Got a new iPhone 12, 12 Pro, or Pro Max? Whether you’re upgrading or switching over, the right apps can seriously level up your experience. We’ve rounded up the must-have apps that make life easier, more fun, and just better all around. Whether you’re into editing photos, staying organized, or just killing time, there’s something here for you.
1. ReciMe
We designed ReciMe to be the recipe organizer we always wished we had. With all the recipes stored in one place and always on phones, it’s easier than ever to cook what we love without digging through folders, screenshots, or browser tabs.
The app also has features to help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping and meal planning. ReciMe automatically creates smart grocery lists based on recipes and sorts them by supermarket aisle or by recipe. Whether you’re trying to save time, cut down on food waste, or stick to a meal plan, ReciMe helps you stay on track without the usual hassle.
The app is available for download on iPhone, so everything you need is always just a tap away. We also have an active community on Instagram and Facebook where we share ideas, tips, and inspiration with others who love cooking and planning.
Key Benefits:
- Keeps all recipes saved and accessible on our phones
- Instantly creates smart grocery lists based on what you want to cook
- Helps you meal plan with tools designed to match real-life routines
- Designed to reduce the stress of shopping, planning, and cooking
Designed For:
- Home cooks who want a simpler way to stay organized
- Anyone tired of scattered recipe collections
- People looking for a smarter, faster way to plan meals
Just try it – you’ll love it:
There are some other apps you might be interested in as well.
2. TikTok
TikTok is a mobile app for watching and creating short vertical videos. Users can record clips, add music or sounds, apply visual effects, and share them with others on the platform. The app features an endless scroll format where videos appear based on user interactions and viewing history.
It has a wide range of content, including tutorials, humor, personal updates, and trend-based challenges. Users can explore videos without following anyone, as the app automatically shows a feed of recommended content. Posting, browsing, or interacting with others can all be done within the app.
Key Benefits:
- Offers simple video creation and editing tools
- Provides content recommendations based on viewing habits
- Hosts a broad mix of video categories and topics
- Supports direct messaging and comment interaction
Designed For:
- People who like quick entertainment
- Anyone who enjoys making and editing videos
- Users looking to stay on top of internet trends
3. Snapseed
Snapseed is a photo editing app that offers a variety of tools for adjusting images. It includes basic features like cropping and rotating, along with more advanced options such as selective edits, filters, and tuning controls.
Users can open a photo, apply edits, and either save the result or export a copy. The app provides control over brightness, contrast, sharpness, and other detailed settings, making it suitable for both quick fixes and more precise adjustments.
Key Benefits:
- Offers a range of editing tools for photos
- Includes both automatic and manual adjustment options
- Supports non-destructive editing with undo history
- Allows export of edited photos in JPEG or the original format
Designed For:
- People who take and edit photos on their phone
- Users looking for more control than built-in photo apps
- Those who want to apply detailed edits without a subscription
4. Instagram
Instagram is a social media app centered around photo and video sharing. Users can post content to their feed, share temporary Stories, or send direct messages. The app includes features like filters, image editing tools, and the ability to tag other accounts or add location info.
In addition to personal sharing, it also functions as a platform for following others, browsing visual content, and exploring suggested posts. Reels and Live video features allow for real-time or short-form video sharing, often based on popular trends.
Key Benefits:
- Combines photo, video, and messaging in one app
- Includes tools for editing and enhancing media
- Offers algorithm-based content suggestions
- Allows private or public sharing based on user settings
Designed For:
- People who share or view visual content
- Users who want to keep up with friends or creators
- Anyone using social media to follow trends or updates
5. Spotify
Spotify is a streaming app for music, podcasts, and audio content. Users can search for songs, build playlists, or listen to curated mixes. Content can be played on demand or shuffled, depending on the type of account.
The app also includes features like offline listening (for premium users), suggested playlists, and podcast subscriptions. Playback controls, repeat options, and cross-device syncing are included as part of the core experience.
Key Benefits:
- Access to a wide range of music and podcast content
- Allows playlist creation and library organization
- Offers both free and paid listening options
- Supports listening across multiple devices
Designed For:
- Music listeners with varied tastes
- Podcast fans looking for a central app
- People who want access to audio content on the go
6. YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can upload, watch, and interact with video content. It includes everything from how-to guides and vlogs to music videos and live streams. Videos are searchable by keyword, and users can subscribe to channels for updates.
The app also includes options for liking, commenting, saving to playlists, and downloading videos for offline viewing (with a premium account). Users can customize their experience through subscriptions and watch history.
Key Benefits:
- Hosts a wide range of video content across categories
- Allows channel subscriptions and video notifications
- Offers tools for saving and organizing favorite content
- Includes video upload and editing options for creators
Designed For:
- Viewers who watch a variety of video types
- Users who follow content creators or channels
- People who want access to tutorials, reviews, or entertainment
7. Notion
Notion is a workspace app that combines note-taking, task management, and document organization. Users can create pages with text, tables, to-do lists, and more, all in a customizable layout. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to structure information in a way that fits your workflow.
The app supports shared workspaces for collaboration, as well as personal pages for private notes. Content can be linked, nested, and rearranged as needed, making it useful for both individual use and team projects.
Key Benefits:
- Combines notes, tasks, and documents in one place
- Supports rich content types like tables and checklists
- Allows workspace sharing and collaboration
- Offers customization for organizing information
Designed For:
- Users managing tasks and projects
- People who take structured or detailed notes
- Teams looking for a shared digital workspace
8. Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is an email and calendar app used for managing communication and scheduling. It supports multiple email accounts, a built-in calendar, and tools for sorting messages. Users can access features like focused inbox, swipe actions, and scheduled sends.
The calendar includes event creation, reminders, and meeting coordination. Outlook can also connect with other Microsoft services for added integration across devices.
Key Benefits:
- Combines email, calendar, and contacts in one app
- Supports account syncing across platforms
- Includes tools for organizing and scheduling
- Offers customizable inbox settings
Designed For:
- People managing multiple email accounts
- Users who need a calendar built into their email
- Professionals coordinating meetings and tasks
9. Google Maps
Google Maps is a navigation and mapping app used for finding directions, exploring locations, and checking traffic conditions. It offers turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, cycling, and public transit. Users can search for places, get estimated travel times, and view real-time traffic updates.
The app also includes features like Street View, location sharing, and saved lists for favorite spots. It supports both local exploration and long-distance route planning.
Key Benefits:
- Provides multiple modes of navigation
- Offers real-time traffic and travel info
- Includes local business listings and reviews
- Allows location saving and sharing
Designed For:
- Drivers, walkers, and public transit users
- Travelers exploring new areas
- Anyone needing route planning or directions
10. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows text, voice, and video communication over the internet. Users can chat one-on-one or in groups, send media files, and make encrypted voice or video calls. It uses your phone number for account setup and syncs with your contacts.
The app includes features like voice notes, status updates, and disappearing messages. It works across mobile and desktop with web access and backup options.
Key Benefits:
- Supports text, voice, and video messaging
- Uses end-to-end encryption for messages
- Allows group chats and media sharing
- Works across mobile and desktop
Designed For:
- People who prefer internet-based messaging
- Users looking for simple cross-platform chat
- Those communicating internationally or in groups
11. Lightroom
Lightroom is a photo and video editing app designed for adjusting and organizing images. It offers tools for color correction, exposure control, cropping, and presets. Edits can be made manually or with one-tap enhancements.
Photos can be sorted into albums, tagged, and synced across devices. The app supports both basic adjustments and more detailed edits for users who want more control over how their photos look.
Key Benefits:
- Includes advanced editing tools for mobile photos
- Offers preset filters and manual adjustments
- Supports syncing with other Adobe products
- Allows organization and tagging of images
Designed For:
- Users who want detailed photo editing options
- People organizing and storing image collections
- Those familiar with or using Adobe workflows
12. Netflix
Netflix is a streaming app where users can watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. It allows browsing by genre, creating watchlists, and streaming across devices. Users can also download select titles to watch offline.
Profiles can be set up for individual users, each with its own viewing history and recommendations. Parental controls and subtitle options are also available for more personalized viewing.
Key Benefits:
- Offers a wide selection of video content
- Supports offline downloads for certain titles
- Allows profile creation for multiple users
- Streams across phones, tablets, and TVs
Designed For:
- Viewers who want on-demand access to shows and movies
- People who share one account with others
- Users who watch content across different devices
13. Overcast
Overcast is a podcast player app that lets users subscribe to, download, and listen to podcasts. It includes standard playback controls, speed adjustments, and options to trim silence from episodes.
The app supports playlist creation and offers recommendations based on listening history. It also allows for offline listening and custom notification settings for new episodes.
Key Benefits:
- Provides tools for organizing and managing podcasts
- Includes playback speed and audio trimming options
- Supports offline listening
- Allows playlist creation and subscriptions
Designed For:
- Regular podcast listeners
- Users looking for more control over playback
- People who subscribe to multiple podcast shows
14. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is a note-taking app that allows users to write by hand, type, or annotate documents. Notes can be organized into digital notebooks and customized with templates, colors, and imported files.
The app supports Apple Pencil for handwriting input and includes features like shape detection, search, and PDF annotation. Notes sync across devices using iCloud.
Key Benefits:
- Supports handwriting and typed input
- Allows file import and PDF annotation
- Includes organization tools like folders and tags
- Works with Apple Pencil and iCloud
Designed For:
- Students taking handwritten or structured notes
- Professionals reviewing and marking up documents
- Users who want to organize notes across devices
15. Fantastical
Fantastical is a calendar and scheduling app that syncs with existing calendars and offers event creation, reminders, and scheduling tools. It supports natural language input, allowing users to type events in plain English.
The app includes multiple calendar views, time zone support, and integration with tasks and weather data. It can be used across devices and supports shared calendars for team use.
Key Benefits:
- Allows quick event entry using natural language
- Syncs with other calendar services
- Includes features like reminders and weather info
- Supports shared calendars for coordination
Designed For:
- Users who manage busy schedules
- People needing cross-device calendar access
- Anyone coordinating events or meetings
16. Duolingo
Duolingo is a language learning app that uses short lessons to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Lessons are structured as quick activities, often involving translation, matching words, and speaking exercises.
Users can track progress through levels, set daily goals, and revisit past lessons. The app covers a wide range of languages and uses reminders and streaks to encourage regular use.
Key Benefits:
- Offers short, structured language lessons
- Tracks user progress and daily practice
- Supports a wide variety of languages
- Includes speaking, listening, and reading exercises
Designed For:
- Beginners starting a new language
- Users looking for daily language practice
- People learning casually on their own schedule
17. Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing app used for virtual meetings, calls, and webinars. It supports one-on-one and group video calls, along with screen sharing and chat functions. Meetings can be scheduled or started instantly.
The app works across devices and includes features like breakout rooms, background options, and recording. Participants can join with or without accounts, depending on the meeting settings.
Key Benefits:
- Supports video calls and screen sharing
- Includes scheduling and calendar integration
- Works across mobile and desktop devices
- Offers features like chat and meeting recordings
Designed For:
- Professionals hosting virtual meetings
- Students attending online classes
- Friends or families connecting remotely
18. Shazam
Shazam is an audio recognition app that identifies music playing nearby. Users tap a button to let the app listen, and it returns the song title, artist, and album info if matched.
It also links to streaming platforms for easy listening and keeps a history of all identified tracks. Shazam can run in the background to catch songs automatically.
Key Benefits:
- Identifies songs by listening to audio
- Saves a history of tagged tracks
- Connects to streaming apps for playback
- Works with minimal user interaction
Designed For:
- Music listeners curious about unknown tracks
- People who discover songs on the go
- Users who want to track music finds
19. 1Password
1Password is a password manager that stores login details, secure notes, and other sensitive data in a digital vault. It requires a master password to unlock and uses encryption to protect user information.
The app can generate strong passwords, autofill logins, and sync across devices. It also supports two-factor authentication and allows sharing of credentials with trusted contacts.
Key Benefits:
- Stores and encrypts passwords securely
- Supports password generation and autofill
- Syncs data across multiple platforms
- Includes tools for sharing and managing logins
Designed For:
- Users managing many online accounts
- People concerned with digital security
- Anyone looking for password convenience
20. VSCO
VSCO is a photo editing app that combines filters, adjustment tools, and a built-in gallery for sharing images. Users can apply presets or make manual edits like adjusting exposure, contrast, and saturation.
The app also includes a feed for posting and viewing content, though it focuses more on editing than social interaction. Images can be saved locally or exported to other platforms.
Key Benefits:
- Offers photo filters and manual editing tools
- Allows saving and exporting edited images
- Includes a personal gallery and limited social features
- Supports both quick edits and detailed adjustments
Designed For:
- People editing photos for personal use or sharing
- Users who prefer a minimal editing interface
- Creators focusing on visual style and tone
Final Thoughts
With so many great apps out there, finding the right ones for your iPhone 12, 12 Pro, or Pro Max can make a big difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re organizing meals, editing photos, streaming content, or just staying in touch, the right app can save time and make things feel a bit easier. Try out a few from this list and see which ones actually fit into your day-to-day life. Sometimes it’s not about having the most apps – just the ones that work best for you.
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