Many of us still use our default iPhone apps. That’s hardly a surprise. Apple designed those apps to address basic needs and, for the most part, they address those needs fairly well.
However, not all of those apps are created equally. While there are many default apps that are arguably still the best out there, there are at least as many that you should replace right now.
So join us as we highlight some of the best default iPhone apps and reveal the ones that just can’t keep up with the competition.
Best Default iPhone Apps
Maps
Remember when Apple Maps was…kind of a joke? Well, it’s quickly morphed into one of the best default iPhone apps.
We won’t argue against anyone who prefers Google Maps or other third-party options. However, Apple Maps has proven to be as good as the competition and better in may respects. It’s a reliable and feature-filled way to figure out where you are and where you’re going.
Safari
Again, there are other great browsers out there. Over the years, though, we’ve really grown to appreciate Safari as one of the absolute best default iPhone apps.
Basically, you turn to other browsers when you want something special like reduced data usage. Otherwise, Safari offers pretty much everything that you’d ever need from a mobile browser. Actually, it might still be your best overall option in many respects.
Wallet
We recently talked about the best way to protect your mobile payment information. One of our top tips was to limit the number of apps that store your payment information.
As it turns out, Apple Wallet is really the only payment information app you need. Apple Wallet lets you make mobile payments and quickly access your credit and debit cards (as well as other, money-related information). It’s secure and widely accepted at various locations.
Find My iPhone
Despite a slight increase in competition, one of the best default iPhone apps is the one that helps you find your iPhone.
If you ever lose your iPhone, this is the app that makes it significantly easier to get it back. No other service can tap into the iPhone’s software quite like this one to offer the same level of service. If you don’t already have this app set-up, we highly advise doing so as soon as possible.
Podcasts
Much like Safari, we don’t know if the iPhone’s default podcast app is really “the best.” However, we can tell you that it’s about as good as a podcast app as you’ll likely ever need.
This app offers a no-fuss way to manage and access your favorite podcasts. It doesn’t go much further than that, but that’s kind of the point. It turns out that you really don’t need that much in order to simply listen to some podcasts. As such, there’s little reason to complicate the matter by looking elsewhere.
Worst Default iPhone Apps
Weather
Despite Apple’s efforts, their weather app remains one of the iPhone’s weakest default apps.
It comes down to features. Other weather apps have them, and Apple’s app really doesn’t. It’s a perfectly fine way to check the temperature, but if you find yourself needing more than that, you may not find it here. Given the number of options out there, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Clock
Granted, we understand if you think you don’t need much from your clock app besides telling the time. However, this app just doesn’t cut it when it comes to alarms.
There are alarm apps that can help you monitor your sleeping patterns and better relax. This default app can pretty much just wake you up in the morning. It’s nice to have extra options and, once you do, it’s difficult to go back.
We wouldn’t go so far as to say that Apple has “given up” when it comes to developing their mail app, but that’s not far from the truth.
If anything we’d say that this is one of the default iPhone apps that you should replace right away. It’s slow, ugly, and lacks several advanced features. There are too many great alternatives out there to ever consider sticking with this one.
iTunes
To be honest, there are few services that outright replace iTunes. You actually still need it for certain iPhone functions.
Still, in terms of outdated default iPhone apps, this is near the top. It’s hard to imagine buying all of your songs, films, and other software through iTunes anymore as used to be the case. That limits your use of iTunes down to a very short list of necessary functions.
Calendar
Once again, the iPhone’s default calendar app may be more than enough for you. Not everyone demands that much from their calendars.
If you do need more from your calendar, though, then you won’t find it here. Calendar app alternatives offers advanced scheduling and reminder features that this one can’t currently compete with. We can’t recommend relying on the iPhone’s default calendar app for professional purposes.
