So, you’ve just bought a new iPhone and are eager to fill it with the latest apps. Whether it’s the first time you’ve delved into the Apple ecosystem or are a veteran, you’re probably wondering what the best options are. The App Store features literally thousands of different apps to choose from, and opening it up can often be a daunting task.
Before you dive in, it’s important to consider the essentials. The everyday apps that come in handy for day-to-day use. Here’s our pick of the essential apps you should be downloading as soon as you get the phone out of the box.
iOS, unlike Android, does not come with automatic Google compatibility. This means that you won’t be able to have a Google search bar right on your home screen like you would with the latest Samsung phone. With that in mind, you’re probably going to want to install the Google app early on when you set up your new iPhone.
If you’re someone who searches a lot of queries online, the Google app will certainly be beneficial. Apple’s own-brand browser, Safari, is fine for this, allowing you to search terms in the address bar. Google, however, is better for quick searching, and you won’t have to interrupt any open tabs you have in Safari.
Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is not just one app: it’s a collection of many. The service, which launched in 2019, is a premium one that will appeal to anyone who misses the days of mobile games you simply paid for and played. For a monthly fee, Apple Arcade gives you access to hundreds of different games, with no extra charges in sight.
Apple Arcade has its own tab on the App Store, meaning it’s easy to get stuck in straight away. Whether you’re into puzzles, action, strategy or even interactive novels, Apple Arcade has something for everyone. If you’re looking to load up your new phone with the latest games, this is a far better solution than just downloading the first thing you see at the top of the rankings. And, with the library updating constantly, there’s always something new to play.
Houseparty
The latest smash-hit social app, Houseparty works as a sort of mash-up between Facetime and Jack’s Party Games. Houseparty allows you to host video calls with a number of friends, and gives you a range of options and games to play.
Houseparty means you can have a fun evening with friends even if you’re not all together and is ideal during self-isolation. While there’s a good chance that people will move on from Houseparty once lockdown has been lifted, it’s worth downloading and seeing for yourself.
Spotify
While you might be tempted to get involved with Apple Music now you have an iPhone, Spotify is still the most popular music streaming service, with its iOS app working perfectly with the iPhone. With the iPhone’s powerful speakers, Spotify is ideal for music on the go,
with the streaming quality being consistent on both WiFi and mobile data.
As well as Spotify, users have the options of Deezer and Apple Music, both of which have apps available for free on the app store. If you’re the someone who listens to a lot of music on the go, whether it’s in the car or walking, apps like these are an essential part of your iPhone experience.
Looking for something a bit more substantial than just scrolling through Twitter and Instagram? Pocket is for you. With this app, you’ll be able to save articles from around the web in order to read later on. Pocket syncs with the version in whatever browser you use, meaning you can save something on your computer and read it later on your phone.
Pocket is ideal if you’re looking to read more from your favourite sites but don’t have the time to browse very often. You can also use it to save any webpage you like, meaning you won’t be trying to remember a link to something you wanted to check out. It also downloads articles automatically, making it handy if you’re without any internet.
