Excellent Alternatives to Boring Stock IPhone Apps
With each version of iOS, Apple tweaks its software a bit, but for the most part, the default app lineup has remained unchanged since launch. For many of us, these apps just don’t work anymore. Here are the best apps to replace them.
The design and functionality of many Apple apps are starting to feel dated, and many people become unhappy with the overall experience. On top of that, many apps block you in the Apple and iCloud data ecosystem. However, there are many excellent replacements for standard Apple apps. From Maps to Mail, we’ll bring you the best options.
Google maps instead of maps
While Apple Maps is definitely not as bad as it was when it launched, it still isn’t as good as Google Maps (free). Simply put, Google Maps has more data, fresher directions, better real-time traffic conditions, and an abundance of information about whatever you’re looking for. The app also has routes for cyclists and public transport that Apple Maps didn’t bother with at all.
Other alternatives: Waze (free)
Chrome instead of Safari
The latest Safari update for iOS is actually pretty good, but if you’re not using Safari on your desktop, you’ll miss out on syncing your browsing data. So, if you’re using Chrome on a computer, Chrome for iOS is the logical choice. However, there are benefits beyond simple synchronization. Chrome can automatically reduce mobile data usage, display search results immediately, and let you keep as many tabs open as you want.
Other alternatives : Dolphin (free)
Camera + instead of camera
Apple has done a great job of making the default Camera app more powerful, but it still lacks the finely tuned Camera + controls ($ 2.99). Camera + adds all sorts of convenient photography features, including improved exposure and focus lock, useful horizon levels, a fantastic clarity filter, and a range of scene modes. It all comes together in an app that doesn’t feel cluttered, but has everything you need to take great looking photos.
Other alternatives : Camera Awesome (free)
Sunrise instead of calendar
The Sunrise Calendar (free) is what Apple’s calendar should be. It works with Google Calendar, iCloud and Exchange. You can quickly add events in real language. It integrates Facebook events and birthdays. It even uses Google Maps for directions and adds weather forecasts for events. It’s also slightly easier to use than Apple’s variant, making it the best calendar for just about everyone. We think Fantastical is best for the Mac , but Sunrise is better for what we do on mobile.
Other alternatives : Fantastical ($ 4.99), Calendars 5 ($ 6.99).
Sending instead of mail
If you’re looking for a powerful email app, Dispatch ($ 4.99) is your best bet. Apple Mail gets the job done for most people, so if you’re just sending a couple of emails, stick with it. If you really need to do heavy email on your phone, Dispatch is the way to go. You can reply to emails incredibly quickly with rich text snippets, empty your inbox in a couple of swipes, and search your messages with an insanely powerful engine. You can also customize which apps Dispatch will interact with to add events to your calendar, tasks, or archive important emails.
Other alternatives : Mailbox (free)
Kindle instead of iBooks
Unless you’re planning on staying with Apple for the rest of your life, buying books from iBooks is a bad idea because this software will only be available for iOS and OS X. You’d rather use the Kindle app (free) instead. … Sure, your books are still DRM-protected , but Amazon has the Kindle app on almost every device imaginable, so you always have access to your book collection even if you decide to leave the Apple ecosystem. You also have access to the Kindle itself, which is nice – reading books on the iPad is n’t always ideal . Plus, the Kindle app itself is amazing .
Pocket streams instead of podcasts
The Apple Podcasts app started very badly and still hasn’t recovered. It’s ok if you’re listening to a podcast or two, but it never seems to save your space properly, and it lacks even semi-advanced features. Instead, we love Pocket Casts ($ 3.99). It does everything a podcast app needs, including syncing subscriptions and playing across devices, automatically downloading new podcasts, playing via AirPlay and Chromecast, and more. Basically, that’s all the Apple Podcast app should be.
Other alternatives : Downcast , Cloudy weather.
Simplenote instead of notes
The default Notes app is great if you’re connected to the Apple ecosystem, but the fact that it only syncs with iCloud is a bummer for most of us. We prefer Simplenote (free) instead . It’s as simple and easy to use as the Apple variant, but syncs with its own internal service. This means you can easily leave all your notes intact by Apple. Simplenote also has some great additional features, including tags, instant search, list sharing, and revision history for your notes.
Other alternatives: Evernote (free)
Yahoo Weather instead of Weather
The default Apple Weather app is as simple as it gets. It includes current weather, five-day forecast, and daily forecast. This information really isn’t enough to help you get dressed for the day. Instead, we like Yahoo Weather (free). It provides more details on the upcoming forecast without being overwhelming and has a great design.
Other alternatives : Dark Sky ($ 3.99), Perfect Weather ($ 2.99).
PlayerXtreme HD instead of video
The biggest problem with the Default Video app is the lack of support for a wide variety of video formats. PlayerXtreme HD fixes this. It supports almost all video formats under the sun, has a simple interface for quick navigation, and even supports Wi-Fi data transfer between two devices using an app.
Other alternatives: Infuse (free)
Ecoute instead of music
The Music app is nice, but pretty basic. Ecoute ($ 1.99) adds enough features worth using in the Music app without overloading it. It uses gestures to quickly control music, integrates with various social networks, and has advanced playback controls. More interesting is iTunes-style song queuing, which makes it easy to create playlists on the fly.