1. Depict — Voice Note Taker

Depict transforms how I take notes on my iPhone. Instead of typing, I can simply speak, and the app effectively transcribes my voice into text. As I replay my recordings, it highlights each word for easy reference. Although it has minor design flaws, its functionality and features, including clipboard sharing, are invaluable.

I Love It: The app offers a straightforward and quick method for recording notes.

Quick Tip: Tap the exclamation mark in the top right corner of any note to check your word count.

Developer: Depict, Incorporated consistently rolls out updates, and this app was launched in Q3 of 2022.

Privacy: 10/10

Price: A bit pricey, with subscriptions starting at $37.99 annually

Design: UX (7), UI (7)

Compatibility: Works seamlessly on iPhone and iPad.

2. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser

DuckDuckGo is renowned for prioritizing privacy. Their newly launched iPhone app allows users to surf the web without concerns about trackers or cookies. The app features a user-friendly interface similar to Google Chrome and includes a button to clear your online activity, a must-have for any browser.

I Love It: The familiar interface that mirrors many features of Chrome.

Quick Tip: To open a new tab quickly, tap and hold the rectangle icon at the bottom right.

Developer: DuckDuckGo, Inc. has a customizable search engine that surpasses Google in privacy.

Privacy: 8.5/10

Price: Free

Design: UX (6.5), UI (5.5)

Compatibility: Available on iPhone and iPad.

3. Earth Hero: Climate Change App

Our planet is suffering, and Earth Hero helps users take action. By answering a few straightforward questions, you can receive guidance on reducing your carbon footprint.

I Love It: The app's vision encourages small changes for a greener lifestyle.

Quick Tip: For information on emissions calculations, navigate to the 'My Progress' tab and tap the exclamation mark.

Developer: Earth Hero is based in Chicago, IL, and is seeking volunteers for app development.

Privacy: 8.5/10

Price: Free

Design: UX (6.5), UI (6.5)

Compatibility: Works on iPhone and iPad.

4. Fing — Network Scanner

Fing is a network utility that scans your current network for vulnerabilities, providing essential information about your internet connection.

I Love It: The Speed Test feature gives insights into my upload and download speeds.

Quick Tip: To find a better ISP, run a speed test and tap “Find the best provider” after completion.

Developer: Fing Limited offers this app across various platforms, including Windows and Android.

Privacy: 5.5/10

Price: A bit expensive, starting at $59.99 annually, with in-app purchases available.

Design: UX (7), UI (6.5)

Compatibility: Compatible with iPhone and iPad.

5. Humanly: Compassion Guide

Humanly assists users in nurturing a healthy lifestyle through journaling, habit tracking, and learning about important life matters.

I Love It: The app makes learning new concepts engaging and effortless.

Quick Tip: When journaling, tap each icon to discover details about your chosen feelings and needs.

Developer: Justin Wang launched the app in 2021 and frequently updates it.

Privacy: 5/10

Price: Free

Design: UX (5.5), UI (6.5)

Compatibility: Available for iPhone.

6. Laundry Lens

Laundry Lens is a user-friendly app that provides washing instructions. Simply point your iPhone's camera at the care label, and it will guide you on washing your clothes correctly.

I Love It: The app's performance in accurately reading symbols is impressive.

Quick Tip: If a symbol is misread, press and hold it to remove it.

Developer: Alan Pegoli has not updated the app recently.

Privacy: 10/10

Price: Free

Design: UX (7.5), UI (6.5)

Compatibility: Works on iPhone and iPad.

7. Mimi Hearing Test

Mimi Hearing Test is a free app to assess your ear sensitivity using headphones.

I Love It: The feature that utilizes the iPhone's microphone to assess room quietness is fantastic.

Quick Tip: For better results, use AirPods in transparency mode and enable Do Not Disturb.

Developer: Mimi Hearing Technologies releases updates about four times a year.

Privacy: 7.5/10

Price: Free

Design: UX (6.5), UI (6.5)

Compatibility: Available on iPhone.

8. Morpho Converter

Morpho Converter supports an extensive range of unit and currency conversions, along with Siri integration and widgets.

I Love It: Its clean design makes unit conversion easy.

Quick Tip: To reverse a conversion, hold down the +/- button.

Developer: Think Tap Work, known for various Zoom applications.

Privacy: 7/10

Price: $14.99, with subscriptions starting from $3.99 annually.

Design: UX (7.5), UI (7.5)

Compatibility: Works on Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

9. IDAGIO — Classical Music Streaming

IDAGIO is a must-have for classical music enthusiasts, offering tailored recommendations based on user preferences.

I Love It: The "Mood" tab plays music that matches your current feelings.

Quick Tip: For enhanced audio quality, adjust the settings to stream in Lossless.

Developer: idagio GmbH consistently updates the app, averaging over ten updates annually.

Privacy: 3/10

Price: A bit pricey, with in-app purchases available.

Design: UX (6), UI (7)

Compatibility: Works on Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

10. StopTheMadness Mobile

StopTheMadness is a Safari extension designed to enhance your browsing experience by eliminating intrusive ads and autoplay videos.

I Love It: The ability to stop autoplaying videos is a game changer.

Quick Tip: To disable the extension for a specific webpage, open the extension in Safari, enter the URL, and tap "New."

Developer: Jeff Johnson has created a similar Safari extension for Mac.

Privacy: 10/10

Price: $7.99

Design: UX (6), UI (7)

Compatibility: Available on iPhone and iPad.

Thank you for exploring these essential iPhone apps with me.

For more insights, check out the video "Most USEFUL iPhone Apps I Actually Use."

Additionally, don't miss the video "BEST iPhone Apps In 2022!" for further recommendations.

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