Your phone may come preloaded with dozens of apps, but sometimes there are apps you will never use, while other times the list of apps is lacking. There are several app categories that all smartphone users should have on their devices to make life a little bit more convenient.
Communication Apps
First and foremost, you need an app to communicate with the rest of the world. The most popular app for chatting in the UK is WhatsApp, followed by Facebook Messenger and iMessage (Apple).
These apps allow you to stay connected to friends, family, and colleagues through text, calls, or video calls.
If you work remotely, then Slack or Zoom are essential to connect with your workplace and manage projects with team members.
Entertainment Apps
The most popular types of entertainment apps are video and music streaming services, like Netflix and Spotify. YouTube is also a common option, and comes preloaded on most Android devices.
But, apart from streaming, entertainment apps include gaming and relaxation titles. The top mobile poker sites for 2026 are highly convenient for a quick break, as you can log in and start playing different poker variations immediately.
Video game developers have also created apps for their most popular titles, like Apex Legends Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile.
Social media apps also fall within this category, and allow you to watch reels, connect with others, and follow your favourite businesses or celebrities.
Utility Apps
Several utility apps come pre-installed on your phone, like the calculator, flashlight, and unit converter. These apps are useful tools that make your life just a little bit easier.
Additionally, you can consider downloading useful utility apps, like:
- Internet speed testers
- VPNs
- Weather apps
- File managers
- System cleaners
- Document scanners
- Antivirus software
- Language translators
There is an abundance of useful tools available for download. If you can think of it, your app store likely has it.
Productivity Apps
Productivity apps help you to stay organised and be more productive. Whether you use a note-taking app to jot down your ideas, grow your career, or manage your entire business team through Clickup, you can’t go without this type of app.
This app category became incredibly popular as remote working became more mainstream, and people are using Trello, Asana, Notion, and Evernote to improve their efficiency and keep on top of everything that needs doing.
Financial Apps
The world of finance is becoming increasingly digital. Not many of us still walk around with wads of cash in our wallets, and most of us use our phones for tap-to-pay purchases.
Financial apps allow you to manage your accounts, insurance, investments, debit orders, and loans directly on your phone. You can communicate with your financial advisor, manage portfolios, and make payments without ever setting foot in the bank.
Web Browser
Your phone likely comes pre-installed with either Google Chrome (Android) or Safari (iOS), although there are many other web browser apps available. Firefox, Opera, Brave, and Tor are all popular options.
The purpose of these apps is to access the internet in a mobile-friendly display. You can use this software to navigate web pages and use web applications.
Media Players
These software applications are used to play multimedia files like video or audio on your phone. As a standard, your phone will have a media player already installed, but downloading additional apps will give you more functionality.
For example. VLC can be used to watch movies and series on your phone, while Next Player and KMPlayer are also good alternatives.
Nagivation
A navigation app is a must when you’re exploring a new city, but it is equally handy to get around your home town too.
Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are the top options in this category. Not only do they tell you how to get to your destination, but they also give you an estimate of how long it will take and any incidents, like accidents or congestion, on your route.
Wrapping Up
Mobile apps allow you to customise your phone and create a device that meets all your needs exactly. Whether you use your phone for work, entertainment, or simply as a means of communication, there is an application that can simplify the task for you.
