There’s an app for everything, it seems. There are apps for managing your schedule, managing your music, managing your business and your home…there is even an app for managing your LEGOs. That’s right; you can download an iPhone app that includes over 100 sets of instructions for creating things out of LEGOs!
The choice among apps is great, but with over 425,000 apps available in the iPhone App Store alone, how can someone find the app they really need? To make it easier to find the best app for your purpose, 200 of the top iPhone apps are broken down by category below.
Apps to Better Health
Everyone knows a key part of good health is exercise. Gyms and personal trainers abound, but not everyone has time or money for these services. On top of exercise, individuals need to worry about eating right, taking care of medications, and proper disease management.
1. Nike Training Club. Anyone can have a personal trainer right in their pocket! This app contains 60 custom workouts, and also lets you unlock additional workouts and content through a rewards program.
2. Navy Seals Fitness. This app contains everything a person needs to know to become as fit as a Navy Seal. Converted from the Navy Seal Fitness Guide, the application contains over 800 pages of content, plus workout and informational videos.
3. Lose It. Users can create plans for weight loss, enter food consumed, and track exercise and calories. Almost all consistent Lose It users report losing weight!
4. Fast Food Calorie Counter. Health conscious individuals try to make the best meal decisions when eating out, and with this app, it’s easy to make an educated purchase. The app provides instant access to the calorie counts for over 9,000 items at 70 plus restaurant chains.
5. iPharmacy. Award winning iPharmacy removes the confusion from medication. A digital library of over 200,000 drug packages allows for instant access to information about drugs, side effects, and reasons to use certain medications.
6. BP Buddy. BP Buddy is the most popular app in the iPhone Store to monitor blood pressure readings. Users can store 60 days of information and can transmit information directly to a doctor’s office for review.
7. Diabetes Buddy Lite. Patients can track all the necessary statistics to manage diabetes with this app, including food intake, insulin levels, and how many cups of water were consumed daily. Food databases and other helpful information assist in educating the diabetic patient or caregiver in disease management.
8. Dietician. This is the first app designed to help users generate healthy, nutritious meal plans. More than a calorie counter or food database, Dietician provides recipes, tips, and grocery lists to make eating right easy for anyone.
9. Quitter. A simple but effective app, Quitter tracks how much money someone saves when they quit smoking. Those trying to quit can motivate themselves with this app by seeing their savings grow each daily.
10. Cures A-Z. The Cures app lists hundreds of health issues, along with natural cures or remedies for them. Easy to find items can be used to help treat issues without the use of chemicals. The app was designed by a doctor and nutritionist.
Apps for Organization and Business
These days, people are busy all the time. Whether someone works sixty hours a week and can’t keep track of all the meetings, or they have to haul two or three kids to multiple commitments each week, staying organized can be a full-time job. There are multiple apps to help keep users organized, on time, and productive.
11. Remember the Milk. Users will never forget anything on the grocery list, an important meeting, or other task again with Remember the Milk. The app isn’t just for generating a to-do list—it allows users to manage the list by planning the best way to complete each task.
12. You Note. You Note is like carrying a note book, computer, and audio recorder around in your pocket. Take written notes, draw diagrams, use photographs, and record audio reminders. The app includes the ability to tag notes and store in an easy to use file system.
13. SmartTime 4. Not just a calendar or list of appointment times, SmartTime 4 is more like a miniature virtual assistance. Load meetings and tasks into the app, and then watch as the app displays the schedule for the day, but also uses programming logic to fit tasks between appointments!
14. WorldCard Mobile. This app is recommended by the Wall Street Journal as a must have for all professionals. The app allows users to scan, sort and view business cards, and can be integrated with Outlook to optimize contact lists.
15. 1Password. Passwords and logons can be stored securely with the encryption of 1Password. Users can log into a variety of sites without typing or remembering passwords.
16. iNvite. Meetings make the world go round in today’s corporate office environment. Grabbing time on someone’s calendar can be impossible, and the longer a meeting goes unscheduled, the harder it becomes. Send out meeting invites from your phone as soon as they become necessary with this app.
17. MileBug. No more tracking mileage with manually recorded log books! MileBug tracks mileage for you as you drive, and allows users to download mileage reports in several formats. Submit mileage for expense reimbursements and save information for tax time.
18. FedEx Mobile. Track packages on the go or receive instant alerts when packages are delivered. Great for small business owners who cannot be everywhere at once.
19. Square. Take credit card payments without signing up for a merchant account or setting up a secure website. The app comes with a small card reader, and users can take credit card payments anywhere! Imagine taking payments via credit card at yard sales, farmer’s markets and more!
20. Cisco Web Ex Meeting Center. Never miss the big announcement or latest software demo again. Business users can log into any web ex meeting with this app, and view documents and presentations while on the go.
Apps for Guys
Most iPhone apps are designed to be used by everyone, but there are a few apps that were obviously created with men in mind. Here are a few apps that seem to be just for the guys.
21. Knots, Splices and Rope Work. Never have a knot come untied again. This app features over 150 pictures to show you how to tie a variety of knots, and which knots are best for the job at hand.
22. Tie-a-tie Deluxe. Search for the right knot for any occasion, and follow easy directions and pictures to tie your own tie like a pro.
23. Weber’s On the Grill. Peruse almost 300 ideas for grilling, along with sauce and seasoning recipes. Turn the perfect recipes for your cook out into shopping lists, so you won’t forget a key ingredient while at the grocery store.
24. Need for Speed Shift. Test drive all your fantasy cars with this iPhone game app. Choose from 18 tracks, 20 cars, and multi player options in this fast paced game that will bring out the racer in anyone.
25. iHandy Carpenter. This virtual toolkit contains five items professional carpenters use. Three types of levels help hang pictures and build shelves that won’t lean, but possibly the coolest function of this app is a virtual ruler. Swipe your iPhone along something to get an instant measurement!
Apps for Gals
If there are apps just for the men, then there must be apps designed especially for the girls. From girly makeovers to medical concerns, here are some of the top apps for women.
26. iPeriod Ultimate. Women can discreetly track menstrual and fertility cycles to monitor health issues, ideal times to get pregnant, and when they might be pregnant. A girl will never be surprised by her period again with this handy tracker.
27. iStylist Makeover. Users of iStylist can take a picture of themselves with their phone, and then try on over a hundred hairstyles. Say goodbye to bad salon decisions! Pick the right hair style, and show the picture to the hairdresser for a great cut every time.
28. The Pill. Another deceptively simple app, The Pill reminds women to take the all important birth control pill. With automatic calculation settings, each user can set the app to follow a schedule that is perfect for her life, body, and prescription.
29. iPregnancy. Hundreds of thousands of women use iPregnancy to track appointments, growth of their baby, and get information on pregnancy in general. iPregnancy has received awards from several parenting magazines for supplying women with great pregnancy planning.
30. Dinner Spinner. This app partners with AllRecipe.com to provide quick, easy recipes for any appetite. Busy moms will find this app is great for quick dinners. They can enter a few ingredients from their fridge or pantry, and get back dozens of ideas for meals.
Apps for Entertaining and Dining
Food and entertaining go together like PB & J. Where to eat, what to cook, and how much food to serve at a gathering are common questions we ask ourselves and each other. Now, with these great entertaining and dining apps, those questions are easier to answer.
31. Cocktails Made Easy. The top drink app available, Cocktails Made Easy gets high marks from reviewers across the country and is one of the iTunes staff favorites. The app contains instructions for over 500 drinks, but only requires fourteen ingredients to make any of them. With this app, anyone can turn their kitchen or backyard into a bar!
32. Epicurious. Impress dinner guests with your knowledge of gourmet cooking by tapping into the recipe and shopping lists on this app. Epicurious has won numerous awards for best app and houses recipes for over 30,000 items!
33. 8mm Vintage Camera. Hosts can capture the fun of any gathering with their iPhone, and then play it back for guests at a future party in vintage style. The app allows users to add music and sounds, or leave video traditionally silent.
34. Eventbrite Easy Entry. For corporate events, premiers, and shows, the Eventbrite app allows event planners to create an attendance list and share it with others. Door checkers can reference lists in real-time, and can even scan tickets for entry. Built in analytics allow data to be reviewed before and after the event.
35. Urban Spoon. Everyone has had the conversation regarding where to eat when no one will make a decision. Urban Spoon will make the decision for you! Users provide a few pieces of information, like location, food type and amount willing to spend, then shake their phone. Once the screen stops rolling, a restaurant that fits those parameters will be suggested.
36. QuickTip Tip Calculator. Easy use makes this app the most downloaded tip calculator in the iPhone app store. Quickly calculate tips based on meal price and satisfaction of service, and see the total bill amount updated in real time with any changes.
37. Meal Splitter. Whether you need to split the bill for proper business expense reporting, or you just want to be fair to everyone at the table, Meal Splitter can help you split complex restaurant bills among multiple diners. The app even allows users to make different splits between drinkers and non-drinkers!
Apps for the Outdoors
Many people do a lot of sitting—we sit in front of televisions, in front of computers at the office, in cars and on commutes. It’s good to stand up, stretch your legs and get outdoors occasionally, and iPhone has some great apps to make your experience outside more enjoyable.
38. Trails – GPS Tracker. Featured on network television as the best app for hiking, Trails lets users search for popular trails, record their own hikes, and edit incorrect waypoint listings. Interfacing with iPad also allows users to create and post trail reviews.
39. The Weather Channel. Get instant weather updates, track storms, and know about severe weather ahead of time. This is an app anyone could use, and is great for those who hike, play sports, or plan a lot of outdoor activities.
40. iBird Explorer Backyard. View photos, maps and information regarding hundreds of birds. Use your iPhone as a bird call while searching for birds—the app includes pre-recorded calls for many birds.
41. Hunt Radar. This app allows hunters to instantly communicate with each other. Search for animal sightings near your location, see successful hunt stories, and post questions to other hunters regarding animals they saw.
42. iSolunar Hunting and Fishing Times. Find peak feeding times and locations for any place or time. This app calculates feeding times based on solar and lunar cycles, weather, and other information, giving fisherman the best possible chance at a good catch.
43. iGarden USA. Individuals can plan their entire garden with the help of iGarden. This app provides information on proper planting times, which plants will grow best in the current climate, and how to design garden rows for maximum growth.
44. Bugs and Insects. This virtual database includes over 900 common insects. Full color pictures, searching databases, and the ability to attach notes to each bug make this a perfect app for gardeners, back yard explorers and bug lovers.
45. Coleman Lantern. Although long-term use is rendered unrealistic by battery life, this lighting app is still a must have for any outdoorsman. When caught suddenly in the dark, or needing a short-term light at night, use a virtual Coleman Lantern to light the way.
Apps for Students
Kids of all ages are toting cell phones now, and using them to download content, share pictures, and text. Students with iPhones can also use these great apps to get ahead with studies.
46. New Oxford American Dictionary. Improve spelling, writing and reading comprehension by having a full dictionary at hand. In print, a good dictionary can weigh many pounds. With this app, students can carry the entire dictionary in their pocket.
47. World Atlas by National Geographic. View maps for the entire world in high-resolution with this app. Great for studying history and geography, or for quick reference while watching the news.
48. Cram. Students can create flashcards and randomly generated multiple choice tests based on content they enter. Use the app to study together or cram on your own. The portability of iPhone means cramming can be done anywhere!
49. PI83 Graphing Calculator. Graphing calculators can be a large expense, especially for those purchasing them for a single math class in high school or college. Now, students can forgo the expense and use their iPhone instead.
50. iStudies Pro. This organizational app for students was rated as a top app in 2010 by teens, parents, and teachers. The app allows users to track schedules, organize homework, summarize information, and record grades.
51. Starmap. The iTunes store calls Starmap a planetarium which can be carried in your hand. With over 350k stars, plus asteroids, galaxies, and many other cosmic objects, this app gives you a view of the night sky that isn’t possible with the naked eye. The app also uses GPS technology to show you information about the night sky from your current position.
Apps for Shopping
A list of top iPhone apps would not be completed without a section dedicated to shopping. Online shopping is fast eclipsing traditional retail for sales figures, but shopping via a personal computer may soon give way to shopping on mobile devices. With these iPhone apps, you can shop anytime you like.
52. Ebay Mobile. Shop or sell on the go with this great app. Never worry about missing a bargain or being underbid when Ebay can fit in your pocket.
53. Amazon Mobile. Search and shop from your car, doctor’s office, work, or anywhere else you are. This handy app allows users to compare prices on the spot between a local retailer and Amazon.
54. Grocery Gadget. Users can store, reuse, and share grocery lists via this app. No more forgotten groceries or phone calls from mid-aisle to confirm the type of spaghetti sauce. Grocery Gadget also lets you download recipe ingredients and sort lists according to your own pantry.
55. Red Laser. This niche app does one thing: It scans barcodes. Why would anyone want to carry a bar code scanner with them? Because you can scan products while shopping to find out if another store or online retailer offers the item cheaper. This app gives shopping around new dimensions.
56. Coupon Sherpa. Find coupons on the go with this money-saving app. Search by product or store, locate the coupon you want to use, and show your iPhone screen to the cashier to rack up on savings.
Apps for traveling
The entire point of functionality on a cell phone is that it’s mobile. So, the iPhone app platform seems like an ideal match for applications to help travelers. Here are a few of the best apps available to use while traveling.
57. Trapster. Keep this app up and running while driving, and get warnings when approaching speed traps. Slow down well before a trap, and update the app with speed traps yourself as you see them.
58. Trip It Travel Organizer. This is a great app for business travelers, or those who frequently travel for pleasure. Not only can Trip It organize your travel information, you can also forward travel itinerary to the app and it will automatically log the information!
59. FlightTrack. This app made the 2009 top 10 app list in Time Magazine. Monitor flight status, track flight locations, and get real-time updates for flight times and gates.
60. Postman. Send virtual postcards to friends and family no matter where you are in the world. Convert pictures you take with iPhone to postcards and add a personal message. The best thing about sending cards with Postman is that you don’t have to pay postage!
61. Beat the Traffic. Over a million users locate the fasted routes on a daily basis with Beat the Traffic. Users receive updates on road conditions and traffic jams, record and plan routes, and can even access traffic cameras in some areas.
Apps for Fun
Apps that help you get things done are great, but for those times with there’s nothing better to do; iPhone also offers hundreds of apps for goofing off. When you’re in the waiting room, bored, or just procrastinating, here are some user favorites among iPhone games.
62. Paper Toss. Office workers everywhere have passed the time by tossing crumpled paper balls into wastebaskets. Individuals can now waste time anywhere with the Paper Toss app. The game adds another element to the wastebasket challenge: Users must complete virtual throws after calculating the effect a fan will have on their paper.
63. Bookworm. This app is like scrabble on steroids. Make words from randomly placed tiles before time runs out. This game is a classic from Popcap that works great for iPhone.
64. Chess with Friends. iPhone gives correspondence chess an upgrade with this multi-player application. Challenge a friend to chess, and send moves back and forth through iPhone.
65. Ravensword. Role playing games are even popular in the world of iPhone apps, and this award winning RPG comes with multiple quests. The screen may be small, but the adventure is big with Ravensword.
66. Ragdoll Blaster. What could make for better stress relief than launching ragdolls with a tap of your finger? This addicting game calls for logical puzzle solving skills in addition to a desire to shoot off ragdolls!
67. Zen Bound 2. The sequel to the most critically acclaimed game ever offered on iPhone, Zen Bound 2 is a completely different take on puzzle games. Over 100 levels and award-winning graphics make this game enjoyable to play and to watch.
68. Doodle Jump. This game won the Apple 2010 Design award and has been mentioned in several television sitcoms. It is billed as insanely addictive, and is one of the best apps for a new iPhone gamer.
69. Turtle Fly. A silly and addictive game, Turtle Fly lets you navigate a turtle powered by soda jet-boosters. Play through multiple levels and complete achievements to advance your flying turtle.
70. Angry Birds. With over 255 levels, Angry Birds brings new meaning to bizarre game apps. This popular game pits angry birds against pigs, and is available to users world-wide who want to try their hand at launching birds at various obstacles.
71. Tiny Tower. Build a tiny tower in this tiny SIMS game for iPhone. Once players have built their tower, they must manage all the people that live or work inside.
72. Age of Wind. This is another SIMS game, with a unique twist. Uses take control of a ship and battle it out on the high seas while searching for treasure. Players can make improvements to ships and level up to more challenging ships.
73. Retro Pinball. Originally released under a different title in 1993, Retro Pinball is one of the most successful shareware games ever developed. Now, it is available with upgraded graphics as an iPhone app.
74. Mini Café. Users of this app can build a café and serve customers a variety of food. Players can design their menu and make a variety of other choices in an attempt to create a successful virtual café. The app also allows users to tie the game into Facebook.
75. Tiny Zoo. This is another iPhone game app that integrates with Facebook or Twitter. Players design and build a zoo, then fill it with up to 60 different animals. Users can show their zoos to friends via Facebook.
Apps for Music and Movie Lovers
Mobile media has become the new method of enjoying, sharing, and experiencing sound. Music and movies can be played on laptops, phones, and portable devices, and there are hundreds of apps targeted to music and movie lovers. Here are some of the best.
78. Pandora Radio. Change the mood of your music with a few clicks on the Pandora Radio app. Listen to your favorite artists, and get suggestions for similar music, with perpetual streaming music that matches your preferences.
79. GuitarToolKit. Play dozens of stringed instruments and hundreds of thousands of chords, right on your iPhone with this great app. As one of the highest rated apps in the entire iStore, users can’t seem to recommend GuitarToolKit enough.
80. RjDj. Become a DJ by combining the sounds of your life with pre-recorded music. RjDj takes the sounds going on around you and incorporates them directly into song. Change the music instantly with touch or voice, then playback your creation.
81. Pianist. Not everyone likes to play guitar, so for music lovers who want to do without the strings, there is the Pianist app. Users can play a full 88 key piano on their phone in this app, which has received positive reviews and awards from numerous tech and music magazines.
82. Concert Vault. Rated a “Best of iPhone” app in 2009, and consistently billed as one of the best music apps available, Concert Vault is a must have for music lovers. The app gives users access to thousands of live recordings, so they can get concert entertainment anywhere, any time.
83. 6DOH. Everyone has heard of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, and now 6DOH brings users Six Degrees of Hollywood. Players race a 2 minute clock to figure out how actors and actresses are related by a certain number of degrees.
84. iPhlix. Netflix has obliterated the movie rental market, and many Netflix customers make it a game to see how best to use their queue to get the movies they want. Now, with iPhlix, users can manage their queue anywhere, and add movies instantly when they come up in conversation at work or while socializing.
85. IMDB. The Internet Movie Database has been satisfying movie lover curiosity for years, and with the IMDB app, users can get their movie trivia fix instantly. Who was the guy that played in that movie where Julia Roberts didn’t get married at the end? Look it up with the IMDB app!
86. Fandango. No more waiting in movie lines or missing the perfect movie time when making an unplanned trip to the theater. Users can get real-time information regarding movies, and purchase tickets directly on their iPhone with this app.
Apps for Social Media
A user’s iPhone app library isn’t complete without the apps that go with their favorite social media sites. iPhone owners can stay connected and receive updates with any or all of these top social networking apps.
87. Facebook app. Certainly there are iPhone users without Facebook accounts, but for everyone else, the Facebook app is a must. Integrate easily with Facebook to post and view statuses, links, and photos on the go.
88. LinkedIn. Never be separated from your business network again. Look up contact information during meetings, fill out an application without skipping vital phone numbers, and keep up-to-date with all your messages.
89. MySpace Mobile. Update MySpace pages while away from home, at the office, or shopping. Upload pictures, check statuses, and write messages.
90. AIM. In a culture where text messaging has replaced the short phone call, it seems some people are never disconnected. If you are one of the ever-connected, this app is for you! Keep in touch with all your AIM instant message friends with ease, no matter where you are.
91. Twitter. Make the instant updates of twitter more instant, more constant, and most timely. Update your status any time you have something interesting, funny, or bizarre to share with this app.
Apps for Kids
iPhone apps are not just for adults! In fact, there is an entire subset of apps designed just for kids, from games to educational programming. Whether your child has a phone of his own, or you want something to entertain him or her with, these apps can buy mom or dad a little quiet time.
92. Helicopter Taxi. One of the coolest apps for kids of all ages, Helicopter Taxi uses the iPhone camera to make it look like a small helicopter is flying around the room! Kids can wave their arms and run about while watching the helicopter maneuver around their toys and furniture.
93. Jelly Car 2. Players drive the jelly car through a squishy world, using simple machines like levers and pulleys to skirt obstacles. Kids will have a great time with this colorful app, and never realize they are learning!
94. Scribble Lite. This app is like an Etch-a-Sketch on steroids. Kids create drawings with dozens of color and brush options, and then shake away the creation to start again. Great for use while traveling for long lasting entertainment.
95. Toddler Teasers Quizzing. Teachers and parents love the Toddler Teasers app. Young children will be delighted with the colorful games as they pick out letters, shapes, numbers and more in interactive learning games.
96. Alphabet Animals. Letters of the alphabet are displayed on virtual flashcards in the form of fun cartoon animals. Drill alphabet recognition with small children anywhere, and then let them play a letter recognition game on this app.
97. Madlibs. Take the pain out of a long car drive or waiting in line with this hilarious app based on traditional Madlib books. Your kids and their friends will squeal with laughter at the crazy stories they produce with this app.
98. iSign. This is an app great for older kids. They can learn over 800 American Sign language phrases with this app, which displays sign language gestures with video. Reviews of this app state it has the best vocabulary of any sign language app.
99. Infinite Maze. Drive the ball through the maze by turning your iPhone from side to side. Users will never see the same maze twice, because mazes are randomly and uniquely generated for each game.
100. The Velveteen Rabbit. One of the most beloved children’s stories is read by Meryl Streep in this app. Kids can listen to the story while seeing classic pictures and listening to background music from George Winston.
101. Tanagram Puzzle Pro. Not only does this app offer a fun and engaging game, but it also improves math and spatial skills by challenging kids to complete ever more difficult geometric puzzles.
102. Snowman 3D. One of the most popular apps for kids and adults alike, Snowman 3D allows users to build snowmen anytime during the year and add tons of items such as hats, noses, and scarves. Who doesn’t like to build a fun and smiling snowman?
Apps for Babies
Although babies can’t really use an iPhone, there are dozens of baby centric apps in the iStore. The apps are intended to help parents by offering information or providing soothing sounds for baby at night.
103. Baby Monitor. For times without a baby monitor, convert your iPhone into an instant monitor. Leave it near your sleeping baby, and it will automatically call a pre-programmed number upon detecting any sounds.
104. White Noise. A great app for a soft-sleeping baby, White Noise generates ambient sounds that can drown out less pleasing noise. Recommended by the New York Times, Washington Post and other magazines, this app is for anyone desiring better sleep.
105. World of Lullabies. For a baby who isn’t only a light sleeper, but who refuses to fall asleep, tired moms and dads can turn to the World of Lullabies app for help. Ten popular lullabies can be played on a loop to lull baby into sleep. Music rhythms are optimized for relaxation.
106. Baby Brain. Keep track of all the pertinent information for your newborn with this handy app—and that does mean all. New parents may find that Baby Brain helps them track to-dos and baby actions in a manner that keeps them from worrying about whether or not their baby is following normal patterns.
Apps for Money Management
As busy as the world is, and with all the distractions that dot our day, it can be easy to lose track of our money matters. Developers have designed hundreds of apps for every money issues you can imagine. The apps listed below are some of the most useful money management apps available.
107. Paypal. A list of apps about money management would not be complete without a mention of the number one online payment site! Now, users can pay with Paypal from any location, and track earnings instantly.
108. Yahoo Finance. Access the powerful financial database of Yahoo finance anytime with your iPhone. Accurate and real-time news from a trusted source makes this one of the best apps for investors.
109. Bill Tracker. Users can plan bill payments, set bill reminders, and track data about bill payments with the Bill Tracker app. Password protected files can house all pertinent bill information, such as account numbers, to allow users to access financial information quickly.
110. Etrade. Join the Etrade baby and make trades via your iPhone with this incredibly powerful trading application. The app includes access to research and real-time quotes on stock trades.
111. Mint Personal Finance. Track balances for all your accounts instantly from your phone. No more logging in to several accounts each day to see your financial status, and Mint can also track spending habits and help you create a budget.
Apps for Remote Control
We’ve seen how iPhone owners can control their schedules and their money by using apps, but with the two apps in this section, they can control items in their house when away from home.
112. Control4 My House. Tie your iPhone into your house, and control lights, heating and cooling, and even audio visual equipment. Great for those who frequently travel and want to increase home security. Note that this app does require equipment and set up in home.
113. Direct TV. It seems like no one watches TV the traditional way. Instead, most people DVR their favorite shows to watch at the time that works for them. Now, television can be even more convenient. Users can change DVR settings, peruse show listings, and browse movies using the DirectTV app.
Apps for Readers
Technology has changed the way we read. Newspapers and printed books are completing with ebooks and epublishing on an increasing basis. Manufacturers strive to produce better ereaders, and any gadget that connects to the internet has become a reader in itself. The iPhone is no different, and these are some apps dedicated to those who love to read.
114. Kindle. There are thousands of ebooks available in Amazon’s Kindle store, and many of them are free to download. You don’t need a Kindle to read them, if you have the Kindle app for iPhone.
115. Classics. For users who don’t want to bother with Amazon, the Classics app allows them to read classic books on their iPhone without going through the Kindle store. The app also features quizzes and notes for those who are reading the books for school.
116. SnapTell. This handy app allows users to take a picture of a book, movie, or video game with their iPhone, and then view information about the item online. Information returned includes links to information about the item online, comparison prices, and title, author, and more.
117. BookSearch. This app provides a one-stop-shop for all things book. Search the app while browsing in a physical bookstore to see if you can purchase a particular book online, and always get the best price.
118. eReader. This app uses the most popular ebook formatting, which makes it easy to read books and transfer them to other devices. Over one hundred thousand books are available via the iPhone eReader, and millions of people download them daily.
119. Newspapers. Not everyone prefers to read books, and with this app, users can browse thousands of newspapers from around the world. The app also allows users to search free online news content.
Apps for Religion
Religion is something people tend to carry with them, and with these iPhone apps, individuals can carry religious texts, symbols and more, no matter where they go. It may be comforting for some people to be able to carry spiritual reminders in their pocket.
120. Touch Bible. This app includes a full Bible that works offline, as well as an interactive Bible that allows users to read and learn while connected. Users can see additional information; get the meaning of unfamiliar words, and move between references with only a touch.
121. LDS Radio. The Mormon radio station is available 24 hours a day on iPhone, and also offers users on-demand content. The station broadcasts music, self-help, and religious programming.
122. iMenorah. Celebrate Hanukkah by lighting this virtual Menorah. A great app to teach kids about the holiday, the app is dummy proof for those unfamiliar with lighting the Menorah. Going by the date on your iPhone, it will show the proper number of candles each day.
123. Daily Blessing. This app provides daily blessings and words of wisdom from the Hindu god, Ganesha. Images and quotes change daily, and users can also add their own thoughts in journal style to see how they have grown over time.
124. Quran Majeed Lite. Users can view complete Arabic or English translations of the Quran. Audio files also allow users to hear the words.
Apps for Politics
Some people never get enough politics, and even a handful of 24 hour news channels can’t quite satisfy these individuals. Now, with iPhone apps about legal matters, elections, and politics in general, politic lovers can get all they want.
125. Congress. The iStore says that users who download this app can have all the members of Congress in their pocket. And they mean that literally! A full listing of all active representatives, with contact information, is updated with each election.
126. Elections. Get up to the minute news about elections, including poll results, interview quotes, and pundit thoughts about who will win. This app is particularly geared toward presidential elections, and users should watch for a new upgrade each election cycle.
127. Real Clear Politics. This app is partner to the Real Clear Politics website, which updates readers every morning with all the most accurate and interesting political information across the internet. Get the best information on political happenings delivered right to your phone with this app.
128. NewsToons. For a less serious look at politics in your pocket, consider the app designed by Pulitzer Prize winner Mark Fiore. The world of iPhone has been talking about this app since it debuted!
Apps for Hobbies and Crafting
Anyone with a hobby knows that it can take on a life of its own. One day, you think building small replicas of well-known monuments out of toothpicks would be fun. It seems like you turn around the next day to find your entire house consumed by toothpick rendered versions of the Eifel Tower. But with these excellent iPhone apps, you can both control and enjoy your hobby at the same time.
129. ColorSplash. Photographers and everyday users alike with enjoy this fun app. Take pictures with iPhone, or load other pictures into the app, and convert them to black and white. Then, select part of the image to splash with color for sharp, eye-catching designs.
130. Ewe Stash. If you are a needle worker, then you know how quickly yarn can take over a space. It seems to procreate and wander through the house! With Ewe Stash, yarn lovers can keep track of the yarn in their stash, and get suggestions for what yarn to use next.
131. Crochet Course. This app promises users they will be able to crochet in just five days. The app isn’t just for beginners, though, and offers advanced advice and how-to information.
132. Beading Daily. Experienced jewelry designers and beginning beaders alike can use this app to keep up with trends, see how-to information and receive free jewelry making patterns and articles.
133. Playing Cards. A truly unique app, Playing Cards simulates a deck of cards for game play. The app is designed so that 2 to 4 players can play many games on a single iPhone, or multiple iPhones can by synced to play the same game.
134. ColorSmart by Behr This app is great for those intending to paint indoor or outdoor areas, but artists can also use the app for color inspiration. Work with the Behr color palate, and mix colors to find the perfect shade for your intensions.
135. Brushes. Artists at any level will enjoy this high-tech virtual canvas and palette. The Brushes app is so detailed; it was used to create the cover page for The New Yorker in 2009!
136. The Woodshop Widget. A tool, a reference guide, and a how-to manual, the Woodshop Widget may be a carpenter’s best friend. Measure, cut, and build with ease with this handy tool at the ready.
137. Model Train Collecting. This app is an end-to-end guide on collection model trains. The app contains great material to get a new collector started, but is also valued as a reference resource for experienced model train collectors.
138. Discover Anywhere Civil War. Users interested in the Civil War can use this app to find battle grounds, find out about events and museums, or even attend reenactments! The app is both a travel guide and a history reference.
Apps for History
History is making a comeback in culture today, though admittedly with a style all its own. New television shows make history fun and entertaining, and now iPhone owners can keep a bit of history with them wherever they go.
139. Constitution. Carry the entire Constitution, complete with Bill of Rights, at your fingertips. Not only great for history buffs, but also for law students, political buffs, and the conscientious citizen.
140. History: Maps of the World. This app contains high-resolution maps that help users view the past. Contains historic maps for all continents—then and now—as well as an ability to search for map information by category and key word.
141. The World Factbook. Containing data compiled by the CIA on over 250 countries, the 2011 version of this app was called “the best so far” by MacWorld. The data is updated on a monthly basis, and available to users offline.
Apps for Sports
A sports fan never has to be separated from his or her favorite team, as long as an iPhone is present. Team scores, player stats, fantasy league picks, and even local sports information is available around the clock with a few finger swipes and button clicks.
142. ESPN iScore Baseball. This app can be used to keep track of national baseball scores, analyze players for fantasy baseball teams, or track your own local little league, high school, or college team. The Boston Heralds calls it the “best baseball scoring application.”
143. Yahoo Fantasy Football 2011. Fantasy football players can keep track of score, plan their draft, and manage fantasy team rosters. No more losing points because you can’t make changes right away when you hear the running back is injured, or your quarterback is doing less than optimal.
144. iTeam. No matter what sort of team you are involved in, the iTeam app can help you keep track of practices, monitor player stats, and analyze play to make the best coaching decisions. This app is great for Little League coaches all the way to the pros.
145. Yahoo Sportacular. Backed by the power of Yahoo, Sportacular offers personalized and instant data on the users favorite teams and players. Interactive updates and check-ins make this app a fully customizable experience.
146. Arcade Hoops Basketball. Users can bring the action direct to their iPhone with classic basketball arcade play with this app. Multiple game levels and backgrounds make for hours of game play.
147. GolfTraxx. Golf aficionados can carry an expert caddy in their pocket with this app. GolfTraxx includes data on over twenty thousand courses, and provides advice on clubs and swings by calculating distances to hole and other factors about the course.
148. Snow Bomb Ski and Snow Conditions. The best app for locating perfect ski locations, Snow Bomb provides the low down on many locations. Information includes the number of trails, newest trails, level of ski options, and real-time information about snow fall.
149. Soccer – InGameNow. The top app for soccer fans around the world, Soccer InGameNow allows users to track stats for teams around the world.
150. Hockey Goal Horns. The ultimate app for ultimate hockey fans, this app lets users show their team colors. Fans can set their ringtones to current team horns, set goal lights to go off, and even customize horns for their team.
Apps for Geekery
Although iPhone apps have ventured well into the realms of popular culture, there will forever be a place in the world of geekery for the oddest, smartest, and dorkiest of apps. Apps for geekery include apps that are useful, those that provide information, and some that are just plain weird.
151. Molecules. Users can download hundreds of molecules and view them in 3D. A quick swipe of the finger rotates, pans or zooms, or makes a change to the molecule being viewed.
152. Atom in a Box. This app is not your elementary atom diagram. Users with an understanding or interest in quantum mechanics can view over 140 variations on atoms, and link to a FAQ sheet for more information.
153. NOBal Comp. Users can calculate trajectory and speed for perfect shooting every time. Calculate best shot conditions instantly, and troubleshoot aim or shooting issues.
154. FAIL Maker. Never let an epic fail go unnoticed again. Snap a picture with your iPhone, import it into FAIL Maker, and use customized labeling to point directly to the fail. Then share your observations via email or Facebook.
155. World 9. This is one of those apps that is just fun and weird. The sole purpose of the app is to create the boing-boing sound of a Mario Brother’s character jump. With the app running, users can put their iPhone in their pocket, jump up and down, and watch their friends faces as the jumping sound is heard.
156. Midomi. Great for music lovers and geeks alike, Midomi means you’ll never go without knowing a song again. When running the app, users can hold the iPhone near a speaker, and the app will match the tune playing to the name and artist.
157. Wikipanion. Users of Wikipanion have the world—and all the trivia within it—at their finger tips. The app adds to the Wikipedia experience by allowing users to further catalogue and search information according to viewing history.
158. Slingplayer Mobile. This app not only allows users to control their television while away from home, but to watch their television remotely. Users can view any show playing on TV or saved to their DVR.
159. What the Font. Tech geeks and graphic artists alike will never have to guess at a mystery font again. This app is powered by MyFonts, which has developed software that has been identifying fonts for the past ten years.
160. Vintage Calculator by Hewlett Packard. Math and science geeks can get nostalgic with this old school calculator app. The screen is a high-resolution image of the HP 15C Scientific calculator, and all the buttons function!
161. iBacon. Bacon novelties are prevalent across the web, and iPhone is joining the Baconfest with this fun app. The app was featured on Jimmie Kimmel live, and allows users to play several games and even “cook” a virtual strip of bacon on their iPhone.
162. Freaked Lite. Users can create crazy characters from all of their friends and family with this odd app. Import pictures from your phone, computer, or Facebook, then make changes by swapping facial parts and more.
163. Mouthoff. A hilarious app for no other reason than to be cute, Mouthoff is a favorite of fun-loving people everywhere. The app contains 49 cartoon mouths that react to sound. Your phone talks when you do!
164. Crayon Physics. Wired Blog Network calls this app one of the ten iPhone app games everyone should have. Draw pictures with virtual crayons that fall according to physics. Create different stages to the game and share with friends.
Apps for Writers and Bloggers
The internet has created an entire generation of writers different from anything seen before. The world of publishing is open to more people than ever, and many individuals have become writers through the world of blogging. Apple offers a variety of apps for the creative minded.
165. WordPress. Manage any WordPress site, anywhere with this app. Users must have a blog or hosted WordPress site in order to run the app. A must for bloggers and writers who want to be able to update on the go.
166. iThoughts. A lot of mind-power in a little package, the iThoughts app was an O’Reilly Best iPhone Pick. Users can brainstorm without stopping to find pen and paper with this app, which saves snapshots of work every 10 minutes for viewing history.
167. Story Tracker. Writers can easily track submissions for all their work, and keep track of which items were accepted, rejected, published and paid. It sounds like a simple task, but amid all the creative work, keeping track of stories can be daunting.
168. The Brainstormer. Another app for the creative minded, the Brainstormer helps spark stream of conscious thought and generates ideas. The unique format makes it fun to use.
Apps for the Home
There are hundreds of apps that can be used around the house to make life a bit easier, help with home renovations or remodeling, or to provide assistance with daily chores. This list includes some of the most useful apps for use in the home.
169. Colorsnap. Home decorators can bring the experience of Sherwin Williams to any paint project with this app. Simply snap a picture of something with the desired color, and instantly match it to a Sherwin Williams paint color.
170. HandyMan Sidekick. This app comes with the standard iPhone carpentry tools, such as a flashlight and ruler, but what makes this a must have for home remodeling is the calculation function. Easily calculate how much paint, how much tile, how much carpet--how much anything you need to cover a wall or floor.
171. Asphalt Estimator. Not every home remodeling job is inside. For those with jobs that involve the patio or driveway, quickly estimate the cost of the project, including labor time.
172. House Plant 411. House Beautiful places this app in the top 20 home living apps. Never overwater, underwater, or forget to water your plants again. This app gives you the 411 on what plants work well where, and how to take care of them.
173. iLoupe. Want to get a better look at that odd bug, or need to read the small print on a financial document? iLoupe turns the camera on an iPhone into a powerful magnifying glass for use at home, in restaurants, at the office, and anywhere else.
174. Dryer Bro. A simple, but clever app, Dryer Bro helps keep the laundry moving. Enter contact numbers or email, set the iPhone on top of a dryer, and walk away. When the dryer stops, the iPhone will note the lack of vibration and send a text message or email. This app would be great for apartment living or in a college dorm.
Apps for Coffee, Beer, and Wine
175. Barista. For those who want to save money, but just can’t give up a quality cup of coffee in the morning, Barista is a great app. Users are provided with step-by-step instructions for creating the most popular espresso drinks at him.
176. Dunkin’ Run. Anyone who works in a large office knows the risk that is the coffee run. A courteous offer to one coworker to pick up coffee ends up stretching into a twenty minute roundup of orders. With this app, coffee runs are simplified. Users send an invite, responders send back their Dunkin Donuts menu choice, and the run is completed in record time.
177. Starbucks Mobile Card. This app offers a preview of retail and dining futures. Load funds into the app, and use your iPhone just like a Starbucks gift card. The screen displays a barcode that can be scanned to pay for coffee. This app makes a great gift idea!
178. Coffee Order. This app is similar to the Dunkin Run app, but offers generic menu items to choose from. Orders are placed for coffees and teas that would be available at most baristas. This app is also great for marketing and sales reps, because they can record client preferences and be ready to provide a personalized cup of coffee during sales calls.
179. Gallagher’s Beer Guide. This app is not for the beer beginner. The Beer Guide offers serious beer drinkers information about different choices, and recommends additional beer flavors based on personal preferences.
180. Beer Match. This app specializes in matching beer styles to foods. Impress guests by serving the most complimentary beers for any meal, and try new styles at the local pub. The Beckett Guide to Phone Apps rated Beer Match as a 5 star choice for iPhone users.
181. iBrewMaster. An app for the most serious beer enthusiasts, iBrewMaster is a home brew guide and scheduler. The only beer brewing app that allows for recipe sharing, the app also helps to schedule brewing and tracks activity to keep the home brewer organized.
182. HappyHoured. HappyHoured has been featured on multiple national news and food shows, and currently covers most of the biggest cities. The app adds cities all the time. If you enjoying pub hopping, check out the bars in your area to find out when you can get half-priced drinks.
183. Wine Cellar. This is a great app for beginning wine drinkers as well as collectors. Users can research wines, read wine ratings, and keep track of wines on hand in a cellar or cooler. Never run out of your favorite wine again.
184. Hello Vino. Rated the number one app for wine lovers, Hello Vino educates wine drinkers by providing recommendations for food pairings, holiday and special occasion wine, and new wines to try based on personal tastes.
185. Wine Wherever. Users can find hundreds of wineries which offer tasting and tours, and look up event schedules. Each major metropolitan area has its own app, so users should ensure they download the app in their area.
Apps for Miscellaneous Reasons
With thousands of apps available, there are many apps that are hard to classify. Some are quite useful, while others may only be for a few users. Listed below are apps that don’t fit in any of the categories, but will certainly be of interest to many iPhone users.
186. Escape Call. iPhone users no longer have to rely on the planned call from a friend to back out of an awkward situation or date gone bad. Users can set Escape Call to place a phantom call from anyone in their contact list up to two hours away. The call will look real, and can offer an excuse to get out of a situation gone bad.
187. iDistress. This life saving app gives new meaning to emergency contact information. Users can pre-program emergency contacts who will receive phone calls, texts, or emails in case of an urgent matter.
188. Type N Walk. Featured in dozens of newspapers and blogs, Type N Walk offers a safer way to text while moving about. The app uses the iPhone camera to provide a view of surroundings on the screen, so users can multitask by keeping any eye out while they type.
189. ATM Hunter. iPhone owners can quickly locate the nearest ATMs that won’t charge withdrawal fees, based on the user’s bank. Great for travelers!
190. Videoscope. This is one of the 10 ten video apps in over 20 countries. Users can take photographs and short videos, and then apply multiple effects, such as kaleidoscope, to them for endless artistic experiments.
191. iAlcohol. Drink safely with this app. iAlcohol uses a an extensive database to calculate blood alcohol limit based on a person’s size, the types of drinks consumed, and the time over which they were consumed. The app provides 90% accuracy, and also provides a countdown clock for when blood alcohol limits will be within normal ranges again.
192. FlipTime. Turn your iPhone into a retro alarm clock and calendar. This app creates an old style flip clock on your iPhone screen, and is designed to run while your phone sits in dock on a desk or dresser. Set alarms, or pass the time by flipping the calendar and time screens around.
193. Metal Detector 2 . Newer iPhones have built-in magnetometer which can detect the presence of magnetic metal. The detector will go off in the presence of silver, iron, steel, and other metals. User your iPhone to locate treasures, or just to kill time and impress your friends.
194. CPR Buddy. Another app that can save lives, CPR Buddy provides instructional material about CPR techniques, and also provides a timer for compression CPR. During an emergency, panic may set in, making it hard to time compressions properly, but with this app, anyone can provide perfect timed CPR.
195. American Medical Aid. American Medical Aid offers the most extensive network of resources for emergency response available in an app. Quickly search urgent scenarios for Red Cross approved responses to situations.
196. Friends Around Me. Be ready to meet up with friends spontaneously anywhere you go. With this app, users can check into places, see who else is near, and sync the app information with almost all social networks online.
197. Mirror Mirror. Although no app can reproduce an actual mirror, this app allows users to choose the right background for current lighting that will cause the iPhone screen to reflect. Good that quick makeup emergency, or to ensure there isn’t anything stuck in one’s teeth.
198. Comic Touch. Send pictures or upload them to Facebook with added style with this app which allows users to display their personality. Edit photos in funny ways, and add comic strip style tags and balloons to make photograph subjects speak.
199. Compass. This simple app combines the app screen, GPS, and the shadow of your finger to tell you exactly where due North is. Never get lost again with this handy app.
200. Voice Changer Plus. Users can record messages in over 40 hilarious voices. Send a greeting from underwater, or add to a poetry reading by using a haunted voice. The uses go far beyond entertainment for creative writers and videographers.
This story is copyright 2011 Cogent Insights Pty Ltd