one travel app iphone

Best travel apps in 2021

Beat the traffic, avoid flight delays and find a place to stay on your next trip

The best travel apps are the ones that take all the stress out of a trip, freeing you up to enjoy the journey. And fortunately, you've got a lot of choices when it comes to finding apps that can help you plan your next getaway. 

You'll find everything from trip planners and itinerary generators to online marketplaces for flights and hotels in both the Play Store and Apple's store for apps. Combine one of the best travel apps with some great travel tech , and your chances for a smooth trip will increase dramatically.

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Not sure where to look first? We've found a list of the best travel apps for when you're ready to hit the road again after sticking close to home for more than a year.

1. MyTSA (Free: Android; iOS)

Before you hit the road, make sure you've got MyTSA on your smartphone. The official app of the Transportation Security Administration isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it will let you check wait times at security checkpoints at major airpots. And that can help you plan on how much travel time you need to allow.

The app includes historical wait-time data while also giving you the option of checking crowd-sourced reports of how long security lines are at that moment. The ability to search what you can bring on a plane, get live assistance and find out info on the TSA PreCheck program make this a good app for travelers to keep handy on their smartphone.

Download MyTSA: Android , iOS

2. Expedia (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're a frequent traveller, you need a good all-in-one travel app, and Expedia is a tried-and-true option. You can book every aspect of your trip through Expedia, including hotels, flights and rental cars. The app also lets you bundle deals on travel and lodging, look for cruises, and research things to do when you arrive at your destination. 

If you're looking to stretch your travel budget even farther, Expedia promises exclusive deals for mobile users, with members of Expedia's rewards program enjoying additional perks. 

Download Expedia: Android , iOS

3. Flighty (iOS: Free)

There are flight trackers, and then there's Flighty, an iOS app for people who really want to know the location and arrival time of their plane. The free version of the app gives you basic flight-tracking tools, but pay up for a subscription ($8.99 a month or $49.99 per year), and you get access to more sophisticated features such as push notifications, syncing with TripIt or with calendars, and an assistant to help with your flight connections. 

Flighty also claims to be able to predict flight delays by monitoring inbound planes for 25 hours and monitoring FAA-mandated delays. You can check out the portions of the paid app for free during a 14-day trial.

Download Flighty: iOS

4. Hopper (Android, iOS: Free)

Another app bringing big data and predictive algorithms to the world of air travel is Hopper It uses a massive database of airline prices and historical trends to predict when prices to a destination are likely to be lowest, when they're likely to change, and the best time to buy a ticket for a particular date and destination. 

You can watch flights on specific dates or destinations, and the app will advise you whether it's worth it to buy now or to wait, tell you the dates when it's likely cheapest to fly, estimate changes in price, and notify you of price drops or rises. You can also save your payment details within the app for quick booking.

Download Hopper: Android , iOS

5. iExit (Android, iOS: Free)

If your travel plans involve a lot of driving, iExit works as a handy freeway exit guide, listing nearby highway exits, as well as the kind of businesses and amenities there are nearby. Need to gas up or find some good food or a place to stay for the night? iExit’s search tools come to the rescue, showing you nearby gas stations (with price data powered by GasBuddy), motels, and even deals and discounts from nearby businesses.

Download iExit: Android , iOS

6. Waze (Android; iOS)

Nothing gets a vacation off on the wrong foot like getting stuck in traffic. Waze can't eliminate the traffic, but it can help you get around any jams, especially if you're in an unfamiliar city. 

The navigation app feeds your smartphone real-time traffic information, based on reports from other Waze users. That data includes accidents, speed traps and other hazards that might keep you from getting to your destination in a timely fashion. 

Other features sure to impress travelers include automatic rerouting, cheap gas alerts and the ability to send your ETA to anyone waiting at your final stop.

Download Waze: Android , iOS

7. Skiplagged (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're traveling light and looking to save a few bucks, check out Skiplagged. It's a neat app that can keep your travel costs down by taking advantage of "hidden city flights", where flyers get off at a layover, instead of at the final destination. 

Enter your origin and destination, and Skiplagged will show you the cost of a direct flight, as well as any cheaper "hidden city" flights that have your intended destination as a layover. The caveat? Stick to carry-on luggage, as any checked-in bags will go all the way to the flight's final destination. 

Skiplagged also allows you to book hotels, including last-minute deals and special offers.

Download Skiplagged: Android , iOS

8. Flio (Android, iOS: Free)

Flio aims to be the all-in-one companion app for harried travelers making their way through airports worldwide. An official partner of 300 airports, Flio also has info on thousands more. That lets the app feature terminal maps, a boarding pass scanner, a flight tracker and directions to shuttle buses and booking options for everything from parking to lounge access. 

The app's sheer variety of services and features make it a great addition to the app toolkit of frequent fliers and vacationers alike.

Download Flio: Android , iOS

9. AtYourGate (Android, iOS: Free)

AtYourGate is another helpful airport companion that focuses more about retail opportunities while you're killing time waiting at the airport. If you need food, supplies (like say a phone charger to replace the one you forgot to pack), or last-minute gifts, you can browse the AtYourGate app for nearby shops and restaurants instead of having to wander around the airport. 

AtYourGate users can order food or other items, pay through the app, and even arrange for the item to be delivered to them right at their gate, lounge, or other location. AtYourGate currently operates in a select number of major airports, including JFK, La Guardia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Portland, San Diego, and Newark.

Download AtYourGate: Android , iOS

10. Mobile Passport (Android, iOS: Free)

Mobile Passport is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection-approved app that helps speed you through lengthy immigration lines. It allows anyone with U.S. or Canadian passports to submit their passport control and customs declarations through the app, replacing paper forms and providing faster processing in a number of major US airports where the Mobile Passport service is supported. 

The app will save you a good amount of time in line, but it’s no reason to leave your physical passport at home. Mobile Passport is a companion app, not a replacement.

Download Mobile Passport: Android , iOS

11. TripIt (Android, iOS: Free)

TripIt promises to cut back on the travel hassle by consolidating your travel plans into a simple, convenient itinerary. Viewable online and synced to your cell phone, you can also share itineraries with your contacts. 

You just link your email account to TripIt, and the service will automatically dig through your inbox for reservation confirmations and other forms. Using that data, TripIt builds an organized itinerary of your flight boarding times, hotel check-ins and more. While TripIt is a free download, a $48.99 annual subscription gets you features like real-time flight alerts and updates on how long airport lines are.

Download TripIt: Android , iOS

12. App In The Air (Android, iOS: Free)

App In The Air is designed to help you through the entire process of your airplane flight, serving as a booking assistant that reminds you of your gate, ETA, check-in requirements, baggage tips, and more. 

The app condenses all of this important information so that it's easy to refer to at a glance, while also providing handy extras. You can view a summary of your airline's baggage rules (or even have an augmented reality overlay that you can use to measure your baggage to see if it will fit for carry-on or overhead guidelines). 

Travelers can integrate the app with TripIt, track loyalty rewards, view airplane amenities and even forward their details to their Apple Watch or Android Wear device. A premium subscription ($29.99 per year) includes real-time flight status updates, automated check-ins, and more.

Download App In The Air: Android , iOS

13. GasBuddy (Android, iOS: Free)

If road trips are more your thing, consider GasBuddy, a mobile app that helps users track down the cheapest gas in their region. Users can tap into their GPS location through their phone, or search by address or zip code to find the nearby gas prices.

As many of the prices are based on user reports, GasBuddy rewards users with points for reporting and updating a station's prices, with points making you eligible for regular raffles of prizes like free gas.

Download GasBuddy: Android , iOS

14. Roadtrippers (Android, iOS: Free)

Another handy travel companion when you hit the road is the aptly named Roadtrippers, a trip planning and itinerary app that lets you plot your next road trip, and helps you discover destinations, attractions, and useful stops along the way. 

With Roadtrippers, you can share your route and schedule with friends and family. The app helps users find everything from diners and dives to hotels, restaurants, national parks, roadside attractions and other scenic points of interest. 

If doing that research on a small phone screen stresses you out, you can plan trips in the Roadtrippers web portal if you prefer, saving locations and stops into a trip plan which you can sync across multiple devices for easy reference.

Download Roadtrippers: Android , iOS

15. PackPoint (Android, iOS: Free)

PackPoint is a travel packing wizard that provides a checklist of travel essentials that you'll need to pack, depending on the nature of your trip. 

Simply create a trip profile with your destination, length of stay and purpose of travel. PackPoint then creates a customized packing and luggage checklist that takes into account whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the type and amount of clothing to pack based on the weather forecast and other factors. 

The app also comes with a variety of premium features, such as TripIt integration for automatic packing list creation.

Download PackPoint: Android , iOS

16. TripAdvisor (Android, iOS: Free)

TripAdvisor is your crowd-sourced guide to hotels, restaurants and attractions worldwide. The app allows you to browse through plenty of reviews, images and videos featuring various establishments worldwide to get a better idea of what awaits you at your destination. 

You can also access contact details; search for nearby establishments; explore restaurants by food type, price range or rating; check out air fares; and even add to the knowledge base by posting your own reviews, images and entries for the places you visit. There are even some handy "Near Me Now" features to alert you of nearby points of interest once you're on the scene.

Download TripAdvisor: Android , iOS

17. Airbnb (Android, iOS: Free)

Airbnb is a marketplace app that allows users to search for and find unique accommodations across the world, from mom-and-pop B&Bs for a night, to a small apartment for a week, or even a castle for a month. There's no shortage of quirky and unique establishments. Airbnb covers a range of prices in more than 34,000 cities across almost 200 countries, which means the adventurous or flexible traveler has some interesting choices for accommodations on their next trip.

Download Airbnb: Android , iOS

18. Vrbo (Android, iOS: Free)

Vrbo's mobile app is another option for finding places to stay on your next trip. At Vrbo, the emphasis is on vacation rentals, and with 2 million unique places to stay in 190-plus countries, you've got plenty of options. 

Use the Vrbo app to search for vacation homes, plan your trip and book your lodging. The app also gives you access to key booking details — what is the Wi-Fi password at your rental property, anyway? — and lets you share your itinerary with friends and family.

Download Vrbo: Android , iOS

19. Hotel Tonight (Android, iOS: Free)

If you unexpectedly need to look for last minute hotel rooms, check out  HotelTonight. It offers last-minute discounts on vacancies and same-night accommodations from top-rated hotels. Users can search by category and quality such as Basic, Hip or Luxe; view information on nearby hotels; and quickly book accommodations from within the app.

Download HotelTonight: Android , iOS

20. GlobeTips (iOS: Free)

How much should you tip? GlobeTips is a handy app that can tell you how much gratuity is customary wherever you are in the world. In addition to global tipping guides, GlobeTips includes a calculator for automatically calculating the tip, splitting the bill, and handling sales tax.

Download GlobeTips: iOS

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The best travel apps for iOS and Android

The smartphone is the modern-day travel agent. From the palm of your hand, you can book flights, plan accommodations, and even reserve a seat at a seaside restaurant using nothing more than your phone.

Finding the most affordable flight and hotel and making sure you’ll have plenty of cash to spend during your trip can be challenging. Check out these travel-booking apps to be a master planner. Once your trip is booked, you can use the best flight-tracking apps to make sure traveling is as seamless as possible. You’ll also need some directions once you’ve arrived to make sure you get to your hotel and see everything that you want to see, so we’ve included apps for that too.

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Planning your itinerary

While many of us have canceled travel plans this past year due to restrictions on travel, there’s no time like the present to plan your next vacation. Our favorite travel apps for iOS and Android can help you enjoy a stress-free vacation where all you should be thinking about is having an amazing time.

Airport travel, especially in the United States, can be a confusing and daunting experience. MyTSA, a U.S. government-sponsored app, demystifies all the rules you need to follow in order to avoid a stare down and possible delays by security agents who are trying to do their jobs. Discover which items you can bring with you through the security checkpoint and onto the aircraft, request live assistance from the Transportation Safety Administration, check how historically busy your chosen airport will be on a given day, check crowd-sourced security wait times and offer your own estimates, check for delays and current weather conditions, and find out how to access and sign up for TSA PreCheck to get you through security in a jiffy. New updates customize the Dashboard, let you view airports in a map, and get directions to the airport.

iOS   Android

Flights, hotels, rental cars — Skyscanner has got you covered. The app searches for the most affordable and best options via its travel partners. Similar to Google Flights , you can see the cheapest dates to fly, and you can also get alerts when prices change. If you’re not sure where exactly you want to go, Skyscanner offers a category that lets you explore Top Deals from your nearest airport as well as a curated list of destinations at affordable prices. You can now monitor your bookings with status updates in Trips and move booked flights from one trip to another. This lets you move things around without losing your saved details. New versions let you discover which countries have low entry restrictions and no quarantine regulations. With flexible booking and free cancellation options, you won’t lose money if your plans change.

For many, Kayak is the go-to trip planning destination — and for good reason. Like Skyscanner, Kayak searches across various travel sites for rental cars, hotels, and flights. Kayak often has exclusive deals, and you can set price alerts and use Price Forecast to see whether you should buy now or wait. Kayak also acts as a trip planner, offering important details at a glance, like your hotel confirmation number or gate number. You can also access these details in real time and on devices such as the Apple Watch. The app now suggests hotels at launch and can even pinpoint results if you’re traveling with kids, while the car search now supports addresses. From hotels to guest houses, the app displays different categories of accommodation to help you narrow down where you’re spending the night, complete with sleeping arrangements so you can plan and book your next stay.

If you’re looking for the cheapest possible price for a plane ticket, you need to download Hopper. Like Kayak and Skyscanner, you can look at the cheapest dates to fly, but Hopper prides itself on telling you when to buy your tickets via push notifications. The company says it can save you up to 40% on your next flight by analyzing and tracking billions of flights. The user interface is simple, and Hopper says you can book a flight in 60 seconds or less. You can now set a watch for a specific hotel you want to stay in instead of setting a watch for the entire city where it’s located.

Whether it’s legal in the city you’re visiting or not, Airbnb is a household name. The app undercuts hotels by offering far cheaper prices and a more authentic experience by allowing you to stay with a local, or in their home. The app also offers a feature called Trips , which offers Experiences to choose from during your stay — these are curated events you can partake in with local guides. Eventually, the app will become an all-in-one travel app that lets you plan your day, book a car, and more. The latest update includes improvements to the browsing functionality for a new way of searching.

Hotel Tonight

Did your Airbnb plans fall through? Did your flights get delayed at your layover? You never know what will happen with your booking, and Hotel Tonight is a reliable service that thrives on last-minute deals. The company partners with hotels to offer discounts on empty rooms, and you’ll be able to book one in under 10 seconds. You also get 24/7 customer service from the Hotel Tonight team in case something goes awry. The app has launched a Daily Drop feature that offers a super-economical deal for the day. You can also book multiple rooms in a single go and broadcast that info via group chat. The new Local Getaways is available at a glance from the new Hotel Tonight widget to show you the best deals nearby.

Booking.com

With Booking.com, you can find the best hotel deals at a moment’s notice, or in advance. The handy hotel comparison feature lets you compare features and prices, with over 135 million reviews from other users to help you choose your accommodation. Hotels, motels, B&Bs, and luxury apartments for your next trip are all bookable in seconds, with paperless confirmation, no booking or credit card fees, and 24/7 support from the Booking.com team.

Get a ride from 600-plus airports in more than 10,000 cities worldwide, Uber is the global king of ridesharing apps . The app pioneered on-demand services, and it can be particularly handy when you’re abroad. You can quickly request a car within the app after perusing an assortment of differing vehicle rates and fare quotes. Afterward, you can connect with your personal driver, track the approaching car’s location, and securely pay your fare using a credit card — no cash needed. Rather than trying to find a taxi or a taxi stand, just bring one straight to you. Uber is constantly updating its app to improve features like trip sharing, ride selection, and tipping. Updates improve localization across the app.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an essential travel app to have. It offers directions for travel by car, on public transit, on foot, by cab, or by bicycle. You’ll find it fairly reliable in offering up local public transportation options in many countries, and you can also download specific areas for offline use. You can also use Maps to find out when places like museums or restaurants close and check to see how busy a place is in real time along with using the app to find local restaurants, bars, and attractions. You can even search for hotels by features like free Wi-Fi, pet friendliness, or air conditioning, for example. You can now view and manage all your favorite places from the Your Places page. You can also use Google Assistant while driving, so you can focus on the road and quickly get estimated arrival times and step-by-step directions to destinations you’ve saved.

With a growing list of countries, Citymapper is one of the best tools to find and use public transportation. It connects with a few ridesharing services, offers the fastest way to arrive at your destination, and best of all, lets you check out subway and train times offline for a number of cities. You can subscribe to specific train or bus lines, and the app can even alert you when you need to get off the bus, which is handy when you’re riding for the first time in a new country. The app now features a SuperRouter that lets you view floating brands like cycles, scooters, mopeds, car sharing with full travel times — including walking and availability. A wheelchair-accessible section is now available for some locations. The newest version features new Routing Powers: Fast for the fastest route, with routes updated and re-ranked every 60 seconds, and Price, which compares fares to find the cheapest route.

Preparation and finding places

There’s always something we forget to do before a trip, whether it’s failing to pack sunscreen or change some currency. Take a look at these apps to keep you on track. Looking for a spot for lunch? Have some extra time and want to check out another museum? Scroll down for apps that offer up things to do and the best-rated places to eat during your stay.

Making a checklist of everything you need to pack can be useful, but what if one’s already made for you? PackPoint looks at the weather forecast for the dates and location of your trip. It will also ask you to select activities you may participate in during your trip, like a meeting for business, a swim at a pool, or a fancy dinner. It will then offer up a list of items you should pack based on these activities, along with general items you’d need on any trip. You can remove items you don’t think are necessary as well as share lists with others in case your friends need some help, too. You can now hide or tap and hold to reorder items on your list.

Xe Currency

While it’s not the prettiest app, Xe Currency is one of the more robust currency converter apps available for both iOS and Android . It’s constantly being updated and offers live exchange rates for every world currency and precious metals. What’s neat is that it can store the most recent rates, so you can access them if your device is offline. Also neat is support for Siri Shortcuts . You can now monitor up to 20 currencies at the same time.

Mobile Passport

Traveling to the U.S.? Mobile Passport lets you skip the regular line to enter the country and is officially authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. All you need to do to skip long lines is download this app and add your passport information — you can do this quickly by scanning it with your phone’s camera. Mobile Passport is accepted at more than two dozen airports in the U.S., so check ahead of time to see if your airport supports the app. A premium version is available for $15 per year and offers the convenience of a digital scanner and secure storage of your passports.

TripIt organizes all your travel plans in one place — just email your confirmations to them and they’ll create a master itinerary that syncs to your calendar and can be shared with your travel buddies. You can even store your travel documents in the app. Upgrade to Pro for $49 per year and you’ll enjoy additional features like flight alerts, terminal notifications, and seat tracker, which notifies you if better seats become available, as well as updates on security wait times and searchable airport maps with walking directions. New updates let you find the latest information for airlines you’re travelling with, including food and drinks service, cleaning procedures, middle-seat policy, and more. If your reservations include PDF files, you can share the files you upload — right from the app.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is a catch-all app when it comes to travel. You can quickly peruse millions of reviews, opinions, videos, and photos pertaining to just about anything related to your trip — bars, restaurants, hotels, airlines, and more. You can use Tripadvisor’s Near Me function to find well-reviewed places close by, but the best feature the app has to offer is the number of countries it supports — it’s just about everywhere, making it a necessary guide for every traveler. You can also ask specific travel questions in the app’s forums or add your own reviews in a similar fashion to Yelp. New updates let you access your personal travel feed, find friends and get expert advice, and save travel ideas for the future. Improvements to the app offer access to coronavirus health and safety information for hotels, restaurants and experiences, let you book reservations with free cancellation, and organize and share ideas.

Yelp has officially become the Yellow Pages of restaurants and bars, and its use extends not just to the U.S., but all around the world. Its most powerful feature is the sheer number of reviews housed in the Yelp app — it’s an excellent resource for when you’re looking to hit some of the best spots in the country you’re visiting. Yelp also offers hours of operation, a phone number for listings, and sometimes even a menu, so you can be as prepared as possible before heading out. Businesses have been adding more health and safety information all year.

Language and day-to-day apps

If you’re traveling to a country where your native tongue isn’t the official language, you may as well pack a few of the best language apps to translate on the go or brush up on your language skills. We also have a handful of miscellaneous apps you may find useful during your time abroad.

If you need to get online fast without an expensive cellular connection, WiFi Map is the place to go for worldwide information. This app shows you the nearest free hot spots, complete with passwords and user comments. The app offers full map navigation to get you to the right place and lets you filter your search and test for connection speed. A network scan checks for intruders. There are even offline maps for travelers and a VPN (with the pro version) for secure, anonymous connections. You can also add new Wi-Fi connections yourself to help other travelers in your location.

Google Translate

Google Translate provides translations, which are now more conversational thanks to machine learning , between more than 100 different languages, allowing you to listen to translations out loud and translate dictation and your own handwriting on the screen. You can star your favorite words or phrases for offline access, view dictionary results for a single word or phrase, or use Siri Shortcuts for bilingual conversations. Look for more regional options for speech in English (U.S., U.K., Australia, and India), Bengali (Bangladesh and India), French (France and Canada), and Spanish (Mexico and Spain). You can now continuously translate someone speaking a different language in near real time.

If you’ve booked your trip months ahead of time, try tackling the country’s language in Duolingo. It offers beginner-level courses, but it’s also a great tool for those looking to brush up on a language. You can also chat with bots in select languages, which can be particularly helpful when you’re trying to learn the phrases you’re likely to use the most abroad. You can take placement tests to move up to tougher sections. Leaderboards get you into that competitive spirit with fellow users.

Memrise has more languages than Duolingo, and the app also uses mnemonics to help you memorize words and phrases. You can view video clips of native speakers the first time you try a new word or phrase, which allows you to hear local pronunciation. Swipe to listen to more audio and compare different pronunciations. The company says the app adapts to your learning style over time, and there’s a pro version that lets you unlock even more features, such as an offline mode.

Changing time zones and battling jet lag can make your travels extremely confusing if you’re moving around a lot. Circa, which is iOS-only, helps travelers track the time in the destination they’re heading to and the location they’re currently in. You can set a clock to match the time in your home country or a place where your loved ones are. The app highlights times in both locations where both parties are likely awake. The calendar ring helps you see your current availability or continue swiping to find an available time slot. This app is also compatible with Apple Watch.

WhatsApp is now home to more than a billion users. The app is free, no matter where you are in the world, and operates over a Wi-Fi connection. Add some fun to your conversations by sending stickers, photos, or videos to your contacts. Enable extra security features, like a Face ID or Touch ID, to unlock the app. You need Wi-Fi or a data phone plan to send messages via WhatsApp, but there are no international calling charges. The only downside is that you can only communicate with people who have the app. The newest versions have updated image and video previews, so you can now see more of the media in chat, and all group participants can now change the Disappearing Messages setting by default.

If you’re using a specific app to stay in touch with your loved ones while you’re traveling, but that app isn’t available in certain countries like China , you’ll need to get creative to ensure you don’t fall off the map. We recommend skirting around this issue by using a virtual private network ( VPN ). VPNs keep your private information inaccessible to others who may be on the same network, making it safer to use public Wi-Fi. NordVPN is our favorite service, partially because it has thousands of servers across the planet. This service will cost you about $12 monthly, but you can test whether you’d like to use it in a free seven-day trial. Additionally, they constantly offer promotions for an even lower monthly subscription fee. The VPN is compatible with phones, tablets, or laptops , and you shouldn’t have any trouble with geo-restrictions as NordVPN has servers across the globe ready to adjust to what you need. Ensure you’ll always have a safe connection, no matter where you are in the world, with a VPN .

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30 essential travel apps every traveler needs before their next trip

When it comes to planning and taking a vacation, travelers rely on their phones now more than ever.

Travel apps are a source of inspiration and are extremely useful for booking and managing logistics — even making restaurant reservations or finding a great fitness class wherever in the world you're flying next.

From apps that help with everything from day-of hotel bookings and last-minute flight changes to those that serve as guidebooks and foreign-language dictionaries, travel is infinitely easier thanks to technology.

Apps can help you navigate a new city, make currency conversions, pack a perfect suitcase and even provide on-the-ground local expertise. Whatever you need when you hit the road, there's an app for that.

We've rounded up the most-loved apps here at TPG. Some may be obvious, and others more obscure, but either way, get ready to download.

Best apps for researching and booking trips

In addition to the apps for the airlines you fly most frequently and your favorite hotel brands, these apps can help you save money on flights and accommodations.

Hopper has changed in recent years from just offering a price prediction tool for flights to being a true online travel agency. The app helps travelers find the cheapest flights, hotels and rental cars.

Of course, Hopper also still offers its signature price prediction technology to help you plan out when to book, as well as travel protection options and a price freeze to help you lock in the lowest possible price on hotels and flights.

Kiwi is used mainly to book flights, but it also helps you book hotels (using its partnership with Booking.com) and car rentals (using its partnership with RentalCars.com).

Some of the app's most interesting features include the "Deals" section, which pulls in discounted flights, and the "Travel hacks" section, which includes options for hidden city ticketing, throwaway ticketing (making one-way flights more affordable) and free price alerts.

Hotel Tonight

A dream for last-minute travelers, Hotel Tonight ( now owned by Airbnb ) lets you book stays for the same evening up to a few months in advance in thousands of cities worldwide. Available hotel rooms are categorized into sections like basic, luxe, hip, charming and solid, so you can select what works for your vibe. Take advantage of the daily drop feature, where you swipe to find a personalized deal with a special price only valid for 15 minutes after unlocked.

At TPG, we love a good loyalty program, and HT Perks, the app's nine-level reward program, is extensive. Not unlike a video game, you "level up" by reaching specific spending thresholds on the app, and you'll gain access to perks like discounts, VIP customer support and credits. Also, your levels never expire, so you can only continue to move up.

To book home rentals instead of hotels, use the Airbnb app. After entering your destination and dates, you can filter results based on the home type, price, requisite amenities and more. If you find something you like, you can book directly through the app.

The app is ideal for managing your trips while on the road — you can access all your bookings under the "Trips" tab, where you can view your reservation (and the address or directions), contact the host or change your reservation. Once you have a booking, you can also explore and book local experiences in your destination, such as wine tastings, kayak tours, hikes, shows and concerts.

We can't talk about travel apps without mentioning the TPG App. Use it to track your credit card, airline and hotel points balances; earn points and miles efficiently through using the right credit card ; and research how many points or miles you'll need to book your dream getaway. You can even curate your own news feed so you see the news and advice that matters most to you first.

The TPG App is available for download on iOS . Android users can join the waitlist here .

Related: The TPG App has arrived — here's why you should download it now

Best apps for organizing a trip

From keeping all your documents in order to perfectly packing your suitcase without forgetting a thing, these are the best apps for organizing travel plans.

TripIt declutters your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. You can set your reservations to automatically send to TripIt, which lets you view travel confirmations, flight itineraries, tickets, hotel and Airbnb booking information, rental car reservations, ferry tickets and driving directions without ever leaving the app.

TripIt also makes it simple to share your trip plans with whoever picks you up from the airport or train station or anyone else who may need to coordinate with you. TripIt Pro subscriptions cost $49 per year and include extras like real-time flight alerts, security wait times, baggage claim information and updates on your loyalty reward programs.

Roadtrippers

Perfect for organizing that epic road trip you've always wanted to take, Roadtrippers plans out your driving route and lets you book hotels and activities along the way. The app is especially useful for finding interesting and off-the-beaten-path roadside attractions, cool restaurants and can't-miss landmarks you can bookmark.

A Roadtrippers Premium membership includes offline maps, live traffic information, overnight RV parking and more for $59.99 per year. For those looking to only venture on a few road trips per year, the app also offers a Pro ($49.99 per year) and Basic ($35.99 per year) membership.

PackPoint takes all the stress out of packing . The app shows you what to bring based on the length of your trip, the weather in your destination and any activities you're planning along the way. If you have access to laundry facilities at your destination, PackPoint even allows you to account for washing your clothes and wearing them multiple times.

Just download and install the app, type in the city you're visiting and plug in your travel details. So, stop waiting until the day before your trip — or the hours before you have to leave for the airport — and start packing now.

Best apps for navigating the airport and flights

Track flights, navigate airports and find airport lounges with these apps.

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class you're flying. When you create a trip in the app and type in the credit cards you currently hold, it will tell you which lounges you have access to based on the airports you'll be transiting through and how to purchase access if you don't already have it.

You can purchase access on the day you're traveling or up to two months in advance if you're the plan-ahead type. If you prefer to search by lounge or lounge program, the app will tell you exactly what is needed to use them.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide and provides meal vouchers at select airport restaurants across the world for an annual fee starting at $99.

Several cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve , offer Priority Pass memberships for all cardholders (enrollment required). Otherwise, you'll have to pay an annual fee to be a member and, depending on your membership tier, a fee to enter each lounge on top of the annual fee.

To use the Priority Pass app, enter the name or code of the airport you're in, and Priority Pass will pull up the lounges or restaurants that you have access to, including photos, hours, amenities and specific location information. For more information on the Priority Pass Program and how to gain lounge access, click here . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access

FlightAware

The FlightAware app allows you to track flights online, see a live map of a flight and check on delays, cancellations and gate changes. This app is especially helpful if you have a tight connection or want to track your flight.

It's also useful when picking up friends and family at the airport, as you can track their flight and see updated landing times or delays. AvGeeks will enjoy digging into flight statistics, flight maps and community aviation discussions on the app.

Best apps to use during your flight

Timeshifter.

What better way to cure jet lag than with an app? Timeshifter actually helps you avoid jet lag long before your flight takes off and also offers inflight and post-flight suggestions. The app relies on neuroscience research about sleep and circadian rhythms to provide personalized recommendations, taking into consideration your age, gender and normal sleep patterns — as well as specifics about your trip and travel plans. Timeshifter maps out when you should avoid or seek light, take a nap or try to stay awake. It even tells you if you should consider supplementing with melatonin or caffeine.

Your first jet lag plan is free, then $9.99 per plan, or you can enjoy unlimited plans for a year for $24.99.

Flying can cause anxiety — or provide a welcome relief from constant contact with our digital devices. Either way, use travel as an opportunity to relax, meditate or listen to soothing sounds that will lull you to sleep or a deep, relaxed state. Or, perhaps, you'll simply find it helps pass the time during a long flight.

Calm offers meditations on topics such as self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels and happiness, among others. The app also has music options for focusing, relaxing and sleeping, as well as stories for adults and content for kids.

A limited selection of meditations and music is available for free (which you can download to use when you're offline or in flight). The premium version of the app costs $14.99 per month or $69.99 annually.

OK, so Netflix isn't really a travel app, but it can be a lifesaver during a long flight on an aircraft without seatback inflight entertainment or at the airport during an unexpected flight delay or boring layover. If you have a Netflix account, the app allows you to download your favorite shows onto your device to watch offline.

Just make sure to download your shows while connected to Wi-Fi before flying and check them again preflight to make sure they haven't expired (you can usually renew any expired downloads, but you must be connected to Wi-Fi or data to do so). Monthly prices vary depending on the plan.

Another app that's not really a travel app, Spotify can still be incredibly useful during tedious travel moments — just pop in those noise-canceling headphones and listen to your favorite music, meditations, podcasts and more.

The app's Premium plans (prices vary) allow you to download all your content offline on your phone, so you'll have it during long flights or when you don't have data or Wi-Fi access. Whether you want to take a morning jog in Bali to your favorite tunes or pass the time with a podcast on the metro in Barcelona, Spotify has it all.

Best apps to use in your destination

From exchanging money and sightseeing to communicating and knowing all the local tips and tricks, you don't want to land in a foreign city for the first time without these key apps.

XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app quickly provides live, up-to-the-minute currency rates, then allows you to store and view them even when you're offline. You'll never need to wonder if you're really getting a good deal in another country if you have this app.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a translation app that allows you to do it all — translate into more than 100 languages by typing, access 59 languages offline, translate via photo, translate bilingual conversations and even use the handwriting tool to translate.

The app is simple to use, too, with icons at the top you can click on to draw, take a photo, speak or type.

Not quite sure how much to tip when traveling internationally? GlobeTips will advise you on how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator for easy math. Globe also has apps for currency conversion, unit conversion and more that may be useful for travelers.

Related: The ultimate guide to tipping while traveling

For travelers globe-trotting with friends and family members or simply splitting the cost between groups, Tricount calculates shared costs and splits bills so you don't have to think twice about who owes what. Just enter your trip and currency and invite your travel mates to join your trip.

Each time someone pays for something, you enter the amount in Tricount, and the app splits everything up. You can also snap and store photos of receipts in the app. At the end of your trip, it will show the balances of who owes who what, making it easy to settle up.

Metric Conversions

Never be baffled by Celsius temperatures or suitcase weight in kilograms again with the Metric Conversions app . Whether you're measuring flour to cook at your Airbnb, figuring out distances for your Europe road trip or deciding whether to take a sweatshirt with you during your walking tour of the Great Wall of China, this app has you covered with easy conversions in volume, weight, temperature, area and more.

Google Maps

Google Maps is essential when visiting a new city (or even for getting around your hometown). You can map locations, get directions (walking, driving, public transportation, ride-hailing services and beyond) and see how crowded your subway will be in select cities .

You can make restaurant reservations, save your favorite spots and read and write reviews of attractions, eateries, shops and more. Make sure to download specific city or area maps ahead of time for offline access if you know you'll be without internet at your destination. For obvious reasons, the app works best when your GPS is turned on.

WhatsApp is a handy messaging service for travelers abroad as it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS fees.

It works like most other messaging apps: You start by creating an account, then add your friends and family members to contact and voila! You're able to call, video chat and send messages, images, voice memos, gifs and files just as you would in, say, iMessage (but with Android users too). You can also download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.

Best apps for planning activities

Traveling is about more than just getting from point A to point B. If you're looking for activities to add to your itinerary, check out these apps.

Meetup is an app designed for interacting with locals and other travelers who have mutual interests or shared hobbies. Whether you're traveling or at home, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup.

The app shows you groups that are formed around particular interests in your city, including yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, cinema and other activities. You can join groups to get updates on particular events you may want to participate in. The app can even help with networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology. You might even be able to join a coworking group. Travelers with kids can participate in family-friendly meetups, and it's a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others.

TheFork is one of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable or Resy, the app lets you browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. TheFork features more than 60,000 restaurants in cities like London, Madrid and Geneva, as well as spots outside of Europe like Sydney, Australia.

The biggest perk is that many restaurant reservations come with discounts — in some cases, you can get up to 50% off your meal just by reserving a table through TheFork. Since we here at TPG are always down for earning rewards, make sure to monitor your YUMS — TheFork's reward system. You'll earn YUMS with each reservation, and when you hit 1,000, you receive a discount on your bill. Foodie travelers should also consider downloading these apps , too.

Happy Cow helps vegan and vegetarian eaters locate more than 180,000 restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers markets and grocery stores in over 180 countries around the world. The app allows you to filter by not only vegan and vegetarian but also gluten-free and cuisine types. You can also read reviews and get recipes on the app as well.

The app does cost $3.99, but it's a one-time expense.

TripAdvisor

Besides reading reviews of restaurants, hotels and attractions, you can book almost anything on TripAdvisor, from vacation rentals and restaurant reservations to tours and tickets.

The app has grown to include almost all things travel, allowing you to search by destination or interest (like the outdoors, food and drink, family or by the water, for example), which can give you inspiration for a trip or help you get your activities, meals and accommodations organized before traveling or on the fly.

With over 400,000 curated trails, AllTrails can help you find the hike or walk perfect for you and your group. It's not just mountain trails — AllTrails offers city walks, too, like easy meanders through the Marais district in Paris or peaceful strolls through Bangkok's Lumpini Park in Thailand.

See photos, updated weather predictions and key information about each route and connect with other travelers through reviews and forums. Access to AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year, which offers perks like offline maps and wrong turn alerts.

Best apps for staying safe

Use these apps to stay safe when traveling.

Smart Traveler

Smart Traveler is a free service that offers tips and information specifically for U.S. travelers. You can see what visas and vaccines you'll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip.

Register your trip on the app, which gives your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there's any kind of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need help.

TripWhistle

Another app dedicated to keeping you safe, TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily text or send your GPS coordinates or location. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries. After all, 911 is only for U.S.-based emergencies: Each country has its own specific emergency number.

Yes, Uber (or any local ride-hailing service app) is convenient, but it may also keep you safe. Using this app when traveling means you'll never get stuck wandering around in an unfamiliar area late at night or have to deal with unscrupulous taxi drivers trying to scam you. Uber also has in-app safety features such as an emergency assistance button which will allow you to call local emergency services right in the app.

7 Useful Apps Every Traveler Should Know About

By Harrison Pierce

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Technology continues to make travel easier for millions of people around the globe. New apps offer travelers fresh ways to research a destination, connect with fellow globetrotters, communicate with locals, and track their flights. As a full-time digital nomad , I’ve learned the importance of having the right tools at your disposal when on the road.

Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of countries, flown hundreds of thousands of miles, and tested countless apps to find the ones that prove to be the most helpful. And while tools like Meetup, Google Maps, Google Translate, currency converters, and vacation rental , airline, and hotel–specific apps are in fact indispensable on most trips, I find that many of the best travel apps are still undiscovered by my fellow travelers.

Below, seven travel apps that make life on the go markedly easier (and more fun), from real-time flight trackers to photo-sharing gems—all of these apps are free, but some have paid pro versions worth considering. Don’t think these apps are only for full-time travelers—they prove useful for every type of traveler, whether you're in a brand-new destination or back for a return visit.

Discover the best apps for travelers:

Apps for flying, apps for exploring, apps for photo sharing.

My favorite app on this list is Flighty, a must-have for any frequent flier . The free version is fantastic, but I recommend splurging for the premium version, which gives you even more useful information and comes at a reasonable cost of $48 per year. The functionality it provides more than justifies the price.

The free version allows you to input all future flights plus past journeys you've taken within the last year. It provides updated information if any schedule changes occur to upcoming flights and allows you to track all the miles you’ve flown in one place.

The other main benefit is that it allows you to share your flight information with friends and family members who are also on Flighty. They will receive real-time updates about your flight without you having to text them. My parents love to make sure I’m safe so they appreciate getting detailed information about my travels—even while I’m in the air.

Flightradar24 is a favorite app among fellow aviation geeks. It lets you track almost any aircraft you see in the air throughout the day or night. You can track your own flight, a friend's flight, or any plane you see in real-time. It shares plenty of cool data, like the altitude, speed, arrival and departure airports and times, and tail number.

There are tons of eSIM apps on the market, but Airalo is probably my favorite, with digital SIM cards available for dozens of countries. I find it to be the most reliable and offers the best data packages. It can be a little pricey, but it is the best option if you’re only taking short trips. Holafly is another eSIM app that offers unlimited data and works well, but I find the app to be much more glitchy than Airalo and would recommend using the desktop version.

This one is for the planner of the group. Wanderlog merges the best of a bunch of different apps into one. Imagine an app that lets you plan a trip with ease: collaborate with friends as if you’re on Google Docs, manage expense tracking like Splitwise, and have a central place for your reservations, checklists, and more. Tripit is a similar travel planner app, so you can download both and get a feel for which interface you like better.

Been allows you to track the countries you’ve visited and make a wish list of places you can’t wait to cross off your travel bucket list . It gives you information like the percentage of the globe you’ve been to and shows you a world map of your trips. It’s always fun to add in a new country whenever I reach my destination.

This app was introduced to me by fellow nomads I met at a cafe in Montevideo, Uruguay . It automatically tracks your route across the world, allowing you to quickly upload pictures throughout your travels that can be viewed by anyone who has access to your profile. It’s an excellent way to share important moments with loved ones without needing to send photos to each person individually. Users can also create easily accessible guides filled with up-to-date information to help you plan your own trip.

Steller is another app that a friend recently introduced me to, and I’ve quickly fallen in love with it. It uses a combination of AI and user experiences to help you plan trips around the globe. From recommendations of things to see, like the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires or the Royal Palace of Naples, to full guidebooks created by users, you can get inspired, book experiences, and discover hidden gems within this app.

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8 of the best travel apps that travel editors can't live without

By Charlotte Davey

The best travel apps, when used to your advantage, can be the most indispensable companion for a trip. Not only can they save you time and money, but they can also reduce any journey-induced stress. Need to work out costs on a group trip , translate a menu, or get from A to B when you don’t speak the language? There’s an App for that. But just as you don’t need a suitcase laden with unworn clothing, no one needs a phone clogged with gimmicky or useless apps. We asked our jet-setting editors to share the apps they genuinely use while travelling and the lesser-known gems that have saved a holiday. So while the BA App, Rome2Rio, or Monzo might be stalwarts of the frequent flyer’s home screen, here are the clever, hardworking Apps our travel insiders swear by.

Cost: Free to use (Wanderlog Pro includes additional features and costs around £40 per year)

USP: One of the best travel apps for planning every kind of trip, including road trips and group travel: create a trip itinerary, budget costs, organise flights and hotel reservations, and collaborate with friends. After your trip, share a travel guide to inspire other travellers.

Wanderlog brings everything you need to plan your trips into one seamless app experience. Its user-friendly, web-scanning database contains a huge wealth of information about sights, attractions and places to eat and drink. Not only can you find recommended hotspots through the app and add these to a map view, but you can also import reservation and flight details from your emails. Wanderlog is especially ideal for group trips. Your customised itineraries and lists can be edited by multiple people in real time, and users can leave notes for fellow travellers – such as a reminder of the must-have dish or dress code at a restaurant. Smart AI functionality means that the app can offer (editable) auto-generated itineraries as well. And if that isn’t enough, you can track expenses and cost-splitting too, indispensable for larger groups and squabble-prone families. Toyo Odetunde

Cost: Free to download.

USP: Request a chauffeur-driven, class-leading car on-demand or in advance for yourself or on behalf of others.

Wheely is a seriously plush chauffeur service within an easy-to-use app, currently operating in London, Paris , Dubai, and Moscow. What makes this ideal for the frequent flyer is that you can add in your flight details when booking an airport pick-up, so the driver knows exactly what time you’ll be landing (so no risk of them driving off if you’ve been delayed), and they’ll be ready and waiting for you (with your name on a sign) at arrivals. For any other queries, you can live chat with a real person (no bot responses here) – for example, if they can provide a baby seat (which they happily did for a recent family holiday ). Cars come with water and chargers as standard, and drivers are friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Peace of mind at the click of a button. Charlotte Davey

Hong Kong Taxi Cards

Cost: £1.99

USP: With over 9,000 Hong Kong addresses translated into written Chinese and Cantonese, equipped with a function to request additional addresses and get feedback quickly, this is not an ordinary dictionary-type translator app.

This is indispensable for travelling around Hong Kong if you’re not fluent in Cantonese. The App has pretty much every address ready in Chinese and Cantonese, so you can show your taxi driver where you want to go without getting lost in translation. It also has a speaking option which delivers the address fluently, which is really helpful if you have zero grasp of the language. Another handy feature is that the App will show you the journey time and estimate fare – something to remember is that not all taxis have card machines so you’ll need to make sure you have enough cash on you before you hail a cab. Matt Buck

Cost: Free to download (Splitwise Pro costs £2.79)

CNT Editors

Adam Turner

Connor Sturges

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

USP: Splitwise is the easiest way to share expenses with friends and family and stop stressing about “who owes who”.

This is a game changer for working out costs on group trips. Everyone in the party signs up, and then you simply enter your expenses as you go – with a description of what it was (flights, accommodation, food, etc) and who it needs to be split between (i.e. the whole group or just those who were in the taxi, for example). It’s a great way to stay on top of costs, from larger expenses to smaller spending, like a round at the bar. At the end of the trip, click ‘simplify debts’, and you should be left with just one transaction each to ensure everyone has paid the same amount. You can label each trip and see who has settled up, and if someone doesn’t pay the App will send them helpful reminders (saving pennies and friendships). Charlotte Davey

Google Translate

USP: Translate between up to 133 languages with instant camera translation.

Google Translate is nothing new, but if you download the app, you can use the camera on your phone to upload signs, labels, or menus for an instant translation. This is a lifesaver for travelling in a country that doesn’t use the English alphabet or a language you’re unsure how to pronounce. The platform is currently proficient in 133 languages, so this is a great one wherever you are in the world. The App also works offline so you don’t need to worry about data roaming charges. Another function that is noteworthy is the speaker option – not only can you point your phone at a sign for a translation, but it will then speak in your chosen language, which is particularly helpful for those who are visually impaired. Charlotte Davey

USP: Find wheelchair-accessible restaurants, cafes, toilets, shops, cinemas, parking lots, bus stops and much more.

Developed by a not-for-profit company based in Germany , this is a great app for wheelchair users, families travelling with prams, or even for those with heavy suitcases navigating public transport. Operating in over 30 countries, a vast number of restaurants, stations, shops, and more are shown on an interactive map with a traffic light system for whether it is fully accessible (green), part accessible (yellow), or not accessible (red). The App replies to users rating places they have visited, so less touristy areas won’t have as much information. Charlotte Davey

Cost: Free to download

USP: Stay connected in over 200 countries and regions. Install an eSIM and get online in minutes with no roaming fees.

Especially handy if you’re travelling through different countries, Airalo allows you to use different eSim cards to keep your data roaming costs down. The App is free to download, and then simply choose the country you’re in, and select a data plan depending on how long you're there and how much you’ll be using your phone. You can often save around £10 for a week's holiday which is worth it if you’re a frequent flyer or watching the pennies while travelling. Sophie Knight

Cost: Free to use. In-app purchases.

USP: Whering is the digital wardrobe and styling app where you can curate, organise, style and plan your outfits.

Whering is essentially a portable digital wardrobe – a ‘Clueless’ style outfit planner on your mobile phone. Fill your in-app wardrobe by uploading photos of your clothes, or by importing images from the app’s cosmic database or your favourite online retailers. Whering will then process these images into sleek, combinable ‘cut-outs’, allowing you to put together countless outfits, looks and mood boards, which can also be organised by occasion. If you’re short on time, or feeling either uninspired or spontaneous, Whering’s AI can deliver outfit suggestions in seconds – even taking into account the weather forecast, ideal when travelling a country you’re not familiar with (or just braving London’s erratic climes). The Planner function is especially great for trips, storing your outfit ideas for specific dates and events. Also great for travel planning is the packing list feature; you can add items to a packing list for a particular destination, and Whering can suggest items you may have forgotten. Toyo Odetunde

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Whether it’s for business or leisure, travel is today much more comfortable than it was even a decade or so ago. There are cheaper flights and great deals that you can take advantage of, no matter your budget. Moreover, a wide variety of apps make things even simpler by giving you a convenient way to plan and organize your trip from the palm of your hand. So if the travel bug bites you, check out these best travel apps for iPhone and iPad.

• Google Maps
• Booking.com
• TripAdvisor
• Google Translate
• Roadtrippers
• XE Currency
• Wanderlog Trip Planner

1. Google Maps 

No matter where you go, let Google Maps lead the way and ensure that you never get lost. It is an offline map app for over 220 countries and territories. It features hundreds of millions of businesses and places waiting to be discovered by you.

Not only does it help you navigate, but you can also find restaurants near you, make lists of notable places, share your location, and more. You can also check out recommendations from local area experts.

Price: Free

This one is among the best travel planner apps for your iPhone and iPad. It lets you save on flights and hotels and also offers free cancellation for up to 24 hours. Further, you can learn about things to do at your destination and helpful trip reminders if you like.

Plus, you’ll earn double Expedia Rewards points every time you book through the app. Tickets are available for shows, tours, reserve airport shuttles, theme parks, and more. Through alerts, it keeps you updated about flight delays, hotel check-out time, etc.

With a presence at over 600 airports in 700+ cities around the world, Uber is your best friend when it comes to getting around locally in your destination. It allows you to get reasonably priced rides on bikes, cars, and other local transport such as tuk-tuks.

Furthermore, you can see a price estimate before booking and have multiple payment options such as cash or cards. Safety features only add to the convenience. For instance, you can quikcly share your trip status with any contact at any time.

4. Booking.com

No matter what your travel accommodation budget, you’ll find the best place to stay with Booking.com. It has listings for over 27 million hotels, homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay worldwide.

The clean and fast user-interface makes it a breeze to use and sort properties according to your priorities. Moreover, the best part is that you can often ‘book now and pay later.’ This lets you plan your trips even when you’re not absolutely sure about going.

5. Airbnb 

Airbnb is one of the best iOS travel apps that has revolutionized the travel industry. It makes it easy to stay with locals and experience the distinct culture of any place. You can search from over 6 million vacation home rentals in over 191 countries.

Add unique experiences and events to your itinerary, led by native experts. You can also choose to be a host and make money by renting out spare space in your home to travelers. It also pays attention to safety, and all users have to verify their profiles by uploading identification documents.

Hopper helps you out by recommending the best time to book a flight at the best price. You can opt to ‘watch’ trips for up to a year in advance, and the app will advise you if you should go ahead and book or wait for a bit.

This is extremely helpful to save on flight costs, given how airline prices change in unpredictable ways. It currently supports the major airlines in the US, Canada, and other popular destinations around the world. You can also book hotels and rental cars.

7. Skyscanner

Just as its name indicates, this free travel app scans the skies for the best possible flights you can take. No matter where you want to go, Skyscanner will find you the cheapest and fastest flight deals.

It is essentially an aggregator that saves you the tedious task of searching on multiple flight websites. Moreover, a notable feature is that when you’re not sure of where to go, it can find you the cheapest destinations from your starting country. Pretty cool.

This is another top travel app that searches tons of flights, hotels, and rental cars to find you the best deals. It also keeps all your travel plans organized in one place, including free flight status updates, airport terminal maps, and security wait times.

Further, you can pick a destination and choose flexible dates to find out when it’s best to get there. And when you’re planning a group trip, it lets you share search results and more info using iMessage so everyone can stay in the loop.

When it comes to trip planner apps, Tripit is worth checking out. When you’ve got long travel itineraries, it can be challenging to keep track of things and remember when exactly you have to catch the next flight. Tripit makes this super easy by syncing travel plans to your calendar.

After you sign up, every time you book something – a flight, bus, train, hotel, etc. – just send the confirmation email to [email protected], and the app will take care of the rest. It creates a master itinerary that is super easy to reference and edit whenever you wish.

Price: Free (TripIt Pro 1 Year – $48.99)

10. TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor has been one of the most trusted names in the travel industry for years. Their free travel app provides over 830 million reviews of flights, hotels, things to do, cafes, restaurants, and more across the globe.

You can save and organize your travel ideas and view them together on a map too. Further, it has the world’s most extensive collection of tours, attractions, and experiences. You can book using Apple Pay or PayPal and make free cancellations and modifications if needed.

11. Google Translate

Travel is fascinating, but language barriers can be frustrating and stressful. Google Translate comes to the rescue by making it easy to translate between 108 languages through typing. You can also download languages for offline translation.

Further, you can translate text in images for 90 languages and draw text characters instead of typing for 95 languages. Build up your foreign vocabulary by starring and saving translated words and phrases for future reference.

12. Roadtrippers

If you love road tripping, then check out this app that lets you find amazing spots nearby and plan your trips with friends. From local diners to national parks and quirky roadside attractions, it finds something for everyone.

You can get inspired by pre-made trip guides of the most exciting and must-see scenic routes in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The free version of the app lets you start planning with up to 7 waypoints.

Price: Free (Roadtrippers Plus Monthly – $6.99)

If you’re anxious about finding your way around an unfamiliar city, Moovit will guide you from point A to B in the most convenient way. It features train and bus times, maps, and real-time instructions that will guide you to move around with confidence.

It currently supports over 3000 cities around the world. It’s almost like a personal transit assistant that gives you step-by-step directions for your chosen mode of transport such as bus, metro, scooter, walk, or even a combination of them.

14. XE Currency

If you’re a globetrotter, it can be challenging to keep up with the different currencies you’re dealing with. This app makes it easier by providing fast conversions in multiple currencies, so you always know how much you’re spending.

Moreover, when you’re exchanging currency, this app can help ensure that you get the best deal at the current rates. It also saves the last updated rates when offline, which is convenient when you don’t have reliable internet access when traveling.

Whether you love it or hate it, packing is something you cannot ignore, no matter what kind of trip you’re going on. Packr can help you out by creating a packing checklist for your suitcase based on 24 pre-defined activities.

Just input some criteria such as your length of stay, the weather conditions, etc., and your packing list will be generated in no time. Moreover, it learns from each trip you take and adjusts the items based on your preferences. Personal Packing Assistant? Check.

Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $0.99)

16. Wanderlog Trip Planner

Wanderlog is curated from hundreds of travel guides, blogs, and maps to help you create the perfect travel itineraries. Save your plans offline for easy access and automatically import email confirmations to keep track of your reservations.

Further, you can collaborate with travel buddies to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Connect with other travelers through sharing your travel tips and stories. Best of all, you can store information about multiple trips, so it’s’s almost like a personal travel assistant.

Price:  Free

Summing Up!

So, where is your wanderlust taking you next? And which of these great travel apps are you adding to your iPhone? Let us know in the comments below.

You may want to take a peek at:

• Best Apple Watch Travel Apps
• 14 Must-Have Travel Accessories for iPhones
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• Best iPhone and iPad Travel Kit Bags

Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com, who has a keen eye for news, rumors, and all the unusual stuff around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting content on social media.

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The 9 Best Travel Apps for 2024

Plan. Book. Pack. Go!

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A great travel app can help you get organized. From booking reservations to managing them, from packing to planning, from eating to paying to communicating to getting around, these are our picks for the best travel apps to help you plan your next adventure.

Best for Travel Planning: Kayak

Researching prices is fast and easy.

Finds independent hotels and short term rentals you may not see otherwise.

Book almost any travel method.

App is user-friendly.

Can't take advantage of loyalty programs you may belong to.

The award-winning travel app Kayak allows you to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The clean interface gives you a full list of possible options, including reduced hacker fares, where you book outgoing and returning flights with two separate airlines. Set filters to find exactly what you want quickly and easily.

Not sure if now's the right time to pull the trigger? The app answers that question by indicating when prices will go up.

Not a fan of Kayak? Here are our other favorite travel planning apps .

Download For:

Best for Packing Help: PackPoint

Configure trip lists according to your specific plans.

Simple, easy-to-navigate interface.

Hide irrelevant items and add new items to your list.

Must upgrade to Premium to create custom packing lists.

A delight for anyone who hates packing, PackPoint tells you exactly what to bring. First, enter where you're going, when, and for how long. Choose business or leisure, then select the activities you'll be doing. The app develops a list based on your information and expected weather. Check items off as you pack, or swipe to remove ones you don't need.

The paid-for premium version ($2.99) removes ads, gives you custom activities and packing templates, and integrates TripIt and Evernote.

Best for Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight

Book last-minute rooms at great prices.

Browse photos and ratings to get a feel for the hotel.

Can't select your room type.

Prices don't include taxes and fees.

Whether you're a seat-of-your-pants type traveler or want a backup plan in case your reservations don't work out, try HotelTonight. Tell the app where you want to stay and watch the deals appear on your screen. Tap one to get additional details. A few more taps to pay, and you have a room for the night.

You can make reservations further in advance, but the longer you wait, the better the deals are.

Best for Navigating: Citymapper

Find out which method is fastest (for example, train vs. Lyft).

Know the cost of your chosen route ahead of time.

See preferred routes to avoid the rain.

Not all transportation services offer updates through Citymapper.

Not all cities are in the app's coverage area.

Navigating a new city can be maddening if you don't know how to use the local transportation systems. With Citymapper, you'll get around like a local in no time, exploring and enjoying your new surroundings.

Pick your city, then choose a location or your preferred mode of transportation. Citymapper gives you complete, clear instructions on how to reach your destination hassle-free, whether walking, taking an Uber, or traveling by train.

Be sure to switch to the right city before downloading the app.

Best for Travel Tips: Foursquare City Guide

Find great places to eat and drink.

Tips and advice from members of a global community.

Keep a history of the places you've been.

Use of GPS can deplete your battery.

This app makes finding somewhere to eat or a fun activity easy. Enter the area you want to search and what you're looking for, such as breakfast, nightlife, or things to do. Use the flexible filters (distance, price, open now, and places you've been) to narrow your search. Tap your selection to see additional details, including ratings and photos. If you like the location, add it to a custom list.

Best for Finding Your Way Around: Google Maps

Maps for over 220 countries and territories.

Information on hundreds of millions of businesses.

Real-time updates help you beat traffic.

Search and navigate with offline maps.

Some features aren't available in all countries.

Google Maps is great for finding your way around in your city or anywhere in the world. Get the best route with automatic rerouting based on live traffic updates and road closures. Find information about businesses, such as if a restaurant is open. If you're somewhere with spotty internet, download an area map in advance and use it to navigate.

Best Currency Converter: XE Currency

Reliable exchange rates and charts.

Monitor up to 10 currencies.

Access live rates for every world currency and precious metal, including Bitcoin.

Perform global money transfers.

Need the Pro version if you want to monitor more than 10 currencies.

This currency converter and money-transfer tool allows you to determine exchange rates quickly and easily. Type an amount in one denomination and see the results in as many other denominations as you want. To add another currency, tap the editing icon and search for the one that corresponds to the place you'll be visiting.

Use the charts function to see how currency rates fluctuate throughout the day. The app's global transfer function allows you to send and receive money worldwide.

Best Language Translator: iTranslate

Translations are available in more than 100 languages.

Phrasebook has more than 250 predefined phrases.

Switch between dialects and voices.

Must subscribe to the Pro version to unlock some of the most useful features, such as offline translation mode.

Gone are the days of fumbling with a paper dictionary as you try to assemble sentences in a language you don't know. Use this app to type or speak your sentence and get the translation in your chosen language. A handy expansion feature lets you display the result on your screen to show to locals you're trying to communicate with. The iTranslate Phrasebook is a convenient way of looking up and learning common expressions and questions.

Best Food Finder: Zomato

Search by restaurant, cuisine, or dish.

Browse restaurant menus, photos, user ratings, and reviews.

Book a table through the app.

Find restaurants around you in Map View.

The service is not available in most areas.

Perfect for traveling foodies, this app has it all, including recommendations for a nice lunch out, trending restaurants, nightlife picks, delivery services, and where to get food to go—looking for something specific? Search for a dish or ingredient. When you find something yummy, tap it for a map, menu, reviews, and photos. When you're finished, bookmark, share, and review your experience.

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10 Best Travel TRIP PLANNER APPs To Have in 2024

In a fast-paced world where the stress of work and school is overwhelming, we all need a break to de-stress our minds. Traveling is one good way to take your mind off of stressful things – a breather. And a scheduled vacation gives you something to look forward to.

Whether it’s a local trip alone, a family holiday, or a getaway with your best friends, it just excites you to wish the day would come faster. 

10 Best Trip Planner Apps in 2024

The freeform app.

• TripIt: Travel Planner

Hopper – Flight & Hotel Deals

• Sygic Travel Maps Trip Planner

Roadtrippers: Trip Planner

Tripadvisor, travelspend: track travel expense & trip budget, tripcase – travel organizer app, travel planning apps for your next trip.

The Freeform app is an endless whiteboard that lets users add information from a variety of websites, photos, videos and files.

Because the boards are kept in iCloud, they can be accessed from any device anytime inspiration hits. While you and your travel companions plan your dream trip, the specifics can be shared with several individuals working together on the same whiteboard, making them an ongoing work in progress.

The Freeform app is free to iPhone users on iOS 16.2, iPad users on 16.2, and Mac users on Ventura MacOS Venture 13.1. 

Download the brand-new app here .

Read our full post: Apple Launches New Travel App Freeform – What to Know

Wanderlog Trip Planner App

Wanderlog is your all-in-one destination for planning future trips, sharing travel guides, and blogging past trips.

Its trip planning features are incredibly flexible: you can research destinations and activities, organize reservations by connecting your email, and map out a day itinerary with start/end times. You can also add notes and links all throughout.

Everything is stored offline so you can access your itinerary when traveling abroad. For road trips, it calculates the time and distance between places and exports them to Google Maps (and there are no limits to the number of stops you have on a trip!).

Plus, there’s a fun social component: collaborate with friends on itineraries, write your own travel guide, and blog about past trips. Wanderlog is available on the web and on your smartphone, so you can seamlessly plan while at home and on-the-go.

iOS  /  Android

TripIt: Trip Planner App

If you need any help organizing the dozens of itineraries, TripIt is the app for you. Users simply need to forward your flight, hotel, restaurant, and car rental confirmation emails to [email protected] and the app will create a free master doc for each of your trips. The best thing about this app is that you can get access to your itinerary anywhere, even without an internet connection. 

In addition, the Pro version will find you alternative routes for canceled flights and send out notifications for delayed flights, cancellations, and more from the airlines. 

iOS / Android

Rome2rio is a versatile travel planning app that simplifies the process of finding and booking travel options. It’s a handy tool for travelers seeking to explore various transportation choices between destinations. Rome2rio offers users a comprehensive view of travel options, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, and even driving directions.

Key features of Rome2rio include:

• Route Information: The app provides detailed information on different routes, including estimated travel times, costs, and the number of transfers required.
• Booking Integration: Users can book flights, train tickets, and other transportation options directly through the app, streamlining the booking process.
• Map Integration: Rome2rio integrates with maps, allowing users to visualize their travel routes and explore nearby attractions.
• Multi-Modal Travel: It offers options for combining various modes of transportation, making it easy to plan complex journeys.
• Accurate Pricing: The app provides real-time pricing information, helping users make informed decisions based on their budget.
• Offline Access: Rome2rio offers offline access to previously searched routes, which can be handy when traveling without a data connection.

Hopper is an amazing trip planner app to have on your phone. The app predicts airfares up to 1 year in advance, with 95% accuracy. It analyzes over billions of flight prices and hotels within the day – telling you whether to book your trip now or wait for just a little longer.

Here’s how it works: Key in your destination and a color-coded calendar will display the cheapest and most expensive date to fly. The app will then recommend you to either book the flight now or sit it out and wait for airfare to get cheaper. Also, you can filter predictions to custom-fit your trip – remove long layovers, extra fees, restrictions, and more. 

And if you worry about missing out the cheap flight bookings, don’t be! Hopper will send you a notification when fares have dropped to its lowest point.

SYGIC Travel Maps Trip Planner

Sygic Travel Maps , the new version of Sygic Trip Planner, is the first travel app to display all of the attractions and places a traveler needs to see and visit on a single map.

Sync your trips with the Sygic Travel app and find hidden gems in all cities you visit. The app boast a large database that allows you to find the best hotels, tourist attractions, museums, restaurants, bars, and stores wherever you go.

This mobile app also let you download offline maps and guides, which come in helpful when traveling to remote locations with poor or non-existing Wi-Fi.

It also has a dedicated section to worldwide places of interest for travel business. Get location information for individual cities, countries, continents, or the entire planet.

The app is available in 18 languages.

iOS / Android iOS

Planning on a cross-country road trip ? Roadtrippers is the app for you! Not everyone is fond of waiting long hours at the airport while sitting through your red-eye flight. Hit the road with your friends instead.

Roadtrippers provides everything you need to know on your road trip. Just enter your starting point, destination, and let the app do its work for you! From camping sites to rest stops, outdoor activities, exciting adventures along the way that you didn’t know existed. This app is the perfect buddy for your road trip regardless of your mode of transportation – a sedan, a rental car, or a huge family RV.

Most of us dream of going to places! But planning an amazing trip to places we have not been to is pretty hard as you don’t know where to stay, what to do, places to eat, and adventures to try. We mostly rely on recommendations, most of which are not even right, that we find online. 

TripAdvisor has over millions of travel recommendations on hotels, top dining spots, must-do experiences, and treasured gems to over 8 million destinations at your perusal. It is an all-in-one app that lets you book tables at restaurants and compares low prices on hotels and flights.

You can also follow friends and travel experts for advice that match your interests, watch videos, and read articles. In return, you can share your experiences, reviews, and helpful guides for other users too!

Setting up a budget for your trip is easy, however, sticking to it is hard. TravelSpend will help you with that. It starts with entering your budget and expenses over multiple days so you don’t go overboard. The app helps you in sticking to your budget effectively.

Being in another country is not a problem at all: enter your expenses in any currency and the app will automatically convert it to your home currency.

Track your travel expenses whether going on a solo around-the-world trip or backpacking holiday with your best friends. The app allows you to share your trip with your friends and track your expenses together. Pay debts, split bills, and check your balances – all in the app!

TripCase, a comprehensive travel organizer app, has emerged as a popular choice among travelers seeking a streamlined and efficient way to manage their journey details.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features and functionalities:

Centralized Itinerary Management : TripCase allows users to consolidate all their travel details, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, into a single, easily accessible itinerary.

Real-time Flight Alerts : The app keeps travelers informed with up-to-the-minute notifications on flight statuses, including delays, cancellations, and gate changes.

Itinerary Sharing : TripCase offers a sharing option that enables users to send their travel plans to friends, family, or colleagues.

Travel Directions and Maps : To aid navigation in unfamiliar locations, the app provides directions and maps.

Nearby Recommendations : TripCase offers recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and other services close to the traveler’s location.

Document Storage : For added convenience, the app allows users to store essential travel documents digitally, ensuring that important information like passport details, visas, and insurance policies are readily available.

Customizable Notifications : Users can customize their notification preferences, choosing what types of alerts they receive and how they are notified, tailoring the app to suit individual needs and preferences.

iOS / Android 

Hi, great List. I couldn’t travel without my Apps! I have one App you could check out =) Its called ” ATM Fee Saver” and it gives a list with all ATMs and their fees and limit. I found it super helpful and it really helped me to save some money. Best regards, Charlotte

Thank you for your suggestions! Those apps are very useful and various

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Best iOS apps for international travelers in 2023

Roundup of iOS apps for international travelers

Traveling overseas can open your eyes to new cultures, experiences, and adventures. But it can also pose problems, such as language barriers and jet lag.

Whether you need to decipher a menu, cope with a new time zone, or deal with other common issues for people who travel abroad, here is a roundup of iOS apps to help you along your journey.

NordVPN — data protection

Free Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, or hotels can be tempting for travelers who want to avoid costly roaming data packages. But this can expose them to security risks, as hackers can access their data on public Wi-Fi networks.

A virtual private network, or VPN, can safeguard you from potential hackers on public Wi-Fi, and a popular VPN service is NordVPN , with almost 400,000 ratings on the iOS App Store .

The NordVPN app has several practical security features, such as the VPN Kill Switch. This feature prevents your device from connecting to the web if your VPN connection is interrupted even for a few seconds.

If your VPN connection cuts out suddenly, you will not be open to hackers on the public Wi-Fi network.

There is also a feature called the Dark Web Monitor, which searches for your data, such as your contact information on the dark web, and alerts you if any leaks are detected.

Another benefit of a VPN service like NordVPN is that you can access geo-restricted content anywhere in the world.

For instance, if you are backpacking through South America, you may not be able to watch the same shows as you did back home in Europe. You can change your IP address using NordVPN to keep watching your favorite shows, even if you are thousands of miles away.

NordVPN's pricing start at $15.49 billed monthly, or $160.56 for the first two years. NordVPN offers promotions regularly, so be sure to check for reduced pricing.

OneDrive — file storage and sharing

One of the worst fears of international travel is misplacing your passport. If you do, you can still retrieve your passport number and information using a cloud storage service.

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service with an iOS app that lets you access your essential documents from your device. You can also view your documents offline on your iPhone when you don't have Wi-Fi during your travels.

For extra security, you can upload sensitive documents to your Personal Vault on OneDrive.

The Personal Vault is a password-protected folder included with each OneDrive account. You can set up an authentication method to unlock the vault, such as a PIN or Face ID .

Another benefit of having cloud storage such as OneDrive is that you can back up your vacation photos and videos. Not only can this save precious storage on your iPhone, but even if you lose your phone, you won't lose your photos and videos.

If you want enough storage to hold your photos and videos for future trips, you can consider getting the Microsoft 365 Personal Plan with 1TB of cloud storage, which includes the Microsoft Office Suite.

The Microsoft 365 Personal Plan costs $69.99 per year for one person.

iTranslate — overcome language barriers

Traveling can be an enriching experience, but the language barrier can make it hard to communicate with locals. To make matters worse, if you don't have pricey international data plans, you can't translate words by searching for them online.

The iTranslate app can help you communicate with locals in their native language. The pro version allows for offline translation, so even if you are in a remote place, the app can still help you.

With over 100 languages available, it can help you navigate through many countries around the globe. You can easily translate via text, voice, image, and AR mode.

To use the AR mode, take a photo of an object, and iTranslate will give you the word for that object in the specified language.

The iTranslate app goes beyond helping you translate words and phrases. Before you take off for your trip, you can memorize essential words and phrases you will use during your stay.

The language learning features on the iTranslate include a flashcard widget, a phrasebook, and a verb conjugation chart for some languages. Although you will not become fluent in the other language, you can learn a few words and phrases that can help you get around a new city.

Download iTranslate for free or subscribe to access all features for $5.99 monthly.

Timeshifter — combat jet lag

After months of travel preparation and reservation, your plane finally lands in the new city you've been dying to discover. But while your mind is ready to explore new sights, your body might not keep up because of jet lag.

Before your trip, you can use the Timeshifter app to sync your circadian rhythm with your destination. This app helps you adapt to new time zones gradually.

It is easy to use and eliminates the confusion of adjusting your body clock to new time zones.

To use it, create a jet lag plan by entering your sleep pattern and flight information, and choose whether you want to incorporate caffeine and melatonin. Based on the data you entered, the app provides personalized prompts on when to seek and avoid light, drink coffee, take a nap, and so forth.

It can help you methodically shift your bedtime before your departure date so that you will feel less like a sleepless wreck and be more alert and energized upon arrival. This way, you can avoid the dreaded cycle of fighting sleep during the day and staying wide awake at night, which can rob you of enjoying your vacation.

If you are willing and able to put in some effort, Timeshifter can help you sync your circadian rhythm with your destination's time zone.

Try the first jet lag plan for free on Timeshifter by downloading it from the App Store . After that, prices start at $9.99 per jet lag plan or $24.99 per year for unlimited jet lag plans.

My Currency Converter and Rates — off-line rate conversion

As you explore your destination sampling the local food or shopping for unique gifts, you need to calculate the exchange rate to ensure a fair deal. Even if you use cashless payments like Apple Pay , you might still want to know if you are paying USD 15 for a bad cup of coffee.

Some local craft markets in certain destinations may expect you to bargain with them. In that case, quick calculations will help you negotiate with fast-talking vendors more effectively, especially if you are not good at math.

My Currency Converter and Rates app can help you calculate rates when traveling abroad, even without Wi-Fi. The app supports over 150 currencies and is straightforward, as the user interface is similar to a basic calculator.

Simply select two currencies you want to convert, punch in the digits, and press enter.

Exchange rates are updated automatically when your device connects to the Internet. If your device is offline, it will show you the time of the last update to the exchange rates.

When using this app, remember that the exchange rate may be outdated if your device is offline for a prolonged period. Of course, this is not a problem unique to this app, but something travelers must be aware of to make informed financial decisions on their trip.

Download My Currency Converter and Rates for free from the App Store. My Currency Converter and Rates Pro is a separate app without ads, and you can get it for a one-time charge of $1.99.

CBP's Mobile Passport Control — expedited U.S. entry

After you have overcome jet lag, language barriers, and currency conversions, you might be craving the comforts of home. If your home is in the United States, you can speed up your entry process without paying for a trusted traveler program like Global Entry.

The Mobile Passport Control app is free and provided by US Customs and Border Protection or CBP. The MPC app will not work for everyone, as it is only available to eligible American and Canadian travelers.

Even if you are an eligible American or Canadian traveler, you can only use the MPC app at limited ports of entry. Currently, MPC is available at 32 US international airports, eight Canadian pre-clearance locations, and four seaports.

The MPC app virtually replaces the traditional paper-based passport review process.

To use it, enter your passport information and questions you would find on a standard paper version of the CBP Declaration Form. When you arrive at the airport or seaport, submit the form, take a selfie photo, and you will get a QR code.

When you enter the customs area, look for the MPC-designated line and present your QR code and passport to the CBP Officer. The MPC-designated line should be shorter than the regular lines so you can get through customs faster.

Although the MPC app does not give you the same benefits as other programs like TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, this is a free option that you can try when entering the US from your next international trip.

You can download CBP's Mobile Passport Control app for free on the App Store.

I had Nord VPN! Works great everywhere except China. China always found a way to block it. Express VPN is my choice if I have to go to China. Good luck! 😎🤘🏼😎

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5 Essential iPhone Apps For Traveling To Countries With Unfamiliar Languages

F or avid travelers, discomfort is a small price to pay for the thrill of new experiences, whether it is lugging around massive backpacks or staying in cheap hostel rooms with a dozen other people. However, in some cases, some inconveniences can be less painful if you're prepared, such as navigating a new country where you don't speak the language.

There are over 7,000 official languages that exist in the world today. However, it also shares that 40% of them have less than a thousand speakers left. Among these languages, the five most spoken languages in the world are English (1.45 billion speakers), Mandarin (1.1 billion speakers), Hindi (602 million speakers), Spanish (548 million speakers), and French (280 million).

After dealing with staying at home for long periods during the pandemic, the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) shared that international tourism receipts hit $1 trillion in 2022. Knowing this, it's likely many people going abroad may encounter unfamiliar languages, which can cause a lot of trouble when traveling. Not only can it lead to getting on the wrong bus or train, but it can also cause miscommunication with locals and even land you in trouble with law enforcement.

Thankfully, technology has been increasingly closing the language barrier gap, making international travel more convenient. So, if you're preparing for a trip to a country with a language you're unfamiliar with, here are some iPhone apps you should download before your big trip.

Read more: The 10 Worst Smartphones Of All Time

Google Translate

In 2021, Google celebrated one billion installations on Android for its Google Translate app, and it's not surprising how it managed to do it. With Google Translate , you can type, take a picture , or transcribe the words you'd like to translate using its website or app.

Alternatively, you can also use Google Translate's conversation feature, wherein it can live-transcribe and translate words in two languages in real time. By clicking the conversation icon on the lower left corner of the screen, you can have entire conversations with a local speaker translated instantaneously. In the upper-right corner of the screen, you can even press a waving icon, which explains the instructions in both languages on how to use this feature for first-time users.

To download its high-quality offline translation database , click the language you're trying to translate on the lower-right-hand corner of the screen. Then, you can press the search bar and type the language you want to translate to or check the list under All Languages. Once you find a language you like, tap the download icon next to it. Afterward, you'll be able to translate things on the go, even if you're offline, which is great if you're traveling to a country with limited data or poor reception.

Google Translate continues innovating its translation app, adding more contextual translation options and local phrases to help travelers navigate nuanced conversations while speaking to others in their native language.

Google Maps

While most city centers often have English translations for their wayfinders and transportation stations, it may be less common in more rural areas. After all, locals are under no obligation to learn it because they don't always need it for their daily lives. For those of us who are directionally challenged, Google Maps can be an invaluable companion to help navigate unfamiliar countries, even in more rural locations.

Using Google Maps, you can utilize its multiple features to navigate around new places on foot, in a private vehicle, or mass transit systems. In some areas, it can also include additional route options like cycling. Because it will give you step-by-step directions visually, you can navigate without knowing the exact street or building names in the native language.

In addition, if you're trying to pin a location with a name in a language you don't understand, you must copy the text and paste it into the Google Maps search bar. With this trick, you can quickly find those quirky restaurants you only learn about on Instagram or TikTok that don't have translations in a language you know.

Aside from this, you can also save a new location by dropping a pin on your map. This is a great way to keep track of all the cool hole-in-the-wall or food stalls you come by in night markets, which don't typically have a registered address on Google Maps, and to share it with your friends.

City Mapper

Although most people will resort to Google Maps as the default navigation app, City Mapper is known to have more options for trip planning with more accurate public transportation timetables and options. Depending on the city you'll be visiting, City Mapper will list all your options for transportation, including walking, biking, subways, railways, monorails, buses, scooters, and even ride-hailing apps.

In addition, City Mapper can give you access to important transport-related information, such as issues that may cause delays in your journey. Although some of these notifications may appear in a language you're unfamiliar with, you can easily know which routes to avoid on your journey. City Mapper also provides route options for walking on "Main Roads," which can be useful for solo travelers looking to avoid dark alleys and wheelchair-accessible paths. You can even track your CO2 savings using Go for the environmentally conscious.

However, it's important to remember that City Mapper does not work for all cities, so you'll need to download the app to check if the one you're traveling to is included. Thankfully, there are dozens of cities on its list, including plenty of hard-to-navigate cities with complex transport systems in typically unfamiliar languages, such as Tokyo, Stockholm, and Iceland.

The City Mapper app and its full features are free for iOS. However, you can choose to pay a subscription to remove pesky ads. Aside from your iPhone, City Mapper is also compatible with your Apple Watch and iMessage app.

Facebook Messenger

Although traveling by yourself can be challenging, going abroad with other people has its own set of problems. After all, coordinating several people to be on time for tours, meals, or other activities can be a nightmare. When you add in factors related to translation, it's not uncommon for people to get lost and find it difficult to share where they are because they don't understand the signs.

In 2017, Meta launched Live Location to easily share your location with your Messenger contacts. For the Live Location feature to work, you must first allow Messenger to access your location by going to your Settings app and tapping Messenger. Under Allow Messenger to Access, tap Location and select either While Using the App or Always. Lastly, next to Precise Location, toggle on the button.

To share your Live Location using the Messenger app and open the individual or group chat with whom you are trying to find. Then, on the left-hand side of the screen, click the plus (+) button and press Start sharing live location. Alternatively, you can also press the pin icon on the right-hand side of the screen, which will show your pinned location on a shared map.

When sharing your Live Location with friends or family abroad, Messenger will keep it open for up to 60 minutes. To share your location again, you'll need to repeat this process. If you want to end your location-sharing preferences, you can tap Stop sharing location.

What better way to get comfortable with unfamiliar languages than to get familiar with them? Before traveling to your destination, using a language learning app like Duolingo can help you get a feel for how conversations sound.

Once you download Duolingo, it will build a custom course for your language learning needs. To do this, it will ask questions identifying what language you currently speak, what you want to learn, and your current proficiency level. Then, it will give you a rough estimate of what is possible to achieve within a few months if you stay consistent with your practice.

By memorizing a few helpful phrases that are frequently repeated, you can help bridge the gap between you and the local people of the country you are visiting. After all, you don't need to be Shakespeare to enjoy your trip abroad. Learning enough words to ask directions, order food, and hold a simple conversation is usually enough. Not to mention, it can be a lifesaver if your phone ever runs out of battery and you need to ask for help.

While Duolingo has a free tier that works well enough for most people, its Super tier gives you boosters for its gamified features, like unlimited hearts, personalized practice, and, of course, no ads. If you're not sure you need its paid features, you can try it for free for up to two weeks and decide if its $83.99 annual fee is worth it.

Travel Safely With Your iPhone

When it comes to traveling to countries with unfamiliar languages, it adds a layer of complication to even minor tasks. However, for many travelers, feeling a little lost is all part of the adventure. With so many travel apps out there, even for  niche activities like backpacking and hiking , technology can help make travel more accessible for everyone.

Aside from the apps above, there are other things you can do during a trip where you'll be challenged with language. For example, you can write down the local translations of your accommodation details on paper, so you can use it when speaking to locals, even if your iPhone runs out of battery. In addition, it's best to download an offline GPS map  and print or save screenshots of your hotel's location on a map, so it's easier to ask for directions when you're lost.

Aside from this, it may also be good to check in advance which ride-hailing apps are available in the country you are visiting. With a ride-hailing app, you can eliminate a lot of issues like miscommunication on where you want to go and possible overcharging of fare prices.

Lastly, it's best to invest in an eSim, local physical SIM card, or Wi-Fi stick to stay connected during your trip. Not to mention investing in a power bank to make sure your iPhone always has a charged battery, which you can use to take photos, navigate, and translate.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

The overhauled, much improved iMazing 3 is still the ultimate iPhone manager

The iPhone manager iMazing 3 has gained a revamped look and new features, including support for Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Company founder and CEO Jérôme Bédat says the new codebase and architecture permit the team to develop features that “no one else can offer.”

Unlike some other apps, iMazing doesn’t use third-party frameworks like Electron. Instead, it brings a native experience on macOS and Windows with support for core platform features such as Light and Dark Mode, Spotlight integration and more.

What’s new in iMazing 3?

Manage your iPhone like a pro

For more info on the app, visit the official iMazing website .

One of the best iPhone managers around

Pricing and availability

iMazing for Mac and Windows can be downloaded from the official website at imazing.com/download . The app comes with a free trial so you can check out all the features before purchasing a license. Licenses start at $40 and can be reviewed on the iMazing web store at imazing.com/store .

Those who already own iMazing 2 can upgrade to iMazing 3 at half price. Folks who purchased the app after October 20, 2020, will get iMazing 3 for free. “We don’t hold back features to capture upgrade revenue,” the team wrote.

AAPL Company

Iphone web browser choice gets one thing right, two things wrong, say developers.

Being prompted to make an iPhone web browser choice in Europe has seen an uptick in the use of third-party apps , but not everyone is happy about it.

The EU itself is investigating whether Apple’s implementation of the antitrust requirement goes far enough, and developers of third-party browsers say the process gets one thing right, and two things wrong …

iPhone web browser choice

While iPhone owners have been theoretically able to choose their preferred web browser since iOS 14, it wasn’t much of a choice, for a couple of reasons.

First, most people didn’t even know they could choose an alternative browser. The default is Safari, and you’d have to proactively install a third-party one and then manually set it as your default.

Second, Apple insisted that all browsers had to use its own WebKit API. That ensured that competing browsers couldn’t do anything to impact security of privacy, but it also meant that they couldn’t offer faster speeds, or features not available in Safari.

The EU required Apple to drop the WebKit requirement, and also to proactively present users with a choice of browser when they first use their device. These changes were introduced in iOS 17.4 , and only apply within EU countries.

Apple gets one thing right

Developers of third-party web browsers have seen an increase in usage following the implementation of the changes, and they say Apple did play fair in one important respect: browsers are listed in random order, and Safari doesn’t get any special position or prominence in the list.

But two things remain unfair, they say

Wired spoke to a number of developers of alternative iPhone web browsers, and found that they had two criticisms.

First, iPhone owners are not asked to make their choice during the initial iPhone setup process. Instead, they are only presented with the choice when they first open the Safari app. This means that Safari has already presented itself as the default.

“It starts from you clicking Safari,” says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO and cofounder of Vivaldi. “Which, I think all of us agree, that’s the wrong spot.” Tetzchner said he prefers Google’s implementation of its new browser choice screen that guides Android users to select a default while setting up their phone.

Second, users are given zero information about each browser – just a list of names, many of which will be unfamiliar to non-techy users. That reinforces the idea that they should select Safari unless they already know a reason to make a different choice.

“Giving people information about the choice, and also information about what they’re choosing is really, really important,” says Kush Amlani, a global competition and regulatory counsel at Mozilla, which makes the Firefox browser.

A fairer option would be to give each developer a few words to pitch their browser. DuckDuckGo, for example, might have something like “Uses our privacy-first search engine, which doesn’t track you or filter your results.”

We’ll need to wait for the EU’s conclusion to determine what changes might be needed to comply with the law.

Photo by  Amanz  on  Unsplash

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iOS 17.5 Beta 3: Your iPhone Could Get These New Features Soon

Some developers and beta testers can try these features now, ahead of the update's release to the general public.

• Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents

The latest iOS update is coming, but there's no release date yet.

Apple released the third iOS 17.5 beta to public beta testers on Wednesday, a day after the company released the beta to developers, and almost two months after the release of iOS 17.4 . The latest beta brings a handful of new features to the iPhones of some developers and beta testers, like more ways for people in the European Union to download apps.

We recommend downloading a beta only on something other than your primary device. Because this isn't the final version of iOS 17.5, these features might be buggy and battery life may be short, and it's best to keep those troubles on a secondary device.

If you're a developer or public beta tester, here are some of the new features you might find in iOS 17.5 beta 1. Note that the beta is not the final version of iOS 17.5, so there could be more features landing on your iPhone when iOS 17.5 is released. There's no word on when Apple will release iOS 17.5 to the public yet.

Read more: You Should Really Download iOS 17.4.1 Right Now

More ways for people in the EU to download apps

With iOS 17.5 beta 2, Apple now allows people in the EU to download apps from a developer's website. Apple posted an  online guide that could help developers distribute their apps over the web. 

"In eligible regions, you can distribute approved, non-marketplace apps from your website," Apple writes. "To distribute your app, fill out a webform that outlines the qualifications, and if approved, Apple enables you to download a framework that facilitates the secure installation of your app from your website."

This guide also says developers need to use iOS 17.5 beta 2 or later to enable web distribution of their apps. 

Developers also have to opt into  new App Store business terms for the EU and pay a  0.50 euro Core Technology Fee  for every first-time app installation over 1 million in the past 12 months. But Apple gives developers the first 1 million first-time app installations for free.

"Membership in the Apple Developer Program includes one million first annual installs per year for free for apps distributed from the App Store, Web Distribution, and/or alternative marketplaces," Apple writes. 

Apple  announced  this capability on March 12, alongside other EU-specific developer features, like the ability to choose the design of in-app promotions.

This is the latest EU-specific feature to come to the iPhone. When Apple released iOS 17.4 in March, a big part of that update was allowing people in the EU to download alternate app stores in order to comply with the region's Digital Markets Act. 

Detect and disable unknown trackers

Your iPhone might soon be able to help you detect and disable unknown trackers.

According to 9to5Mac, code found in iOS 17.5 hints at the introduction of a new anti-stalking feature on your iPhone. The feature would reportedly detect unwanted trackers, like AirTags and other third-party tracking devices , and then help you disable them. 

"This item isn't certified on the Apple Find My network," the code reads, according to 9to5Mac. "You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item."

Looking through Settings and Find My on iOS 17.5 beta 3, there doesn't appear to be any new option to enable this feature.

New puzzle game Quartiles for Apple News Plus subscribers

Apple's iOS 17.5 beta 1 also introduces a new puzzle game to the News app for Apple News Plus subscribers, called Quartiles. At the start of each puzzle, you are given a grid of 20 tiles that have parts of words on them, like "te" and "tra". You then have to combine these tiles to form different words. Words can be between one and four tiles long, but each grid can be made into five four-tile words -- you get the most points by combining the tiles this way.

If you subscribe to Apple News, which costs  $13 (£13, AU$20) a month , you can find Quartiles by going to  News > Following > Puzzles  and swiping the carousel at the top of the screen. You can also scroll down the  Puzzles  page to find Quartiles below the Crossword Minis.

Read more:   How to Play Daily Crossword Puzzles in Your iPhone's News App

Puzzle leaderboards for Apple News Plus subscribers

In addition to Quartiles, a new feature in iOS 17.5 beta 3 lets Apple News Plus subscribers easily compare their daily puzzle scores with other people's. To turn on this feature, go to Settings > News and under News+ Puzzles tap the toggle next to Game Center . 

You will be able to compete with your friends and families on your News Plus puzzles.

"Send your results to Game Center to see how you rank among friends and other solvers on today's puzzles," Apple writes under this setting.

It's important to note that anyone can enable this setting, but if you don't have an Apple News Plus subscription, you can't play the daily puzzles and therefore can't post anything to these leaderboards.

Podcast widget changes color

The Podcast widget can change color to match what you're listening to.

With iOS 17.5 beta 1, your Podcast widget will change color depending on the artwork of whatever podcast you're listening to at the moment. So if the podcast you're listening to has red artwork, the widget will turn red. 

This aesthetic feature was in some early iOS 17.4 betas, but Apple removed it from that update's public release. In iOS 17.4, Apple also brought transcripts to podcasts , which makes the audio media more accessible for more people.

Books app counter tool

It appears iOS 17.5 beta 1 also wants to help people achieve their reading goals. With the update, the Books app gets a counter in the top right corner of the app's homepage. If you tap this counter, the app takes you to your Reading Goals menu. This menu shows you how much time you've spent reading today. There's also a button here that reads Explore the Book Store which opens the Book Store . 

At first, Books sets your daily reading goal for five minutes a day, but you can change this goal to anywhere between 1 minute or the absurd 1,440 minutes (24 hours) a day -- I like to read, but that feels a little aggressive.

Those are a few of the new features some developers and beta testers will see in the first iOS 17.5 beta. That doesn't mean these are the only features coming to the next iOS update, or that these changes will stick when iOS 17.5 is released to the public. As of now, there's no word on when Apple will release iOS 17.5.

For more on iOS 17, here's what was included in iOS 17.4 and here's our iOS 17 cheat sheet . You can also check out what to know about Apple's upcoming surprise event in May .

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Review: The iPhone 15 Pro is the best pitch to switch from Android – it’s just not for me

The iPhone is the best-selling smartphone on the planet and, in the US especially, it’s clearly a dominant force. I’m an Android person by choice, but once in a while, I spend time with the latest iPhone to take a peek inside of Apple’s garden, trying not to get trapped within its walls. Over the past several months, I’ve been using the iPhone 15 Pro off and on and, well, I’ve got thoughts.

The last time I used an iPhone for an extended period of time was with 2017’s iPhone X, the device that really set the stage for Apple’s big evolution of the iPhone. But that was pretty short-lived, as the device was quickly relegated to a few random use cases and checking in on new apps and features from time to time. I’ve continued to happily use dozens of different Android phones over the years since, usually a Pixel or a foldable.

But the iPhone 15 Pro finally piqued my interest enough to fork over $1,000 and give Apple another shot at convincing me.

What the iPhone gets right

Camera, hardware, battery life, and finally, usb-c.

Before we get to the complaints, let’s talk about the good things about the iPhone, and that starts with the hardware. Apple knows how to design a phone, and quite well too. The iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium build is massively overhyped by Apple in advertising, but it’s quite good. The phone feels unexpectedly light, but still very sturdy and premium. I’ve spent most of my time using the device with a Nomad leather case, but any time it’s not in that case is still a delight.

The hardware also has two big highlights to me. For one, I love the color. The blue shade Apple is using here looks great, though I do very much prefer the “Bay” blue color of the Pixel 8 Pro, but Apple’s darker color has its appeal. 

The other big highlight is the size. Android phones of smaller sizes are often sacrificing a lot for their size. The Pixel 8 is a pretty strong offering, but it’s also not quite as small as the iPhone. And, while I’m all for big phones, I’ve really come to appreciate using a smaller device. Now, that usually comes with the asterisk of that main display unfolding to reveal a tablet – the Pixel Fold is especially good in this aspect – but it’s been a delight enjoying a fully powered small smartphone without also throwing away battery life.

And, on that note.

The battery life might be one of the strongest aspects of the iPhone 15 Pro. For its size, it’s impressive. I’ve mostly used this device as a secondary carry, but on the many days I’ve run it as my only smartphone, it has done quite well, easily lasting a full day without any battery anxiety, something that my Pixel 8 Pro, despite its bigger size and battery, struggles with. Now, that might be partially because I don’t have a crazy number of apps installed yet, but I’ve still been very pleased.

Plus, this is the iPhone that finally has USB-C!

I said several years ago that USB-C is what would get me to give the iPhone another try, and I think this came at the perfect time. Apple may have been forced into it, but the company’s implementation is just what I hoped for – completely neutral. There’s no trickery going on. USB-C, for lack of a better term, just works. My chargers, my accessories, everything works as I expect to. Apple should have done this ages ago, but I’m glad it’s finally here.

And then there’s the camera. Things have come a long way since the iPhone X I last used. 

The iPhone 15 Pro’s triple camera array is consistent and predictable, which is exactly what I want from a smartphone camera. I think, for stills, Apple and Google really hit up against the same wall when it comes to camera quality. For the most part, the “better” photo really just comes down to personal preference. I think I still prefer the Pixel’s contrast-y look overall, but the iPhone’s take on photography is still great. It also works more consistently across apps, somewhere Android really struggles.

Here are a few shots taken on the iPhone 15 Pro over the past few months.

Video is where Apple’s camera experience definitely pulls ahead. While Video Boost on the Pixel 8 Pro gives Apple’s results a run for their money , Apple’s camera records at roughly that quality without hours of cloud processing, and Apple’s support for LOG recording just opens up a world of possibilities. The average customer won’t benefit from that, but the camera here is just great.

That said, let’s get to the fun stuff. The many complaints and headaches.

Let’s talk about iOS

I always knew that my experience with iOS would be full of headaches, but seemingly around every corner was another reason I just dislike the platform. There’s plenty to talk about, but let’s start with the homescreen.

Since the last time I spent time with an iPhone, the homescreen has evolved quite a bit. There are widgets, and the “App Library” too, things I always missed in my past bouts with the platform. Widgets are pretty well done, though to be honest, it’s a feature I’ve moved away from over the years. I barely use it on Android, and I didn’t really find myself using it much on iOS. But at the very least it’s a well-implemented feature and has tons of developer support.

The App Library, though, is just a mess.

The iOS homescreen has always felt messy and unorganized to me just because every single app on your device is forced to be in view. The App Library technically fixes that by giving you the option to remove those apps from the homescreen and dump them somewhere else. But somehow, it just feels worse. iOS automatically organizes your apps in the Library based on categories, but you really don’t have any control, which makes it harder to use. There’s a search function, which is really the only way this has felt useful to me. And it really feels like the only reason this feature is like this is because Apple couldn’t admit it was wrong. The app drawer on Android is a super simple, alphabetical list of your apps available at a quick swipe. It’s intuitive. It’s easy. The App Library is neither of those things. It’s bad.

Since we’re talking about bad things, let’s get around to what was obviously coming.

iOS notifications.

Over the past few months, I’ve come down to the opinon that Apple is purposefully designing iOS to make you forget about notifications, because otherwise, I can’t see how things have come to the point they are today. When you pull down to access Notification Center, iOS only shows you one or two notifications. You have to swipe through to access more, and it often feels like they’re no rhyme or reason to how they show up. The obvious goal is to show things chronologically, but that falls apart if you get a lot of notifications over the course of a day.

The way in which iOS groups notifications is my biggest issue overall. If you keep up with notifications as they arrive, it’s relatively consistent and easy, but often times I’ll find that if I’ve had my phone in my pocket for a while, I’ll have multiple groups of emails, multiple groups of messages for various apps, and multiple groups of social notifications that are just all mixed between each other. For example, if I get Telegram notifications from multiple group chats, a few Twitter/X notifications, and a few emails over the course of an hour, they might be split into 7 or 8 groups. The chronological approach to notifications makes sense if you’re glued to your phone, but I’m firmly of the opinion that is not how it should work. Personally, I’ve found myself constantly missing notifications as a result of just not being able to see them quickly. And, until I really dig in, I have no idea how many notifications I have. Whether I have a couple of messages and an email, or a dozen apps sending me notices, it all looks the same. And some notifications just never go away until you clear them, even if they’ve been addressed ages ago. Again, this is an area I really feel Android does it better. You can see a handful of notification icons at the top of the screen to quickly get an idea of what’s going on, and the grouping methodology is far, far better.

I think iOS notifications have little to no redeeming qualities, but not every aspect of iOS was so polarizing to me, like the keyboard experience.

I thought smartphone keyboards were something we figured out a long time ago, but every time I move away from Google’s Gboard (on Android), I’m reminded just how crazy things can get.

The stock keyboard on iOS is fine , but I think it gets a little too much praise. The keyboard is great for two-handed typing especially. I think the spacing is really good, and it’s easy to pick up the muscle memory too. Swipe typing, an Android original, is also very well implemented. 

But Apple’s autocorrect is way beyond aggressive, and genuinely a pain to deal with.

Autocorrect is something everyone needs, but there’s a line you have to walk. With autocorrect in Apple’s default keyboard, the whole system just feels like it won’t admit when it is wrong (much like Apple itself). You can make the same correction three or four times, and it’s not going to get the point and just keep making the same correction. Beyond that, and my biggest gripe, is that autocorrect will kick in even after you’ve hit send. If you’re looking at a finished message and hit the send button, if the keyboard feels there’s a correction to be made on that last word, it will do it as you hit send . This leads to frustrating edits after the fact (if that’s an option) far too often. 

• Why doesn’t anyone else have a keyboard experience as good as Google Pixel?

Voice-to-text is similarly annoying. Sometimes it can work wonderfully, and almost match the Pixel, which is the current gold standard for voice-to-text today. But, other times, it just goes off the rails, though not nearly as much as Samsung’s truly awful voice-to-text .

There are also just features and options missing. It blows my mind that Apple’s default keyboard doesn’t support GIF insertion, there’s no way to show a number row, and I hate that there’s no way to minimize the keyboard without tapping in the app above it. 

iOS does, thankfully, support switching out the keyboard, but I’ve not found any that I actually like. Gboard, my go-to on Android, feels like a shell of its true self on iOS, with a layout that’s not as good and GIF insertion that’s nowhere near as seamless (which, of course, is iOS’ fault). If there’s one thing the keyboard really gets right, it’s autofill. Where Android’s autofill option is messy and inconsistent (a rant I intend to have another day), iOS autofill is fast and reliable, even with third-party apps like 1Password.

Easily the most annoying part of using iOS after years on Android is the lack of a back button. This logical part of the operating system feels so crucial, unless you’re Apple apparently. 

iOS has been designed around not having a system-wide back button for years, so apps are well-stocked with built-in back buttons. In most cases, there’s also a back gesture when you swipe (only) from the left side of the screen. Generally speaking, the lack of a back button isn’t a problem , but it’s an inconvenience.

So many times I’ve been in apps that don’t have a back button in certain UIs, leaving me stuck in that screen unless I move forward. Sometimes, crazy enough, people change their minds. But Apple leaves the task on developers to build this backtracking into their apps, and it’s just not always there. One example of this is the app UDisc, for tracking disc golf rounds. When I’m in a scorecard, there’s no way for me to go back to the rest of the app without closing the app or “finishing” my card. On Android, all I have to do is hit the back button, but since that’s not an option on iOS, I’m just stuck until the round is over. Now, I’m sure the reaction to this will be “the developer should have added a back button,” and technically, you’re right. But why is the task on them? 

Why can’t iOS have a back button? I’ve never really understood arguments against it. To me, it just seems like a logical, useful function, and it’s crazy that in 2024 it’s still not a thing. 

Android and iOS are both incredibly mature operating systems that know what they do, and do not want to be. As such, when new features arrive in either, they’re very often inspired by the other. 

Through my use of the iPhone 15 Pro, I’ve come across things I want Android to have, but there’s a ton I want from Android to be available over on iOS. And, ultimately, it just feels like Apple doesn’t want to admit Android did something better. When that does happen, Apple just comes up with the most convoluted way to do the thing just to avoid admitting Android was right. The best example of this is the App Library which, as mentioned, is just a mess, but this just feels like an overarching theme of a lot of Apple’s recent, overdue feature additions. 

Of course, there’s a lot to be said about Android copying iOS features too. Samsung and others have been pretty shameless about this over the years, but in a way, that’s a good thing. These Android brands aren’t really afraid to look at a feature Apple has introduced and say “hey, that’s a good idea.” 

And, yes, there are quite a lot of those good ideas in the software too.

One thing I’ve quite liked has been the ability to rotate through lockscreens quickly. The presets are useful and extremely well-implemented. I also love having lockscreen widgets, something that Android never should have thrown away.

Apps are, of course, also a big highlight of iOS. The overall bar for quality seems at least a couple notches higher on iOS than it does on Android, but only if you decide to dive into apps that are iOS-only. If you live a cross-platform life, like I do, apps on iOS feels equal to their Android counterparts for the large majority. Ironically, it’s Google apps that feel the most behind on iOS. Something that I did very much enjoy was the App Store, if only for the impossibly fast app installs that feel instant compared to Android’s often slow process.

StandBy is another standout for me. Combined with MagSafe docks, it supercharges the always-on display with big clocks, weather notifications, and more. It’s been super useful at my desk. My Pixel does something similar with the Pixel Stand, but Apple’s implementation is better in my opinion, as I don’t always want to use this. Being able to have it readily available by simply rotating the device is brilliant!

Then, of course, we’ve also got to talk about the “ecosystem.” 

This is a pitch that’s never really appealed to me, because I try to live my tech life as “platform-agnostic” as possible. Apps that don’t work across devices just do not earn their place in my workflow. That’s why Apple’s approach to apps and services just doesn’t appeal to me, and why Google’s do. 

But even I’ve got to admit there are some delightful little touches throughout the ecosystem.

For instance, I just picked up a MacBook Air after years of being fed up with awful battery life on Windows laptops (fingers are crossed hard for Snapdragon X Elite ), and the speed at which the MacBook can trigger a hotspot on my iPhone is wonderful. It’s really handy for on-the-go work, and made the switch from my LTE-connected HP Dragonfly Chromebook way less painful. This isn’t some outlandish idea, and you can do the same between Android phones and ChromeOS, and even some Windows laptops, but it works really well here.

Similarly, connecting the iPhone to a MacBook webcam can be borderline magical (if slightly tedious without accessories), and better than what Android currently offers . And, on a similar MacBook note, I really like getting notifications on the iPhone when I leave the Mac behind through the Find My app.

On that note, I’ve also really enjoyed AirTags. This is something that I’ll finally be getting on Android soon now that the Find My Device network is live, but I’ll be impressed if it matches the same seamless level of integration as the AirTag has so far. One thing Android will definitely be missing is UWB, as AirTag supports it, but none of the Android trackers do. I also applaud Apple for putting the same UWB hardware in this smaller iPhone 15 Pro as it does in larger models, while most Android manufacturers skip UWB on anything but their top-tier flagships. That’s a short-sighted move.

There’s also Apple Wallet, which is superior to Google Wallet. Admittedly, I didn’t use this a lot as the iPhone spent most of its time as my secondary device, but it integrates better with cards – it’s super convenient to see my full AMEX transaction history versus just what happened with Apple Pay – and works with far more passes. Swapping cards via a double tap of the power button is also super useful (though I’d rather have a camera shortcut there). 

Siri Shortcuts are another thing that impressed me. I didn’t dive into this functionality too far, but I think it’s crazy just how much you can do with Shortcuts, and crazy that Android doesn’t have anything remotely similar. My colleague Damien Wilde loves this features especially.

Then, there’s iMessage. 

iMessage is severely overrated.

It’s a good messaging app, but it’s no better than any other modern messaging app, and all of those don’t require people to buy a specific smartphone just to use it. I’ve said my piece on iMessage before , and six months on an iPhone hasn’t changed anything. 

Use other messaging apps people, please .

In the end, I think iOS is a completely fine and very well-built operating system. It has all of the features you need , a lot of helpful tricks, and an interface that’s fairly easy to understand, even if I think some things (like notifications) are unintuitive. 

I just don’t like it.

I love being able to have my homescreen just the way I want it. I love having the ability to manually sideload app updates. But more than anything, I just prefer the way Android, specifically on a Pixel, works. And that’s okay. Everyone is allowed to have their opinions. If you like iOS, that’s great!

The Action Button was wasted

One of the new things to iOS on the iPhone 15 Pro is the “Action Button.” It’s a pretty wild new idea for the world of iOS. A customizable button that you can choose what it does. It replaces the mute switch, and as such defaults to replacing that functionality. 

It probably should have stayed that way.

The Action Button is a good idea inherently, but it has some key flaws. First and foremost is the requirement to press and hold the button to do anything. My first thought for this button was to assign it to open the camera, as iPhone lacks the double-tab gesture for accessing the camera quickly via the power button. But the press-and-hold gesture takes too long and just ends up feeling more cumbersome. 

Where Apple really could have made this feature shine was in giving users three actions. One with a single tap, one with a double-tap, and a third with the current press-and-hold. Even if just the latter two were available, it’d be significantly more useful than it is today.

Right now, the best function for the Action Button is to use a Siri Shortcut menu. This lets you pick and choose from several functions. I think it’s still a little cumbersome because of the time required for the button to be pressed, and because of the button’s high placement, but it’s still useful functionality.

The iPhone isn’t for me, but it’s still the smartphone to beat

Just because the iPhone isn’t for me, though, doesn’t mean there aren’t good reasons for millions upon millions of people to buy it. Apple has an inherently fantastic product here, and it’s absolutely the gold standard of the smartphone industry today. 

Top comment by The Werewolf

If we're going to lump all currently selling models of the iPhone into one, then except for last quarter, the iPhone hasn't been the best selling phone in the world for a while. Samsung has the lead with their line of phones... they just have more models.

The exceptions are the US, UK and Japan where the iPhone definitely is ahead and Samsung is second.

I also get nervous about any 'review' where the reviewer starts by praising the product THEN argues why it's not for them, then reinforces the notion that even if it's not good enough for him, it's still the best.

If the iPhone is the best, then either the reviewer has bad priorities (and shouldn't be reviewing it since he's the wrong person to be doing the review), or the reviewer is trying to soft-peddle the review in fear of offending the iPhone fans... also not a good look.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to beat the iPhone’s value proposition. The $999 iPhone 15 Pro I’m using has cutting-edge processing power under the hood that will “future-proof” it for years to come. It has more camera functionality than most Android phones. It has stable software that will be updated for several years. And it has exclusive features that Android doesn’t.

Apple has built a good product that people should love. Every Android flagship gets measured up to the iPhone, and for good reason. 

The iPhone is very, very good, as long as you actually like using it. It’s just not for me.

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AltStore PAL Alternative App Marketplace Launches on iPhone in EU

One of the first alternative app marketplaces went live in the European Union today, with developer Riley Testut introducing AltStore PAL , a version of his AltStore that can be accessed in EU countries.

Testut says that once AltStore PAL is "running smoothly," third-party app developers will be able to submit their apps for distribution outside of the App Store . The app marketplace is designed to be decentralized with no directory, so developers will need to self-promote their apps and direct users to their websites to install an app through AltStore.

Distributing apps through AltStore is free of charge, but it is worth noting that apps that see more than one million first annual installs will need to pay Apple an 0.50 euro Core Technology Fee. App marketplaces have to pay the fee for every install with no free allowance, so AltStore is charged 0.50 euros each time it is installed. To afford the fee, Testut is charging 1.50 euros per year for AltStore PAL access.

Testut has been working on AltStore PAL since Apple announced plans to support alternative app marketplaces in iOS 17.4. It is open to all apps, but Testut says that it makes the most sense for "smaller, indie apps that otherwise couldn't exist due to ‌App Store‌ rules."

AltStore PAL is equipped with Patreon integration to allow developers to monetize their apps. Developers can offer their apps to just their patrons, and this method of distribution also allows for a sub-1 million cap on those who can subscribe to use an app.

iPhone users in the European Union can download AltStore PAL from the AltStore website . Alternative app marketplaces are not available outside of the European Union.

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Top Rated Comments

Here’s more information on it posted earlier today. https://www.theverge.com/24100464/altstore-pal-dma-eu-launch-delta-nintendo-emulator-clip-clipboard-manager

I especially hate that Delta now isn't coming to the App Store in Europe. Now as a European I'm forced to install this other store if I want it. Some people kept claiming that people who don't want to install other stores would never have to but this was always going to happen.

Testut is charging 1.50 euros per year for AltStore PAL access.

Delta is also being simultaneously released in the App Store ('https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/17/delta-game-emulator-iphone/') outside of the European Union, but it looks like EU customers will need to download it from AltStore.

One of the first alternative app marketplaces went live in the European Union today, with developer Riley Testut introducing AltStore PAL, a version of his AltStore that can be accessed in EU countries.

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Delta - Game Emulator 4+

All-in-one gba4ios successor, testut tech, designed for iphone.

• #1 in Entertainment
• 4.9 • 13.6K Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Delta is an all-in-one emulator for iOS. Delta builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, GBA4iOS, while expanding to include support for more game systems such as NES, SNES, N64, and DS. FEATURES Supported Game Systems • Nintendo Entertainment System • Super Nintendo Entertainment System • Nintendo 64 • Game Boy (Color) • Game Boy Advance • Nintendo DS • And plenty more to come! Controller Support • Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Joy-Cons • Nintendo Switch Online controllers (NES, SNES, N64) • PS4, PS5 • Xbox One S, Xbox Series X • MFi game controllers • Bluetooth & wired keyboards Save States • Save and load save states for any game from the pause menu. • Lock save states to prevent them from being accidentally overwritten. • Automatically makes backup save states to ensure you never lose your progress. • Support for “Quick Saves,” save states that can be quickly saved/loaded with a single button press (requires external controller). Cheats • Supports various types of cheat codes for each supported system: • NES: Game Genie • SNES: Game Genie, Pro Action Replay • N64: GameShark • GBC: Game Genie, GameShark • GBA: Action Replay, Code Breaker, GameShark • DS: Action Replay Delta Sync • Sync your games, game saves, save states, cheats, controller skins, and controller mappings between devices. • View version histories of everything you sync and optionally restore them to earlier versions. • Supports both Google Drive and Dropbox. Custom Controller Skins • Beautiful built-in controller skins for all systems. • Import controller skins made by others, or even make your own to share with the world! Hold Button • Choose buttons for Delta to hold down on your behalf, freeing up your thumbs to press other buttons instead. • Perfect for games that typically require one button be held down constantly (e.g. run button in Mario games, or the A button in Mario Kart). Fast Forward • Speed through slower parts of games by running the game much faster than normal. • Easily enable or disable from the pause menu, or optionally with a mapped button on an external controller. 3D/Haptic Touch • Use 3D or Haptic Touch to “peek” at games, save states, and cheat codes. • App icon shortcuts allow quick access to your most recently played games, or optionally customize the shortcuts to always include certain games. Game Artwork • Automatically displays appropriate box art for imported games. • Change a game’s artwork to anything you want, or select from the built-in game artwork database. Misc. • Gyroscope support (WarioWare: Twisted! only) • Microphone support (DS only) • Support for delta:// URL scheme to jump directly into a specific game. **Delta is in no way affiliated with Nintendo. The name "Nintendo" and all associated game console names are registered trademarks of Nintendo Co., Ltd.**

Version 1.5.3s

• Pre-fills game name in Games Database search field • Fixed using touch screen when AirPlaying DS games • Hides "Genesis" controller mapping while Genesis support is in beta Thanks so much for using Delta! Glad to see everyone enjoying their favorite retro games :)

Ratings and Reviews

13.6K Ratings

Exceptional, best vintage emulator on the App Store!

It’s really cool to think how far we have came in terms of gaming in the last 20 years. 7 systems seamlessly on 1 device is just… amazing. This application brings so much joy to me, playing my childhood DS games. I ended up losing all of my childhood games on a flight when i was about 12 years old, and since then had been wanting to play the games again. I ended up loading all the games that I had lost into my library on the application 🥹 There are no bugs and the AirPlay integration is so cool, it just has a bit of an input delay. One thing I wish was changed: when AirPlay is being used with a controller on DS games, the “lower-half” of the DS screen is not displayed, which is quite annoying. I think the expected behavior should be to have the “top-half” screen shared to the AirPlay device, while the “bottom-half” touch sensitive screen is present on the phone, so it is still able to be used. Regardless, this app is the best thing to hit the app store and to hit the gaming industry in a really long time, and I’m excited to see how much further the developers can go with it in terms of devices and functionality. I will happily make a Patreon donation to promote the development of this application. :)

Exceptional Emulator with a Slick Interface – Delta!

//1. I've been using the Delta emulator on my device, and I must say, it's an absolute joy. The interface is clean and uncluttered, which makes navigating through settings and games an effortless experience. //2. There are no annoying ads to disrupt the gaming session, and the smooth operation enhances every aspect of gameplay. The convenience of the emulator is top-notch, thanks to its intuitive controls and compatibility with a wide range of game formats. It brings back all those nostalgic moments flawlessly, running classics without a hitch. //3. However, there's one feature that would make Delta even better — expanded cloud sync options. Currently, it supports Google Drive and Dropbox, which works well but integrating iCloud sync would be a game-changer for iOS users. This addition would streamline game data management across all Apple devices, making it much more accessible and secure. //4. In conclusion, Delta is a superb emulator that offers a premium nostalgic gaming experience. If iCloud support were added, it would undoubtedly be the perfect package. Highly recommended for anyone looking to relive their favorite gaming memories on the go!

Thank you devs!

When I saw that purple delta symbol in the AppStore again, I thought it was too good to be true. I had the predecessor [GBA4ios]when i was in HS. So of course I downloaded this version. I had some ROMs from my previous attempts at other emulators, but this blew my mind. Delta emulator runs smoothly, is aesthetically pleasing, and is quite easy to navigate. It also runs in an optional fast forward mode that can honestly be too fast at times, no complaints here though. Also, integration of cheats and other mods should be used with discretion, because they might damper your experience with the game. However, that fault isn’t to be left with the emulator, that’s all on you. Lastly, be sure to save your data often (in game & on emulator), because it’s easy to forget that you’re not playing a game that is already on the App Store on its own & auto saving constantly, you’re on your mobile device. Therefore you need to save data yourself, to ensure no loss of gameplay. Otherwise, this emulator can & will change how you spend your free time. It is absolutely the best thing that I’ve come across!

App Privacy

The developer, Testut Tech , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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