Unique iPhone Apps You Need to Try — What’s on My iPhone 17 Pro (2025)

It’s been a few years since I’ve done one of these.

My iPhone setup has changed a lot — not just because of new apps, but because I’ve started using my phone differently.

These days, I try to keep it minimal.
If an app doesn’t help me create, organise, or enjoy life a bit more, it’s gone.

So here’s a proper look at what’s actually on my iPhone — some of the unique iPhone apps I use every day, and a few you might not have come across yet.

Linx Camera — My Own App

Let’s start with one I’m really proud of.

Linx Camera is an app I co-created with an amazing developer called Hans.

It started because I always felt the default iPhone Camera app was too limiting. You get great quality, but not much control — especially if you shoot ProRAW or care about colour grading.

Linx takes what Apple gives you and makes it better.

You can shoot ProRAW, apply my presets instantly, and swipe between filters just to see what fits the shot.

It’s simple, fast, and built for creators — especially if you’re into that clean, minimal look.

It’s crazy to think something that started as a side idea has turned into an app people actually use daily.

It’s not perfect — no app is — but we’re constantly improving it.

If you’ve ever used my iPhone presets or watched my iPhone photography videos, you’ll love this.

Kino — Professional Video, Without the File Size Headache

There are plenty of camera apps out there — Blackmagic, Final Cut Camera, Filmic — but Kino just nails it.

The reason I use it is simple: control.

I can choose my codec, bitrate, and shoot in Apple LOG without turning my phone storage into a nightmare.

ProRes looks amazing, but those files are massive.

With Kino, I record in HEVC LOG, which gives me the same flexibility when grading, at a fraction of the size.

I normally shoot in 4K60, LOG mode, and then colour grade the footage on my Mac.

It’s a clean workflow — shoot, airdrop, grade, done.

If you film content on your iPhone, this app is a must.

Arc Search — The Browser That Actually Feels Modern

I switched from Safari to Arc Search a few months ago, and I’m not going back.

It’s minimalist, fast, and it feels like it was actually designed for the iPhone.

There’s barely any wasted space — the website takes centre stage, not the browser UI.

But what really makes Arc stand out is the AI “Browse for Me” feature.

You can literally ask something like, “What’s the best 27-inch monitor for MacBook Pro?” and it’ll summarise all the relevant info for you in a clean, readable result.

It’s genuinely useful.

When I’m researching gear, flights, or random stuff for videos, it saves so much time.

Flighty — My Travel Lifesaver

If you travel even a few times a year, Flighty is worth it.

I’ve used it for a while now, and it’s consistently one of the most well-designed apps I’ve ever tried.

The interface looks like something Apple would make — smooth, minimal, and detailed in all the right ways.

It gives you gate numbers, delay warnings, and aircraft info before most airline apps even update.

I’ve literally been standing at the gate before the airline app even told me it changed.

I don’t show my actual flights for obvious reasons, but if you travel often, Flighty’s data accuracy is unmatched.

It just works.

Spotify — The One I Always Come Back To

I’ve tried Apple Music a few times. I always come back to Spotify.

It’s the algorithm.

Spotify just knows what I want to listen to — better than I do sometimes.

Discover Weekly and Release Radar always give me new artists I actually like, not random stuff.

Their DJ feature is also underrated. It mixes your playlists, adds commentary, and somehow blends songs that shouldn’t even work together.

I use Spotify every single day — in the car, at the gym, or when I’m editing photos.

It’s one of those rare apps that gets better the longer you use it.

Grok — AI That’s Actually Useful

Grok is one of those apps that sounds like a gimmick until you try it.

It’s basically a voice AI that listens, responds, and transcribes everything in real time.

So when I’m driving, I can ask it things like,

“Find me a few restaurants in Tokyo that don’t serve raw fish”.

It speaks the answer back and shows the transcript so I can see if it understood me right.

I use it more than I expected — when I’m travelling, brainstorming, or just too lazy to type.

No other AI app feels this smooth yet.

Poolsuite FM — Retro Vibes Done Right

Every now and then, I find an app that’s just pure vibe.

Poolsuite FM is exactly that.

It looks like it came straight out of the 80s — pastel colours, old-school radio design, retro tracks playing in the background.

You can’t skip songs, which weirdly makes it better.

You just let it play.

It’s perfect when I’m working, editing, or need background music that feels nostalgic but calm.

mymind — Where I Save Everything

mymind is one of those apps that quietly becomes essential.

I use it for inspiration — photos, tweets, quotes, product designs, you name it.

You don’t have to tag or organise anything.

The AI automatically sorts it all for you.

If I search “desk setup,” it pulls every image I’ve ever saved that looks like a desk setup — even ones without that word in the title.

It’s magic.

It’s basically my private Pinterest, but better.

Mango — My Go-To for Everyday Style

Not everything on my phone is tech-related.

I use Mango a lot — it’s where most of my T-shirts and casual pieces come from right now.

Their clothes are simple, clean, and not covered in logos.

They fit well, feel premium, and don’t cost crazy money.

I still check Zara and Massimo Dutti sometimes, but Mango just gets the balance right — modern but timeless.

If you like minimal style, it’s worth checking out.

Honourable Mentions

• Spark — I use this to manage all my inboxes. It keeps email tolerable.
• Notion — My go-to for content planning and product tracking.

That’s pretty much everything I’m using right now.

No filler, no clutter — just apps that actually make a difference day to day.

If there’s something you think I’m missing, be sure to let me know.

Always keen to find something new that’s actually worth downloading