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Looking back on our top apps of 2022

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Text reading “Best Apps 2022” in front of image of app icons
After careful consideration and a lengthy review of all the apps we use on a regular basis, these are some of our favorites from the year.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

With 2022 officially and fully in the rear-view, we’re all looking at how 2023 will be different. But some things don’t need to change. With that, it seemed only fair that we look back at some of the apps that made the biggest difference this past year. With so many apps to choose from, knowing the ones we (the Cult of Mac team) actually used and loved this last year may even help you nail that New Year’s resolution.

A road-trip companion, a new kind of shopping and a tribute to Apple Stores [Awesome Apps]

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iphone on desk with headphones
The never-ending stream of apps truly never ends. And we’ve found a few more that might be worth your time.
Photo: Unsplash

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there’s a good chance you’ll have some down time on the way. Whether you’re planning a trip to see family, doing some shopping, or just want to flex your Apple knowledge, this week we have some Awesome Apps to infuse some tech into your holiday week.

Apps to simplify music discovery, baby care and journaling your life [Awesome Apps]

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Awesome Apps iPhone and headphones
Regardless of what you’re trying to do, apps can help make it easier, faster, or more fun.
Photo: Unsplash

Apps can be useful for a a countless number of things. From making a new parents life easier to finding new music, there’s are apps fit to help make things nearly effortless. This week, we have a couple great new (to me, at least) apps, and a really solid update to one of my favorites. As usual, I’ll put out the call for other suggestions as well. If you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Awesome apps for work and a great game for play

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Awesome Apps of the Week
Showcasing some of the best, coolest, most interesting new apps and app updates.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

I rely on my devices for everything. Whether it’s my recipe book, my alarm clock, to help me get work done, or entertain me during my downtime, my devices are a critical piece of life. Having apps that help me in those situations (or just make them a little more fun) is key.

This week, an app that makes short work of dealing with obscure files, a way to manage your favorite color collections, and a delightful game to enjoy. As usual, if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Awesome Apps for every kind of moment in life

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iPhone and AirPods Pro on desk with “Awesome Apps of the Week”
Your iPhone goes nearly everywhere you go, so why not let it help you with life’s biggest moments?
Photo: Ian Fuchs, Vista Wei

Life is all about what you make of it. Or at least that’s how the saying goes, I guess. This week, we have an app that helps you make the most of your time, an app to help document it, and an app for the times in between. As usual, if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

An awesome app to simplify your day or secure your data [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week
With over a billion apps in the app store, we’ve found a few that we think you should know about.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

There really are apps for everything at this point. Whether you’re a coffee snob aiming to simplify your brewing experience, or simply looking for a tool to ease the frustration of your digital life, there is an app here for you. If you have other awesome apps to suggest for future installments, email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Apps to make you more creative and productive [Awesome Apps of the week]

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Awesome Apps of the week text in front of face down iPhone 12
With roughly 2 millions apps available in the App Store, sometimes all you need is something to tell you what’s good.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

While we anxiously await a flurry of new and updated apps coming for iOS 16, a few great new apps and updates have hit the scene recently.

From being more productive to being more creative, this week’s Awesome Apps are sure to help you feel accomplished. And if you have something you want us to check out for a future Awesome Apps post, be sure to email your suggestion or tweet them over!

Why Twitterrific is the best Twitter client for iOS and iPadOS [Awesome Apps]

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Sleek design, power features, no promoted tweets ... what more could you want?
Sleek design, power features, no promoted tweets ... what more could you want?
Image: Joe White/Cult of Mac

Twitter might be going through a turbulent time, but for many of us in the tech community, it remains our de facto town square — a place where we can meet to share our views, opinions and hopes.

Like most of us here at Cult of Mac, I’ve been using Twitter for years. And although I’ve switched between clients more than a handful of times, my favorite Twitter app is Twitterrific.

In fact, I’d even say that Twitterrific is the best Twitter client for iPhone and iPad. Stick around to find out why.

Why I think Overcast is the best podcast app out there [Awesome Apps]

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A great design and smart features are some of the reasons why I love Overcast.
A great design and smart features are some of the reasons why I love Overcast.
Screenshot: Joe White/Cult of Mac

This definitely isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Overcast here at Cult of Mac. But since I’ve been spending time rounding up my must-have apps as part of our Awesome Apps series, it makes sense to tell you why Marco Arment’s podcast client is the best podcast app out there.

It’s actually a great time to introduce anyone unfamiliar with Overcast to the app, since it recently received its biggest redesign ever. Part of this change includes a new home screen with some smart features. I love Overcast for a number of reasons, but the app’s home screen is probably chief among them.

3 great apps to make your life a little bit easier [Awesome Apps]

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Planta, Plex, and Pretzel app icons
Awesome apps to try All starting with letter P This haiku ends here
Image: Ian Fuchs

Another week has passed, and even more of you have come through with your app recommendations and suggestions! This week, a bit of a grab bag of new apps, new features, and new discoveries. From a shopping app to simplify your life to an excellent replacement to Apple’s infuriating TV app, we’ve got some awesome apps for you. And as always, if you have an awesome app to share, email your suggestion or tweet them to me!

Why Mela is top chef of recipe apps [Awesome Apps]

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Mela is the perfect culinary sidekick.
Mela is the perfect culinary sidekick.
Photo: cottonbro/Pexels

Forget your whisk, chef’s knife or food-mixer. Apple’s iPhone should be your go-to device when it comes to preparing delicious meals in the kitchen. While it’s incredibly handy having Siri nearby to set multiple cooking timers, our iPhones, iPads and Macs can also double as digital recipe-books. And when it comes to recipe apps, trust me: The best out there is Mela.

A great new game, camera controls and a better budget app [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week with iPhone in middle of desk
Whether you're interested in a fun iPhone game, a better way to budget, or want to master your camera controls, this week's Awesome Apps has something for you.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The last time we published an Awesome Apps of the Week roundup, I asked for you (or your friends) to email me or tweet at me with new apps (or app updates) worth checking out. And, as evidenced here, some of you came through. Also, it seems like there have actually been some cool/interesting new apps coming out lately. Thanks to the combination of those two things, we’re back with a great camera app, a super-fun new game, and an app that’s helping me budget better!

Why Noir is my all-time favorite Safari extension [Awesome Apps]

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Meet my favorite Safari extension.
Meet my favorite Safari extension.
Screenshot: Joe White/Cult of Mac

There are loads of Safari web extensions in the App Store, all of which pimp out Apple’s mobile browser in interesting and exciting ways. But the very best Safari web extension is called Noir. This must-have extension brings Dark Mode support to every website you visit.

Here’s why you should download it immediately.

Meet Apollo, the best Reddit client for iPhone and iPad [Awesome Apps]

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Apollo Reddit client on iPhone
Apollo is the best client for reading Reddit on the go.
Photo: Apollo/Joe White

Created by former Apple employee Christian Selig, Apollo for Reddit is hands-down the best Reddit reader out there. Forget the official Reddit client for iOS and iPadOS – Apollo is the app I return to day after day when it comes to exploring the fascinating world of Reddit.

In my view, the official Reddit app feels like a rehashed version of Reddit’s freewheeling website. Meanwhile, Apollo is a proper piece of mobile software — the real McCoy, if you will. It gives you a fantastically effective interface for digesting the mountain of news and topical info posted by Reddit’s millions of users.

Now don’t get me wrong. Apollo is by no means swish, flash and fancy. It’s instead the exact opposite – stripped-down and streamlined. But believe me: When it comes to browsing Reddit while on the move, this app gets the job done.

Wild Journey: My favorite meditation and sleep app [Awesome Apps]

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Wild Journey mindful app on iPhone
The Wild Journey meditation and sleep app is a great way to relax and unwind, and even get to sleep.
Photo: Wild Ventures/Joe White

Honestly, I think we could all do with a bit of Wild Journey in our lives. Wild Journey is my favorite mindfulness app for iPhone and iPad.

When I reach the end of the day and feel the need to relax and unwind, Wild Journey is the app I turn to. I find it helps me switch off and empty my mind like no other relaxation app. Let me explain why, starting with the basics.

Forget Reminders, Todoist is the best task-management app out there [Awesome Apps]

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Screenshot of Todoist app on iPhone with the words
The Todoist to-do app is the best on the App Store, and great if you're using Getting Things Done (GTD).
Photo:

Apple’s Reminders app has gone from strength to strength in recent years, but for a more-comprehensive task-management app on iOS, iPadOS and macOS, look no further than Todoist.

Trust me: It’s the best to-do app out there.

Why Outlanders is my favorite iPhone game [Awesome Apps]

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Awesome Apps iOS game: Outlanders is a great city-building sim that plays well on iPhone.
Outlanders is a great city-building sim that plays well on iPhone.
Image: Cult of Mac

When it comes to kicking back and playing a game on my iPhone, I love loading up Outlanders and seeing how long my community of villagers lasts before everything falls apart and society implodes.

It might sound a little deep, but Outlanders is far from it. This Apple Arcade title is a whole load of tactical fun and well worth a look.

Meet Fantastical, the king of calendar apps [Awesome Apps]

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Fantastical, the best calendar app for iPhone, iPad and Mac: You don’t have to settle for Apple’s stock calendar app.
You don’t have to settle for Apple’s stock calendar app.
Image: Cult of Mac

Awesome Apps is a new series highlighting the best apps around. We’ll be featuring our favorite apps as well as new and notable apps. Apps are transformative, and these are the best.

Years ago, I decided to ditch my paper Filofax diary for my iPhone, before quickly realizing that Apple’s built-in Calendar app didn’t fully meet my needs. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find the perfect third-party calendar app for iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

It’s called Fantastical – let me tell you about it.

Apple’s own Calendar app might be relatively well-formed and functional – most of the time – but for anyone looking to take their personal organization to the next level, long-time favorite Fantastical from developer Flexibits is a great option. The app’s wide-ranging feature set makes it easy to add tasks, manage calendars and streamline your productivity. Let’s start with the basics, before looking at some of Fantastical’s power features.

Spark email app: A powerhouse for iPhone, iPad and Mac [Awesome Apps]

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Spark - featured image

Awesome Apps is a new series highlighting the best apps around. We will feature our favorite apps as well as new and notable ones. Apps are transformative, and these are the best.

I’ve spent years searching the App Store for the best email app – and in doing so, I’ve tried them all. Spark is my favorite because it equips users with accessible power features, which make wrangling email on iOS, iPadOS and macOS as easy as ABC.

When friends of mine bemoan the limitations of Apple’s built-in Mail app, I point them to Spark, from Ukrainian developer Readdle. Spark is by no means a new addition to the App Store. But over the years, the developer added a strong set of features – many of which found their way into other email clients for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Useful utilities, an excellent batch photo editor and a great game [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week
With billions of apps in the app store, it’s always a delight when more awesome apps turn up.
Photo: Ian Fuchs & Rahul Chakraborty (via Unsplash)

Every time I think I can’t possibly discover other awesome, useful or fun new apps, I find a game or utility that makes something in my life just a little better or easier.

This week, a couple of great utilities, a way to simplify your photo editing process, and a ridiculously addictive game all managed to impress me. But surely these are the last good ones out there, right? (Want to tell me about another awesome app? Send me an email or find me on Twitter at @IanFuchs.)

Direction without directions, Magic Eraser for iPhone and more [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week Oct 31
With roughly 2 millions apps available in the App Store, sometimes all you need is something to tell you what’s good.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

From an easier way to meet up with a friend, to betting on a fight night, to cleaning up a photo, this week’s awesome apps are, well, awesome. We have a great app for dabbling in fantasy sports, a clever and simplified alternative to using GPS, and a way to bring the power of the Pixel 6 to the iPhone.

Share your memories, think creatively, and enjoy photography again [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the week text in front of face down iPhone 12
With roughly 2 millions apps available in the App Store, sometimes all you need is something to tell you what’s good.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Whether you like great time-wasting games, want to experience the beautiful photography that was once popular on Instagram, or want to preserve your favorite memories in video, this week we have some awesome apps to check out.

Extensions to make Safari even better [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week
iOS 15 brings plenty of new features to iPhone and iPad. Safari Extensions in iOS 15 make Safari the best mobile browser.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

iOS and iPadOS 15 have been out for a couple weeks now, and as with most new iOS releases, they usher in plenty of new apps to take advantage of the latest features. This week, we’re talking all about iOS and iPadOS Safari extensions.

Picture-in-picture, video editing in your pocket, and another great email app [Awesome Apps of the Week]

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Awesome Apps of the Week
YouTube finally gets a much requested feature, Clips can make you a short-form video star, and another email app is a contender.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Maybe it’s the impending iOS, iPadOS and macOS updates, but in checking out the App Store this past week, everything seemed to be “bug fixes and stability improvements.” Those are great things to have, but they aren’t as cool or exciting as fresh features or hot new apps!

Fortunately, a long-awaited feature is finally coming to the YouTube masses. Plus, I found another email app worth checking out. And, if you’re hoping to become an influencer, we’ve got an app to help you level up your videos in this week’s Awesome Apps of the Week.