The week is over and that means that a fresh app overview is waiting for you! As far as we are concerned, you should not miss these new apps, games and updates. You can find the best iOS apps from week 48 here.
The best iOS apps at a glance
The App Store works overtime every week to handle the never-ending stream of new apps and updates. However, you will hardly notice this, because only a small part of it is worth installing. If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch can use some new apps, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Google Maps
Google Maps now uses all available screen space on the iPhone X to display map data. Where Apple Maps uses a transparent bar at the top next to the ‘notch’, Google uses that space to show more of the map. Also, the information block at the bottom of the screen now uses the extra space that is there, without the crazy padding that was previously visible there.
The interface of the app itself is not yet fully optimized for the iPhone X. For example, this update has placed the search bar higher in the screen, which makes it less easy to get to the side menu. If you’re using your iPhone X with one hand, you actually need the Reachability option to get to the menu easily. According to Google, the latest Maps update also fixes some bugs under the hood.
→ Download Google Maps from the App Store (free)
2. Pixelmator Pro
After ten years, Pixelmator is releasing its first paid upgrade this week, and it’s a big one. Pixelmator Pro continues with the line used by the original app. The design is even tighter, the animations smoother and the whole app is a lot smarter. The app praises itself for the fact that all components are now in one window. A big difference from the original Pixelmator, which had several separate windows. This was especially inconvenient in many cases, especially if you’re doing other things on your Mac in between photo editing.
That’s why Pixelmator Pro has a brand new menu on the side of the window. Everything you need is hidden here, and it only comes into view when you actually use it. This way you can quickly crop an image, adjust the colors or add extensive and complex graphic effects.
→ Download Pixelmator Pro from the App Store (64.99 euros)
3. Snapchat
Snapchat’s new design is designed with a clear vision: separating your friends from the brands you follow in the app. This works as follows: the camera is still processed in the ‘middle’ of the app. Then swipe left to talk to your friends, swipe right to enter a search query and see what professional parties and brands are talking about.
With the new design, Snapchat wants to make the app clearer for outsiders. The main reason that things are not going well with Snapchat is that there are hardly any new users. By taking this step, Snapchat hopes to encourage more conversations between people, and that as a result, other people who didn’t use Snapchat before will also give the app a chance.
→ Download Snapchat from the App Store (free)
4. Far From Noise
Far From Noise tells a special story about someone rocking back and forth in a car on the edge of a large cliff. There is no way to escape, so there is no other option than to think.
As soon as a deer comes to see what’s going on, a special conversation arises in a special place. The game is not very demanding from the player, apart from making some small choices. Yet it is a special experience that makes you think.
→ Download Far From Noise from the App Store (3.49 euros)
5. WhatsApp
The popular WhatsApp chat app was renewed on Tuesday. At first glance, not much has changed and there is nothing new in the Dutch description. Nevertheless, a function has been added, which will be especially welcome for people who use WhatsApp as a walkie-talkie. With the arrival of version 2.17.81 it is a lot easier to record speech for longer.
Normally when you record a voice message on WhatsApp, you have to press and hold the microphone next to the text bar. If you are not satisfied during the recording, you can always cancel it by swiping to the left. But for longer recordings you had to constantly keep your finger on the screen.
→ Download WhatsApp from the App Store (free)