We know you can’t wait for your iPhone 11 so you can start using some of the best iPhone 11 apps. Receiving a new iPhone is as close as some fans come to feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. It’s an exciting time that fills you with pure joy.
However, there’s always a bit of trepidation that comes with a new iPhone. It’s a device that offers nearly infinite possibilities, but that makes it that much harder to know where you should start with it. You can just use your new iPhone much like your old one, but honestly, where is the fun in that?
That’s why we’re here to help. From apps that help you take advantage of the iPhone 11’s cameras to apps that utilize its automated dark mode features, here are 20 apps perfect for the iPhone 11 that should be among the first you install on your new device.
1967: Retro Filters & Effects
At a time where the right photo is incredibly social media currency, you can never have enough apps that help your photos stand out.
1967 allows you to add some awesome retro effects to your favorite photos. That may sound a bit cheesy, but 1967 actually features an array of surprisingly subtle effect options. It’s a great way to add flair to your photos without making it look like you’re trying too hard to do so.
Apple Arcade
There’s a strong argument to be made that Apple Arcade is the best thing to happen to iPhone gamers since…well…ever.
For just $4.99 a month, Apple Arcade allows you to access over 100 exclusive mobile games. For those wary of paying full price for mobile games (but are tired of the same old apps), this is a dream come true.
Carrot Weather
Carrot Weather is the first of a few apps on this list we recommend partially because it takes advantage of iOS 13’s dark mode.
It doesn’t hurt that this is arguably the best weather app on the market. No app matches Carrot in terms of details or available features. It would almost be overkill for a weather app if it wasn’t so useful and fun to use. Just buy it and live your best weather life.
Dropbox
Honestly, the iPhone 11 doesn’t make Dropbox any more worthwhile than usual. Then again, it’s not like there’s ever been a bad time to download Dropbox.
Dropbox is the gold standard of cloud storage on iOS. Even Apple’s iCloud doesn’t match it in terms of reliability, features, and security. Dropbox is a must-have for anyone who stores and transfers files online. That’s especially true for anyone who plans on using their iPhone 11 for work.
Halide
You’ll notice that there are quite a few photo apps on this list. There are just too many good iPhone 11 apps that focus on improving your photos for us to ignore.
What Halide does is make the already incredible iPhone 11 cameras that much better. Among other things, Halide allows you to shoot RAW format photos. That gives you unprecedented access to your images which, in turn, makes them easier than ever to edit. This is a must-have for photo lovers everywhere.
Nomorobo
No matter how advanced your iPhone is, the odds are that you’ll still have to deal with robocallers. They remain a persistent nuisance.
Nomorobo is one of your best weapons in the war against robocallers. The app’s database keeps track of known robocall numbers helps stop them from reaching your phone. It’s a great way to help ensure only people you know get to hit up your new iPhone.
Notability
Apple is still figuring out how to make a perfect note app for the iPhone. Until they get there, you should just download Notability and start enjoying the benefits.
We named Notability our favorite overall note app for iPhone, and that hasn’t changed with the iPhone 11. This shockingly versatile app rivals many larger programs in terms of functionality. It’s also quite good for taking simple notes if that’s all you need.
PCalc
Here again, we have an app that takes advantage of the iPhone 11’s new dark mode. As anyone who regularly uses dark mode knows, it’s a game-changer that just makes apps feel infinitely more usable.
PCalc is also arguably the best calculator app for iPhone. It’s a great, simple calculator app that has the potential to be so much more if you need it to be. Its price may scare off some more casual users, but anyone in need of a better calculator should really look no further.
PDF Expert
Does receiving a PDF make you freeze in terror? Do you ever start at one and wonder how to properly interact with it? PDF Expert is there to make managing mobile PDFs actually bearable.
PDF Expert lets you read, sign, and edit PDFs easier than ever. Given that PDFs are still the preferred format for many professional environments, you need a good PDF editor on your iPhone 11, and this one happens to be the best.
Pluto TV
The iPhone 11 features one of the best iPhone screens yet, and Pluto TV is a perfect way to take advantage of that display.
Pluto TV is a free TV service unlike any other. It’s basically a free satellite television program featuring custom channels. Even if it doesn’t replace the premium services in your life, there’s no reason not to download Pluto and occasionally love it.
Prisma
We come to another photo app for the iPhone 11’s awesome new camera, but this one is a little different. This app helps make your awesome iPhone 11 photos a little more fun.
Many of the 300+ filters available via this app help turn your photos into paintings. From dramatic conversions to subtle alterations, Prisma brings a lot to the table that no other apps really offer. It’s a brilliant and fun way to add life to any picture.
RememBear
There’s no shortage of password management apps out there. With so many offering the same basic functions, though, it’s hard to know which one to really commit to.
Remembear’s incredible UI and sense of humor help set it apart amongst a sea of similar apps. You’ll have no trouble navigating Remember if it’s your first password manager, and those familiar with such services will be impressed by its surprising depth. It’s just an overall incredibly well designed app that offers a function that you desperately need on your iPhone.
Signal
iMessage is pretty good, but with so many messaging apps out there, you shouldn’t feel committed to it. You deserve a messaging app that does more for you.
Signal’s calling card is the security it offers. At a time when you should think about the security of your communications more than ever, Signal’s top-tier systems easily eliminate a lot of common problems. Best of all, the app’s well-designed UI means that you shouldn’t find yourself missing whatever messenger you’re using now.
Sleep Cycle
More and more companies have been creating apps that help you monitor your daily activities. Even Apple offers ways for you to make sure that you’re not spending too much time on your iPhone.
While Sleep Cycle bills itself as an alarm clock, it’s so much more than that. It’s a way to keep track of how well you’re sleeping and ways to improve your sleeping habits. It’s a simple and versatile app that helps you better understand how you can improve your sleep cycle.
Snapseed
There’s no shortage of iPhone 11 apps out there designed for photo editing, and users will definitely want at least one for their new phone’s incredible cameras. Actually, it couldn’t hurt to download a few choice options.
Snapseed sets itself apart from the photo editing pack through its combination of versatility and simplicity. You can perform Photoshop level edits with this app, but anyone who just wants to touch-up some of their favorite photos will find Snapseed makes it relatively easy to do so.
Strava
Much like that gym membership, many people have at least one fitness app on their iPhone even if they never seem to get around to using it. There’s honestly no reason not to have one with so many great options out there.
The reason you may want Strava, though, is because it encourages you to exercise more. It features a built-in community element that allows you to compare your exercise stats with other users. It’s a friendly, yet effective, way to incentivize you to get out there and push yourself even further.
Swipe Keyboard
We suppose this isn’t technically an app, but it’s undoubtedly one of iOS 13’s best new features.
For years, Android owners have been able to access convenient swipe keyboard options that allow them to type out words with simple gestures. Now, iPhone users can finally take advantage of that same function. Enabling the swipe keyboard feature on your iPhone 11 should be one of the first things you do with your brand new toy.
TickTock
Every few years, a new social media darling comes along. Some of them stick around for a little while, but most of them quickly fall by the wayside.
TickTock feels like a social media app built to last. It’s quickly becoming the preferred venue for comedy videos which helps it fill the void left by the sad passing of Vine. It’s certainly one of those iPhone 11 apps worth having whether you actively post to it or just want to enjoy the creative creations of others.
Tripsy
The final app on this list that we’re recommending partially due to its dark mode support is yet another that we’re really recommended because it’s simply awesome.
Tripsy is an itinerary app for those who can’t help but stress a little about having to travel. It lets you not only plan what you’re going to do on your trip but make sure that you have everything you need before you even set off. It’s your all-in-one planner for when you first take your iPhone on the go.
VSCO
Our final app recommendation is also our final photo app recommendation. As we said, some of the best iPhone 11 apps will be the ones that take advantage of its cameras.
VSCO is a combination video/photo editing app and social media tool. It allows you to see what other users are doing with its features and get some useful tips in the process. That’s quite handy considering that VSCO’s array of options offer a nearly infinite amount of possibilities that may require some inspiration to properly navigate.
