When you get a new iPhone, it comes preloaded with a variety of apps designed to streamline your day-to-day tasks. From staying connected with loved ones to managing your productivity and entertainment, these apps are integral to how you interact with your device.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ultimate list of iPhone default apps and show you how to use them to their full potential. Whether you’re a new iPhone user or someone who’s been using the device for years, you might find some useful features you didn’t know about.
1. Phone
The Phone app is your go-to for all communication through voice calls. It’s simple, efficient, and packed with features like voicemail, call blocking, and visual voicemail.
How to Use:
- Making Calls: Tap the green phone icon, use the keypad to dial a number, or select from your Contacts tab.
- Voicemail: Tap the Voicemail tab to listen to messages, and use the transcriptions to read your voicemails.
- FaceTime: Start a video or audio call using FaceTime, by selecting the FaceTime option for a contact.
2. Messages
The Messages app allows you to send texts, photos, videos, and even voice memos. It’s essential for communicating with friends, family, or colleagues.
How to Use:
- Sending Messages: Tap the compose icon (pencil and paper) to start a new message. You can add photos, GIFs, and even stickers to make your conversations more fun.
- iMessage: If the person you’re texting also uses an iPhone, the message will appear in blue, signaling that it’s sent via iMessage, allowing for a more secure, faster message exchange.
- Group Chats: You can create group conversations by selecting multiple contacts. Plus, you can name group chats and mute them if needed.
3. Safari
Safari is Apple’s default web browser, designed to give you fast, privacy-focused internet browsing. It syncs your bookmarks, tabs, and browsing history across your Apple devices.
How to Use:
- Browsing: Open Safari and use the address bar to type in any URL. You can also use voice search with Siri.
- Private Browsing: Tap the tabs icon, then the “Private” button to browse without leaving traces on your device.
- Reader Mode: For distraction-free reading, tap the Reader Mode icon on the left of the address bar.
4. Photos
The Photos app is your iPhone’s digital photo album, but it’s more than just a gallery. It organizes your photos, edits them, and even creates automatic albums.
How to Use:
- Viewing Photos: Tap on Photos and swipe to navigate between your albums and memories.
- Editing: Tap “Edit” in the top-right corner of any photo to adjust brightness, contrast, filters, and more.
- Creating Albums: You can group photos into albums by selecting multiple images and tapping “Add to” > “New Album.”
5. Mail
Mail is your built-in email app. It supports multiple accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.) and features a clean, simple interface for managing your inbox.
How to Use:
- Sending Emails: Tap the compose icon to create a new email, attach files, and select recipients.
- Organizing Emails: Use folders to keep emails organized or swipe left to delete, archive, or mark as read.
- Siri Suggestions: The app also integrates with Siri to suggest responses to emails you might need to act on.
6. Calendar
The Calendar app helps you keep track of events, meetings, and appointments. It syncs across your Apple devices, making it easier to stay organized.
How to Use:
- Creating Events: Tap the plus icon in the top right to create a new event. You can add details like time, location, and alerts.
- Viewing Events: Switch between daily, weekly, and monthly views for the best overview of your schedule.
- Syncing: Link your iCloud or Google calendar to sync events across devices.
7. Notes
Notes is where you can jot down thoughts, make checklists, and even sketch quick ideas. It’s a handy app for organizing your thoughts on the go.
How to Use:
- Creating Notes: Tap the compose icon to create a new note. Add text, photos, links, and even scan documents.
- Organizing Notes: Use folders to organize your notes by category or topic.
- Sharing Notes: Tap the share icon to send your notes to others via email, message, or through iCloud.
8. Reminders
Reminders is perfect for keeping track of to-do lists, deadlines, and tasks. It integrates seamlessly with Siri, so you can set reminders hands-free.
How to Use:
- Adding Tasks: Tap “New Reminder” and type in your task. You can set due dates, times, and locations.
- Siri Integration: Simply ask Siri to remind you of something, and it will be added to your list.
- Sharing Lists: You can share a list with others for collaborative task management.
9. Maps
Maps is Apple’s navigation app, offering real-time traffic, directions, and even walking or cycling routes.
How to Use:
- Getting Directions: Enter an address or select a location to get directions. You can choose between driving, walking, or public transit.
- Real-Time Traffic: The app provides up-to-date traffic conditions, so you can avoid congestion.
- Explore Nearby: Use the “Explore” tab to discover nearby businesses, restaurants, and other points of interest.
10. Weather
The Weather app provides up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, radar, and detailed weather maps.
How to Use:
- Viewing the Forecast: Tap the app to see current weather conditions, hourly forecasts, and long-term forecasts.
- Adding Locations: You can add multiple locations to view the weather in different cities or regions.
- Weather Maps: Use the map to see real-time precipitation or temperature changes in your area.
11. Clock
The Clock app is more than just a basic timekeeper—it’s packed with features like alarms, timers, and a world clock.
How to Use:
- Setting Alarms: Tap the alarm icon to set new alarms for specific times and days.
- Timer: Use the Timer tab to set countdown timers, perfect for cooking or workouts.
- World Clock: Add multiple cities to keep track of different time zones.
12. News
Apple’s News app keeps you updated with the latest articles and breaking news tailored to your interests.
How to Use:
- Reading Articles: Tap on any story to dive deeper into articles and features.
- Following Topics: Personalize your feed by following topics, publishers, and channels that interest you.
- Notifications: Enable notifications to stay updated on breaking news or stories you follow.
Conclusion
Your iPhone comes loaded with a variety of default apps, and while they may seem basic at first glance, many of them offer powerful features that can enhance your daily life. Whether you’re using the Phone app to stay in touch with friends or the Calendar app to manage your schedule, these tools are here to make your experience more efficient and enjoyable. By mastering these default apps, you’ll unlock the full potential of your iPhone and streamline your digital life.