The App Store is brimming with options, many of which are genuinely high-quality and offer real value to your daily life. Take scanner app for iPhone, for example — they can effortlessly transform your device into a portable document scanner, making it easier than ever to stay organized on the go. While this abundance is a great advantage, it can make selecting the right apps feel overwhelming.
Of course, the “best” app depends on individual needs, but we’ve handpicked four standout apps we consider essential. Covering categories like podcasts, navigation, and more, these apps showcase excellence in their respective fields and are well worth exploring.
1. Pocket Casts
While Apple Podcasts may be the default choice for many iPhone users, it’s not necessarily the best option. Pocket Casts is a standout alternative, offering features and design elements that might better suit your needs.
Having been around for years, Pocket Casts has consistently improved, combining a sleek and vibrant interface with an impressive array of features. You can trim silence, adjust playback speed, enhance voices over background noise, set a sleep timer, and more — making it a versatile tool for podcast enthusiasts.
The app also supports AirPlay, Chromecast, Sonos, and CarPlay, allowing you to listen across a variety of devices. Plus, with a companion Android app, Pocket Casts ensures a seamless experience even if you switch platforms — something not all podcast apps can promise.
2. Halide Mark II
Halide Mark II may not be for everyone, but it’s a must-have for photography enthusiasts looking to elevate their smartphone photography beyond simple point-and-shoot capabilities.
Photo editing application
This powerful app is packed with advanced tools like a Focus Loupe and Focus Peaking, offering precise control over your shots. Its Process Zero mode even lets you bypass Apple’s image processing for unfiltered results, while full manual controls empower you to fine-tune every detail.
Halide Mark II also enables macro photography, even on iPhones without a dedicated macro mode. Additional features include widgets, histograms, access to technical camera hardware readouts, and support for shooting in ProRAW, RAW, HEIC, or JPG formats. The app even offers in-app photo editing, making it a versatile tool for photographers.
If you own an iPhone 16 series device, you can take advantage of the Camera Control button to launch Halide instantly, with intuitive swipe gestures to adjust focus and exposure seamlessly.
Whether you’re looking for a robust replacement for the default camera app or a powerful companion to Apple’s offering, Halide Mark II is an essential tool for aspiring photographers. Keep in mind, though, that after a free trial, the app requires either a subscription or a one-time purchase, which may feel steep to some.
In short, if you’re serious about smartphone photography, Halide Mark II is well worth the investment.
3. Twilio Authy
In 2025, using two-factor authentication (2FA) is no longer optional — it’s essential for staying secure online. Whenever possible, opt for an authentication app or even a physical security key for maximum protection, as SMS-based 2FA is less secure.
While authenticator apps might not be the most thrilling category, they are absolutely essential. Among the options available, Twilio Authy stands out as one of the best.
Apps on iPhone
What sets Authy apart is its secure, encrypted cloud backups. This means you won’t lose access to your accounts, even if you lose the device where the app is installed. Plus, Authy supports multiple devices. When you add a verification token to the app on one device, it syncs seamlessly across all your devices — a feature not all authenticator apps provide.
Twilio Authy combines reliability, security, and convenience, making it a must-have tool for safeguarding your online presence.
4. Citymapper
Citymapper might not completely replace Google Maps or Apple Maps as your go-to navigation app, but in cities supported by the platform — and many major cities worldwide are — it can be a game-changer.
The app allows you to plan routes with ease, offering step-by-step directions and real-time updates for buses, trains, and ferries. You can track buses and trains as they approach, receive alerts when it’s time to get off, and even compare cab fares or locate nearby e-scooters. With live wait times and estimated arrival information, Citymapper provides a seamless urban navigation experience packed with practical features.
While it’s a robust and comprehensive tool for city travel, its utility is limited to the areas it covers — and not every city is included. However, if you live in or are visiting a supported city, Citymapper is a significant upgrade over the basic mapping services offered by Apple and Google.