RSVLTS has a number of new drops weekly. It’s straightforward to navigate, and you may favourite objects for later or join e-mail notifications when one thing comes again in inventory (issues can promote out very rapidly, relying on the fandom). Plus, RSVLTS has rewards factors that you’ll accumulate in a short time should you grow to be addicted like me, and you may get low cost codes for leaving evaluations.

RSVLTS additionally has “drop zone” designs which might be extraordinarily restricted in amount and are solely accessible within the app (these by no means present up on the web site). I typically miss out on these as a result of I overlook about it, however I managed to snag one or two this yr.

Why do I like these shirts, despite the fact that they’re a bit on the costly aspect? They’re gentle, light-weight, breathable, and tremendous snug. I choose the ladies’s cuts over the unisex/males’s ones, and sure designs are available child’s sizes, too. I’ve over 25 of those shirts in my possession, so I extremely advocate them. Try the app should you haven’t already (your pockets might not thank me).

Ivory for Mastodon

Screenshots of the Ivory for Mastodon app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

I finished utilizing Twitter (now often called X) since Tweetbot stopped working, however Mastodon has grow to be one in all my main new social networks since Tapbots, builders of Tweetbot, created Ivory.

Ivory is actually Tweetbot, however for Mastodon. The interface is what I grew accustomed to for a few years, so it feels pure and intuitive with the swipe and faucet gestures. It additionally has assist for a number of accounts, customized emojis from situations, polls, weekly stats, notifications, bookmarks, and extra.

Mastodon is probably not everybody’s social community of alternative, however in case you are prepared to offer it a attempt, Ivory is the easiest way to profit from it.

Threads

Screenshots of Threads app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Equally, I’ve additionally taken refuge on Threads. The interface for Threads remains to be fairly easy, and the algorithm appears to like displaying me accounts that I don’t observe, however typically have one thing in frequent with me. It additionally resurfaces posts from days in the past simply because somebody replied to them. Regardless of the failings, I nonetheless spend hours a day simply scrolling via it.

In comparison with Twitter, Threads is probably not as fleshed out, however it continues to roll out new options often. It didn’t begin with quote posts or animated GIFs, however it has these now. My Following tab generally simply doesn’t present a lot new exercise, however the For You tab does a reasonably good job of maintaining me entertained, no less than.

Threads remains to be in its infancy phases, however I’m trying ahead to seeing the way it grows and evolves. I’m undoubtedly having a greater time there than “the unhealthy place.”

Disney Emoji Blitz

Blue Titanium iPhone 15 Pro showing Disney Emoji Blitz.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Whereas we’re on the subject of apps that I spend hours on, Disney Emoji Blitz is actually the one cell sport that I play every day.

I’ve at all times been a sucker for Match 3 puzzle video games, and Disney Emoji Blitz is that. You’ve 60 seconds to match the emojis, filling up the Blitz Mode meter with every match. In Blitz Mode, you earn extra factors primarily based in your stage multiplier, and it additionally extends the clock by 5 seconds. It’s a reasonably easy idea, so why do I maintain coming again to play?

It’s the collectible facet, I suppose. I take pleasure in spending in-game cash to buy bins for brand new emojis or powering up ones I’ve if I get a replica. There are additionally loads of in-game occasions that introduce new emojis, typically coinciding with a brand new Disney film or tv present, in addition to challenges. I additionally buy the month-to-month quest go to get all the additional prizes every month, which often ends with an unique new emoji.

This is likely one of the solely cell video games that I merely take pleasure in as a result of I just like the style, and it’s Disney, which is a giant a part of my life. It’s additionally simply one in all my escapes at any time when I’ve downtime. Type of like a responsible pleasure, you already know?

Day One

Screenshots for Day One app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

I’ve not too long ago began choosing up journaling once more after getting lazy with it, and Day One is my app of alternative. I’ve had Day One Premium for years, and I feel it’s price the fee should you’re prepared to take the time to utilize it.

Day One has modified fairly a bit because it first got here out, however it’s nonetheless a beautiful app. You’ll be able to have a number of journals, and all entries assist photographs and video attachments, audio clips, recordsdata, PDFs, and extra. You can even connect a location to entries, which is nice if you wish to see all of the locations you’ve been to should you journey so much.

And should you typically get author’s block or don’t know what to journal about, Day One has assist for templates that will help you rapidly jot issues down and transfer on. There are even reminders that will help you bear in mind to journal. Day One has cloud syncing, so your journal goes wherever you go, and it’s additionally encrypted.

Screenshots of Widgy app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Ever since iOS 14 allowed for extra customization, Widgy Widgets has grow to be a staple for me. It lets me make my iPhone really feel extra customized by permitting me so as to add enjoyable and distinctive widgets to my dwelling display pages.

With Widgy, you possibly can create small, medium, or massive widgets. The app packs in a variety of prospects for widgets, and you may create your individual and even browse submissions from the sturdy group. For those who do make one from scratch, it’s sort of like Photoshop for widgets. It’s a bit overwhelming at occasions, however all the choices make it potential to create virtually something you would consider.

Once I choose a widget from Widgy, I maintain it the identical for some time till I really feel like altering it up once more. I usually go for extra informative ones that embrace the climate, time, and perhaps one thing additional right here or there. It doesn’t matter what you’re in search of in a widget, Widgy will possible have one thing for you.

Fb

Screenshots of Facebook app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Okay, sure, everybody’s heard of this one. You may use it already, too, or perhaps you hate it and assume it’s lame. However Fb is an app that I exploit very steadily on my telephone, however not essentially in the best way you might assume.

I don’t actually ever see posts from my closest buddies, nor do I actively exit of my means to take action. As an alternative, I’ve joined a variety of numerous teams and pages on Fb that relate to issues I like, similar to Disneyland and even RSVLTS, which I discussed earlier. I exploit Fb to maintain updated on the most recent updates for these subjects, whether or not it’s no matter new merchandise drops at Disney theme parks or about how cool the most recent RSVLTS collections are.

As an alternative of simply maintaining in contact with buddies from highschool that I don’t actually speak to, I’m socializing with others who’ve a standard curiosity with me. This takes up a variety of my day.

Instagram

Screenshots of the Instagram app on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Like Fb, I additionally spend a variety of time simply scrolling via Instagram. I’m not a fan of the truth that I barely see posts from folks I observe anymore as a result of algorithm, however it has confirmed to be entertaining in different features.

I like Instagram as a result of the algorithm offers me memes which might be relatable or amusing, which I find yourself spamming my husband with. It’s additionally one other means for me to maintain up with new merchandise drops at Disney theme parks or from the small retailers that I observe. I’m additionally the sort of one that posts Tales often, and I typically wish to observe my buddies’ Tales as effectively.

CARROT Climate

Carrot Weather app for iPhone.
Jesse Hollington / Digital Developments

Although I stay in Southern California, the place seasons virtually don’t exist, I nonetheless must test the climate every day as winter approaches. We had a moist winter final yr, and it’s rumored to occur once more this winter, so I should be ready when I’ve plans.

I’ve been utilizing CARROT Climate for years, and it’s my favourite strategy to get my every day forecast. CARROT is well-known for its snarky commentary, which regularly displays the state of present affairs. I like the humor, although I do know that it isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Nonetheless, I feel it provides a enjoyable contact to getting your climate data.

Whereas I’m nonetheless upset that Apple purchased Darkish Sky and killed the app, CARROT Climate does have a format that mimics what you bought in Darkish Sky. I’ve been utilizing it for a extra streamlined means of seeing the forecast, however different layouts can be found, too. It’s all extremely customizable, and you may even view issues like likelihood of precipitation, wind velocity and gusts, humidity ranges, and extra.

For essentially the most half, CARROT Climate can be fairly correct, and it’s been extra right than Apple’s native Climate app for me more often than not.

Fantastical Calendar

Screenshots of Fantastical on iPhone.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Although the iPhone comes with the native Calendar app, I sort of hate it. From the format views (the month-to-month view is so ineffective) to the best way you create new occasions, it’s simply by no means labored for me. As an alternative, I exploit Fantastical.

Fantastical has been a staple on my iPhone for years. It has an precise helpful month view, a hybrid month and agenda view, and a extra compact weekly view. Regardless of which one you’re taking a look at, it’s straightforward to see what your calendar occasions truly are, particularly if there’s multiple on a single day.

The opposite large motive I like utilizing Fantastical over the native Calendar is its assist for pure language enter. This lets me simply create occasions simply by typing a daily sentence, similar to “Espresso with Mary at Starbucks at 10 a.m.,” and it’ll fill out all the main points of the occasion as I sort, slightly than having to maneuver from enter discipline to enter discipline. Places mechanically get pulled up when you sort, too, making it straightforward to pick out the situation you need.

Fantastical helps a number of calendars and can even pull the native calendars that you’ve synced with iOS. And should you use the native iOS Reminders app, you possibly can view your duties proper in Fantastical, too.

Withings Well being Mate

Screenshots taken from the Withings Health Mate app, showing BPM Connect's data.
Andy Boxall / Digital Developments

Although my Apple Watch Extremely is my main well being tracker, I exploit a few Withings merchandise for different issues that the Apple Watch isn’t able to monitoring but. This features a sensible blood strain cuff and a wise scale. I additionally wish to put on the ScanWatch to sleep because it’s not as cumbersome as my Apple Watch Extremely.

The Well being Mate app reveals all of my well being knowledge from my Withings merchandise in an intuitive and streamlined interface. Tapping on any metric lets me see extra element of it, together with a graph with traits and modifications, in addition to a full breakdown.

It could appear extraneous when I’ve an Apple Watch, however Apple doesn’t have a wise scale or blood strain cuff but, so till it does, I’ll maintain utilizing Withings Well being Mate for these features.

Oura

iPhone 15 Pro showing Oura app, with Oura Ring and Apple Watch Ultra next to it.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

One other side of my well being app repertoire is the Oura Ring. I’ve been carrying Oura Ring for a number of years now, and it’s one in all my favourite wearables as a result of it’s a lot much less noticeable than one thing like an Apple Watch Extremely. It’s additionally a lot simpler to put on to bel because it’s a hoop, and it does a unbelievable job of monitoring my sleep.

Nonetheless, understand that for Oura, you’ll want a premium subscription to get any precious knowledge from the app. In any other case, it’s fairly ineffective. I’ve a premium subscription as a result of I discover the info precious and significantly better than what Apple has for Apple Watch sleep monitoring.

Within the Oura app, I wish to see how I slept with knowledge like effectivity, restfulness, latency, and extra — along with the sleep phases, time asleep, and my coronary heart price variability (HRV). I additionally discover the Readiness rating and knowledge helpful to know, because it’s affected by my sleep and offers me a good suggestion of what to anticipate energy-wise for the day (and the way I can enhance it for subsequent time).

A brand new characteristic that Oura not too long ago added is stress ranges, which I’ve discovered attention-grabbing to look again on. Once I see I’ve hit peak stress ranges, it makes me assume again about why I felt that means and if I can keep away from it subsequent time.

These are my most necessary apps

Blue Titanium iPhone 15 Pro showing home screen with widgets.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Because the iOS App Retailer launched in 2008, I’ve most likely downloaded hundreds of apps through the years. However a variety of these apps have since come and gone, as they’ve ben wither deserted, pulled, or simply by no means up to date for contemporary telephones. It’s not shocking when you think about that the App Retailer has almost2 million apps.

The truth is, I simply took a glance, and I’ve 611 apps which might be at present put in on my iPhone 15 Professional (that 1TB storage turns out to be useful!). However the apps that I’ve talked about listed below are those that I’d by no means be capable to do with out this yr — and I’ll virtually actually maintain counting on them all through 2024.

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