Just got your hands on a shiny new iPhone 13, 13 Pro, or Max? Awesome choice. Now it’s time to load it up with some apps that really show off what it can do. Whether you’re into editing photos, staying productive, or just want to kill time with a good game, we’ve rounded up the best apps to get the most out of your iPhone. Let’s dive in.
1. ReciMe
ReciMe is a recipe organizer app that helps you save and manage all your favorite recipes in one simple place. Whether it’s something you saw online or a dish from a friend, you can easily save it, create grocery lists, and plan your meals in just a few taps. The app automatically sorts your shopping list by recipe or supermarket aisle, making trips to the store faster and less stressful.
Available on iOS, ReciMe also connects you with a vibrant community of home cooks. They actively share cooking tips, seasonal meal ideas, and featured user recipes on their Instagram page. The Facebook community offers a space where users swap recipes, share inspiration, and connect with others who enjoy cooking at home.
Key Benefits:
- Save recipes from any website or social media
- Auto-sort grocery lists by recipe or store aisle
- Plan weekly meals quickly and easily
- Sync recipes across your devices
Designed For:
- Anyone who cooks at home regularly
- People who want to simplify grocery shopping
- Users looking for meal ideas and community support
2. Audible
Audible is an app that lets you listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and original audio shows. It offers a wide mix of topics and genres, from fiction and true crime to health and wellness. You can stream or download titles, and use it across different Apple devices including the Apple Watch and CarPlay.
The app includes a catalog with thousands of titles available without credits, while a Premium Plus membership gives you one monthly credit to keep any title. Features like playback speed, a sleep timer, and offline listening are built in to fit different routines and preferences.
Key Benefits:
- Large selection of audiobooks and podcasts
- Works offline and across multiple devices
- Adjustable playback speed and sleep timer
- Includes family-friendly content
Designed For:
- People who prefer listening over reading
- Commuters and frequent travelers
- Families with kids who enjoy audio content
3. Kino – Pro Video Camera
Kino is a video camera app built for iPhone users who want more control over how their videos look. It offers quick ways to shoot with a cinematic style using presets and settings that are easy to apply. The app’s “AutoMotion” feature helps create smoother motion by managing shutter settings, so you don’t have to adjust things manually unless you want to.
For users who are more hands-on, Kino includes manual tools like shutter speed, ISO, focus peaking, and waveform monitors. It also supports importing custom LUTs for color grading and lets you choose between simple or advanced settings depending on your experience level. Whether you’re recording short clips or longer content, it offers flexible options for storing, managing, and customizing video output.
Key Benefits:
- Built-in presets and LUTs for fast color grading
- Manual controls for exposure, focus, and white balance
- Works with external storage and supports high-quality formats
- Optional lessons to learn video basics
Designed For:
- People making videos on their iPhone
- Beginners looking for simple tools to get started
- Experienced users needing manual camera controls
4. ShutEye: Sleep Tracker, Sound
ShutEye is a sleep app that helps users relax before bed and better understand their sleep patterns. It includes tools like ambient sounds, bedtime stories, and a smart alarm designed to wake you during lighter stages of sleep. The app also tracks things like snoring, sleep talking, and background noise to give more insight into your sleep quality.
You can mix and match different sounds to create a personalized sleep environment. ShutEye also offers features like a sleep cycle tracker and snore recorder, which use your device’s microphone to monitor what happens while you sleep. It’s designed for people looking to build better sleep habits or just get more consistent rest.
Key Benefits:
- Tracks sleep patterns and nighttime sounds
- Includes ambient noise and bedtime story options
- Smart alarm wakes you during light sleep
- Custom sound mixes for relaxation
Designed For:
- People trying to improve sleep routines
- Users curious about snoring or sleep talking
- Light sleepers looking for calming audio
5. Canva
Canva is a visual design app that lets users create a variety of content, like social media graphics, presentations, flyers, and videos. It offers a mix of templates, photo editing tools, and AI-powered features to help design quickly and without needing advanced software knowledge. You can use Canva across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it also supports collaboration if you’re working with a team.
In addition to static designs, Canva includes tools for light video editing, like trimming, syncing audio, and adding text or transitions. There’s a free version with basic tools and templates, while Canva Pro unlocks more advanced features, AI tools, and a larger content library. The app is suited for both personal and professional use, from creating school projects to building brand content.
Key Benefits:
- Thousands of templates for quick design
- Basic photo and video editing tools
- Built-in AI features for text, images, and layouts
- Available across multiple Apple devices
Designed For:
- People creating social media, posters, or slides
- Users who want easy, template-based design tools
- Teams or individuals managing brand content and visuals
6. AllTrails
AllTrails is a trail discovery and tracking app for anyone who spends time outdoors. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, walking, or trail running, the app helps you find routes that match your preferences and skill level. You can search trails based on difficulty, location, or features like dog- or kid-friendly access, then use GPS tools to stay on track during your adventure.
The app also includes community reviews, trail photos, and real-time updates on trail conditions. You can record your own activity and see stats like distance, time, and elevation. AllTrails works on both iPhone and Apple Watch, making it easy to take along on any outdoor trip.
Key Benefits:
- Search and filter trails by location, difficulty, or features
- GPS navigation to stay on course
- Activity tracking with route stats and photos
- Community reviews and trail insights
Designed For:
- Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers
- Families and casual walkers
- Anyone exploring new trails or outdoor areas
7. Elevate – Brain Training Games
Elevate is an app focused on helping users build everyday cognitive skills through short, game-based exercises. It includes activities designed to improve things like memory, vocabulary, reading, and math. Each day, you get a customized set of games that adapt to how you’re performing, with the goal of strengthening your skills over time.
The app also tracks your progress and shows how your abilities compare to past performance and others using the app. You can adjust the focus areas, choose how many games you want to play in a session, and even track your streaks using the built-in calendar. For Apple Watch users, there’s a version of Elevate Dash that includes quick mini-games and performance tracking.
Key Benefits:
- Brain games that focus on reading, math, memory, and more
- Adaptive difficulty that adjusts to your skill level
- Daily progress tracking and performance reports
- Apple Watch support with mini-games
Designed For:
- People looking to sharpen everyday thinking skills
- Users who enjoy short, focused challenges
- Anyone interested in tracking personal growth over time
8. Cal AI
Cal AI is a calorie tracking app that uses image recognition to estimate the nutritional value of your meals. After answering a few questions to set your goals, you can take a photo of what you’re eating, and the app provides a breakdown of calories and macros like protein, fats, and carbs. It’s aimed at people who want a quicker way to keep track of what they eat without logging every detail manually.
The app also helps track progress with daily totals and macro goals, and users can save frequently eaten foods for faster logging. It’s built for users who want to stay aware of their eating habits but prefer a low-effort approach. While it’s focused on simplicity, users can still adjust their data and view trends over time.
Key Benefits:
- Tracks calories and macros using food photos
- Offers basic daily tracking and goal setting
- Saves commonly eaten meals for quick logging
- Includes progress tracking tools
Designed For:
- People aiming to monitor their food intake
- Users looking for quick, no-fuss meal logging
- Anyone interested in macro tracking without manual entry
9. Pixelmator
Pixelmator is a layer-based image editing app made for iPhone and iPad users who want to design, paint, or retouch photos. It includes a mix of design tools for creating compositions with text, shapes, and images, along with photo editing options like filters, color adjustments, and object removal. You can also paint using a variety of brush styles and sketch directly on the canvas.
The app supports editing large files, working with layers, and customizing artwork with non-destructive effects. It’s designed to run smoothly on Apple devices, with support for Apple Pencil, iCloud syncing, and standard file types like JPEG, PNG, and PSD. Pixelmator offers flexibility for both creative projects and basic photo adjustments.
Key Benefits:
- Layer-based editing for design and photo projects
- Tools for painting, sketching, and image touch-ups
- Support for Apple Pencil and iCloud syncing
- Compatible with common image formats including PSD
Designed For:
- People editing photos or creating visual content
- Users who want to sketch, paint, or design on iPhone or iPad
- Anyone looking for a full-featured image editor without a subscription
10. Me+ Lifestyle Routine
Me+ is a daily planner and habit tracker designed to help users build structured routines and self-care habits. It allows you to plan tasks, track your mood, and monitor your progress across different areas of daily life. The app offers a simple layout where you can create morning and evening routines, set reminders, and adjust the schedule to match your goals.
You can customize the look of your routines with icons and colors, making it easy to stay organized and motivated. Whether you’re looking to manage your time better, form healthier habits, or just bring more structure to your day, Me+ provides tools to keep you on track with consistency.
Key Benefits:
- Daily planner for building and managing routines
- Habit tracking with progress and mood logs
- Reminders and visual tools for motivation
- Customizable layout with icons and color options
Designed For:
- People aiming to improve structure and consistency
- Users working on self-care or daily health habits
- Anyone looking to track personal growth and routines over time
11. Procreate Pocket
Procreate Pocket is a drawing and painting app designed specifically for iPhone. It offers a wide range of creative tools for sketching, illustration, and animation, all packed into a mobile interface. You can use hundreds of brushes, create custom ones, work with layers, and use advanced effects like blurs, glitches, and color adjustments.
The app also includes features for animation and time-lapse recording, allowing you to create short animated clips or revisit your drawing process. It’s made to work on the go, with an interface adapted for smaller screens and full support for pressure-sensitive styluses and touch gestures.
Key Benefits:
- Wide selection of customizable brushes and tools
- Layer support with masks and blending modes
- Built-in animation tools with time-lapse replay
- Export in common formats like PSD, JPEG, and MP4
Designed For:
- Artists and illustrators who work on iPhone
- Users looking to sketch or paint digitally on the go
- Anyone wanting to create or share animations from their phone
12. Notion
Notion is a productivity app that combines note-taking, task management, and project planning in a single workspace. It allows users to create pages for everything from simple to-do lists and personal goals to collaborative workspaces with docs, tables, and calendars. The app’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to build your own systems, whether you’re organizing daily tasks or tracking long-term projects.
With built-in AI tools, Notion also helps generate content, answer questions based on your notes, and organize data. It works across iPhone, iPad, and desktop, so you can switch devices without losing progress. It’s especially popular with students, teams, and solo users who want an all-in-one place to stay organized.
Key Benefits:
- Combines notes, tasks, and projects in one app
- Flexible layout with templates, databases, and calendars
- Syncs across devices for continuous access
- Built-in AI tools to assist with writing and organizing
Designed For:
- Students managing classes, notes, and deadlines
- Professionals planning and tracking work tasks
- Anyone looking to centralize organization and ideas
13. Grammar Check Corrector by AI
Grammar Check Corrector is a writing tool for iPhone that helps users improve their grammar, spelling, and overall clarity while typing. The app includes an AI-powered keyboard that can correct grammar in real time, suggest rewording options, translate between languages, and adjust tone or length depending on the context.
Users can check full paragraphs or short texts for common writing mistakes, rephrase sentences for clarity, and use a built-in dictionary for quick reference. The app is designed to support both casual and professional writing, offering real-time assistance without needing to switch between multiple apps.
Key Benefits:
- AI-powered grammar and spelling correction
- Rephrasing, summarizing, and translation tools
- Built-in dictionary and tone adjustments
- Keyboard integration for real-time feedback
Designed For:
- Students editing essays or assignments
- Professionals writing messages or emails
- Anyone looking to improve grammar and clarity while typing
14. Forest
Forest is a focus timer app that helps users stay off their phones by turning time away from distractions into a virtual tree-planting session. When you start a session, a digital tree begins to grow. If you exit the app to use your phone, the tree withers. Over time, consistent focus sessions build up a virtual forest, helping you track your productivity visually.
Forest uses gamification to make focus feel more rewarding. It includes stats to monitor how you spend your time, a tagging system to categorize tasks, and the option to plant real trees through a partner organization. It’s designed for anyone looking for a simple but creative way to reduce screen time and stay on task.
Key Benefits:
- Uses visual rewards to reinforce focus habits
- Tracks time spent on tasks through tags and stats
- Supports focus sessions with friends for accountability
- Option to contribute to real-world tree planting
Designed For:
- People looking to reduce screen time and stay present
- Students and professionals using focus techniques like Pomodoro
- Anyone who wants a fun, structured way to manage distractions
15. Otter: Transcribe Voice Notes
Otter is a real-time transcription and note-taking app designed to capture conversations, meetings, lectures, and voice memos. Whether you’re attending a virtual meeting or recording an in-person discussion, Otter converts spoken words into searchable, editable text automatically.
Otter supports real-time voice capture, speaker identification, summaries, and even lets you add highlights, comments, and images during recordings. It integrates with popular tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, making it useful for students, professionals, and teams alike.
Key Benefits:
- Transcribes live speech with real-time updates
- Generates AI-powered summaries and highlights
- Allows playback with synced text and word tracking
- Helps organize, edit, and share notes quickly
Designed For:
- Students who want searchable lecture notes
- Teams managing remote meetings and project recaps
- Anyone who prefers talking through ideas rather than typing
16. Things 3
Things 3 is a task manager that helps you keep track of your to-dos, organize projects, and plan out your day. You can add notes, set reminders, and group related tasks together under larger goals. It’s built to help you stay organized and keep your plans in one place.
The app lets you schedule tasks, create areas for different parts of your life like work or home, and view everything that’s coming up in one list. It works across iPhone and Apple Watch, and syncs automatically with your other Apple devices if you’re using their desktop apps too.
Key Benefits:
- View tasks and calendar events together
- Group tasks under projects with notes and deadlines
- Set reminders and repeat tasks automatically
- Use tags to filter and organize to-dos
Designed For:
- People who like using to-do lists
- Anyone juggling work and personal tasks
- iPhone and Apple Watch users who plan daily tasks
17. Apple Books
Apple Books lets you browse, read, and listen to books and audiobooks in one place. You can explore bestsellers, curated collections, and personal recommendations without needing a subscription. Add books to your Want to Read list and sample titles before committing.
Reading is customizable with themes, fonts, and scrolling options. You can set reading goals, track your progress, and even listen through Apple CarPlay or on your Apple Watch. Everything syncs across your Apple devices for a consistent reading experience.
Key Benefits:
- Browse and preview books and audiobooks
- Customize fonts, themes, and scrolling
- Set and track daily reading goals
- Sync across all Apple devices
Designed For:
- Readers who enjoy ebooks and audiobooks
- People building reading habits
- iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users
18. Calm
Calm is an app for sleep, meditation, and stress relief. It offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, calming music, and Sleep Stories narrated by familiar voices. Whether you’re winding down at night or taking a quick break during the day, Calm gives you a place to reset.
With content for beginners and more experienced users, you can explore daily sessions, themed programs, or just relax with soundscapes. It’s easy to use, and everything is designed to support a more mindful routine.
Key Benefits:
- Listen to guided meditations and stories
- Reduce stress with breathing and movement
- Fall asleep faster with soothing audio
- Track streaks and mindful minutes
Designed For:
- Anyone wanting to relax or sleep better
- People looking to build a meditation habit
- Users of iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch
19. Citymapper
Citymapper is a travel app that helps you plan trips using public transit, walking, biking, and ride-share options. It shows real-time info for buses, trains, and subways so you always know the best route. The app works in many major cities and is designed to make navigating public transport as easy as possible.
You can compare travel times and costs, set favorite places, and even get alerts when it’s time to get off your stop. Citymapper keeps you updated and on track wherever you go.
Key Benefits:
- Combines all transport modes in one app
- Shows live wait times and step-by-step routes
- Works offline with saved maps
- Sends alerts for delays and disruptions
Designed For:
- People commuting or traveling in cities
- Users needing quick route comparisons
- Apple Watch and iPhone users on the go
20. Screenshop – Clothes Finder
Screenshop helps you find clothes from pictures by identifying the same or similar items and showing you where to buy them. Just upload a photo, highlight the piece you’re interested in, and browse links to exact or more affordable alternatives. It’s like having a personal shopping assistant that works with just a screenshot.
It’s a quick way to turn inspiration into real shopping options. Whether you’re curious about an influencer’s outfit or a random style you saw online, Screenshop helps track it down without guessing or asking around. You can explore multiple retailers, compare prices, and get suggestions based on your image, all in one place.
Key Benefits:
- Finds clothes from pictures instantly
- Suggests cheaper alternatives
- Works with user-selected outfit parts
- No need to ask for shopping sources
Designed For:
- People who spot outfits online
- Users wanting quick shopping links
- iPhone users looking for style ideas
Conclusion
Whether you’re organizing your day, editing photos, tracking habits, or simply unwinding, the right apps can help you get more out of your iPhone 13, 13 Pro, or Max. From productivity tools to creative platforms and wellness companions, these apps are designed to match a wide range of lifestyles and goals. As you explore what fits best for you, these top picks offer a great place to start, each one adding something useful, enjoyable, or just plain practical to your daily routine.