Phone Apps
The latest apps, hand-picked by our editors here at Digital Trends. Whether you’re looking for the best apps for Android or iOS, we’ve got you covered with all of the info you need. Before you download, make sure you get the down-low.
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Apple killed Launchpad, now it’s blocking your replacement
Apple removed Launchpad in macOS Tahoe, but it’s also blocking apps that bring it back, leaving Mac users with fewer options and developers navigating unclear App Store rules.
Nothing’s “Essential Apps” let you build personalized widgets with text-based prompts
Nothing's Essential Apps Beta lets Phone (3) users create AI-powered, personalized widgets through simple text prompts, offering a glimpse into the company's Essential OS vision.
Your WhatsApp voice notes could help screen for early signs of depression
Brazilian researchers developed an AI system that analyzes WhatsApp audio messages to identify depression, showing high accuracy and potential for low-cost, real-world mental health screening.
You can publish apps from Manus without Xcode or Android Studio
Manus is adding app publishing that aims to turn a described app into an installable mobile build, handling packaging while you finish distribution in Google Play Console or App Store Connect and TestFlight.
Your Ray-Ban Meta alternative is open-source, and that changes everything
Mentra Live is a Ray-Ban Meta alternative with a rare perk, an open-source OS and a MiniApp Store. It’s limited-run, app-driven camera glasses, but real-world polish and privacy details still need proof.
Replit’s AI can build your mobile apps and push them straight to App store
Replit’s new feature generates iOS apps from text prompts, integrates monetization, and streamlines App Store publishing - marking a major step in AI-driven software creation.
Are you a Spotify Premium subscriber? Get ready to pay $12.99 per month from February
Spotify will raise Premium prices to $12.99 from February 2026 in the U.S. and parts of Europe, citing growth pressures despite strong Q3 results.
Microsoft Lens is riding into the sunset, if you even remember using it
Microsoft Lens is shutting down on iOS and Android with two deadlines. It leaves app stores February 9, 2026, and stops making new scans March 9, 2026. Here’s how to prepare.
The best fitness apps to actually help you hit your New Year transformation goals
From calorie tracking to connected wearables, these fitness apps help turn good intentions into habits that actually stick
Threads is about to become a hub of podcast chatter
Threads is rolling out podcast previews and creator-focused features to become a central hub for podcast discussion.
ChatGPT for Android may soon let you jump into specific chats faster
ChatGPT for Android may soon add home screen shortcuts for specific conversations. An APK teardown suggests OpenAI is testing an "Add to home screen" option that opens a chosen chat directly.
The connector era is over: you can now submit ChatGPT apps to OpenAI
OpenAI is launching a ChatGPT app directory and opening submissions for developers, with approved apps rolling out in the new year. It’s a shift away from connectors toward chat-native apps.
Gemini web app just got Opal where you can build mini apps with no code
Opal is now built into the Gemini web app via the Gems manager, letting you create reusable, shareable AI mini-app workflows with no code, plus a new step-by-step editing view.
Zoom is also getting an AI assistant, if that’s what you need for video calls
Zoom's AI Companion 3.0 now runs in your browser, helps summarize meetings, draft emails, and create follow-ups, and offers limited free-tier access.
Running Android apps on your Windows 11 PC is about to feel slightly better
Android app streaming on Windows 11 is getting a subtle upgrade. A new expanded mode in Phone Link makes apps feel less cramped on large monitors, bringing the experience closer to something you might actually want to use daily.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z TriFold is hiding a cool PC productivity trick
Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold has a hidden productivity boost. Beyond its folding design and standalone DeX, the device can work as a wireless Second Screen for Windows PCs, turning the phone into an extra monitor you can unfold anywhere.
Apple’s best apps and games list just dropped and now we know its plans for 2026
Apple’s 2025 App Store Awards showcase rising trends in AI, accessibility, immersive video, and high-end gaming, giving users a curated list of apps worth downloading this year.
Your Spotify subscription might soon cost more
Spotify plans a US price hike in 2026 as it pursues profitability, faces industry pressure, and transitions to new leadership.
Kids’ screen addiction is pushing parents to spend top dollars on digital detox
Parents are increasingly spending on screen-time coaches, monitoring apps, and even $8,000 tech-detox camps as kids’ screen habits spiral out of control. With most parents struggling to enforce limits, many feel digital detox can reset their child’s relationship with technology.
Google Calendar will finally let you block time for a task instead of a meeting
Google Calendar now lets you block time for tasks directly from Google Tasks, marking you as busy and improving day planning for all Workspace and personal users.
YouTube Music is testing playlist search so you can stop endless scrolling
YouTube Music is finally testing playlist search, with a new Find in playlist button appearing for a tiny group of iOS users. It fixes one of the app’s most obvious pain points, but almost no one has it yet.
Whatsapp will soon let you chat with people on other messaging apps
WhatsApp is preparing a new interoperability feature that will let users in Europe message people on supported third-party apps directly from WhatsApp. The update isn’t live yet, but Meta says it’s coming soon as part of its DMA-driven compliance.
Apple’s new rules could give us a break from shady copycat apps
Apple is tightening its App Store rules to curb the flood of look-alike apps that copy icons, names, and branding from popular titles. The update targets shady clones directly, aiming to make the store cleaner and safer for everyday iPhone users.
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