Is the App Store still a hub for groundbreaking technological innovations, or has AI development become the trendier focus in the tech world? This question surfaced as we examined Apple’s recently revealed iPhone App of the Year finalists, which surprisingly featured long-standing favorites like the AllTrails hiking app, Duolingo language learning app, and Flighty travel app. In a departure from previous years, where the spotlight was on newly launched sensations like BeReal in the previous year or Toca Life World in 2021, Apple has opted for established apps with a dedicated user base.
Despite Apple’s omission of the booming AI app sector, one might wonder if the App Store lacks fresh and compelling finds in today’s landscape, where TikTok, Temu, and offerings from Meta and Google often dominate the top charts.
Contrary to this perception, the reality is quite different. However, discovering new and exceptional apps has become more challenging unless they gain virality on TikTok through influencer marketing strategies. Meanwhile, the App Store’s editorial collections seem somewhat stagnant, with categories like “best dating apps,” “best audio apps,” and “best streaming apps,” seldom surprising users.
Efforts to uncover hidden gems, both on the App Store and Google Play, now demand a more thorough exploration.
Having delved into this exploration ourselves, we want to spotlight some intriguing and relatively recent releases we’ve encountered in recent days. There’s a good chance you’ll discover at least one app on this list that’s unfamiliar or sparks your interest.
Blank Spaces
Blank Spaces serves as a minimalist home screen “launcher” for iOS users. Although iPhones lack true launchers like Android, this app offers a Home Screen widget, granting easy access to frequently used apps without distractions or clutter. It proves handy for managing screen time, especially if you’re trying to reduce dependency on apps and your phone. Consider creating a “downtime” Focus mode featuring this widget as the sole option.
Subscription: $3.99 per month, $13.99 per year, or $22.99 for Lifetime access.
Break the Web
Break the Web provides an interesting approach to staying updated on the latest news and trends. Offering real-time, AI-powered summaries of online happenings ranked by virality, the app presents diverse viewpoints for stories, adding depth to your understanding. With features like trending alerts and a daily AI-generated newsletter, it stands out, though it cautions users about potential inaccuracies or offensive material in its AI-generated content.
Price: Free
Swipewipe
Swipewipe is a Camera Roll cleaning app designed to make clearing out unwanted photos a more enjoyable experience. Using a Tinder-like swipe mechanism to keep (swipe right) or delete (swipe left) photos, the app adds a playful element. Accidental swipes can be reversed with a tap, and you can view a photo’s metadata with a tap and hold. The app gamifies the process, completing one month at a time, marked off with a progress wheel on the main screen.
Subscription: $4.99 per week, $9.99 per month, or $29.99 per year, with a 3-day free trial.
Corner
Corner is a personalized map and social app offering a novel way to curate and share places you love or want to try. Adding places from around the world as you travel, or sharing links from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the app uses AI to identify and save the place to your Corner. Over time, it provides personalized recommendations based on your preferences.
feeeed
Feeeed is a unique RSS reader allowing users to follow websites supporting RSS, YouTube channels, TikTok profiles, Reddit communities, and email newsletters. Beyond standard news reading, it incorporates features like flashcards for learning and reminders. A fresh take on personalized news reader experiences, feeeed adds versatility to staying informed.
Price: Free
Bandto
Bandto takes a forward-looking approach, using AI to facilitate networking introductions among professionals. By linking your résumé and specifying industry details, objectives like “Networking” or “Looking for” fine-tune the algorithm. Discover professionals in any city during your travels and connect via OpenAI-powered suggestions. Additionally, you can join professional networks aligned with your industry or interests.
Price: Free
Hardcover
Hardcover emerges as a Goodreads alternative, serving as a social network for book enthusiasts. Tracking your reading list, connecting with other readers, and offering features like book ratings and personalized Match Scores, the app facilitates discovering new books. Onboarding allows importing data from Goodreads, though a few technical issues were noted, possibly due to increasing popularity.
