The App Store currently features nearly two million apps, making it easy for users to find specific tools. For anything your iPhone cannot perform natively, third-party developers have likely created an application to address it. However, Apple’s own collection of apps and services has expanded significantly over time as well.
Essential applications such as Phone, Messages, Camera, and Clock come pre-installed, but there are also lesser-known apps hidden on other screens. While some of these are practical productivity tools like Keynote, Pages, or Numbers, we will spotlight a few intriguing Apple applications that you should consider using on your iPhone.
Passwords
As our lives increasingly migrate online, the number of account credentials we need to manage continues to grow. Relying on the same password across multiple accounts is a poor strategy, and recording them on paper or in an unsecured notes app is equally risky. Many password managers are available, but if you primarily use Apple devices, there’s no longer a need to pay for third-party subscriptions. The built-in Passwords app serves as a secure repository for your login credentials.
From iOS 18 onwards, any password saved will be automatically integrated into the Passwords app, which also assists in generating robust passwords. Your stored credentials will conveniently appear when logging into websites or applications on your iPhone, provided you enable the Password AutoFill feature by going to Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords and toggling it on.
All the passwords you’ve saved are accessible in the app, which requires Face ID or Touch ID for access. Furthermore, the app also provides management for Apple Passkeys, a more secure and quicker authentication method. The Passwords app alerts you to any security issues, marked by an orange exclamation mark for reused passwords or a red one for those compromised in breaches.
Apple Games
Modern iPhones feature some of the most powerful mobile processors. The A19 Pro in the iPhone 17 Pro lineup includes a six-core CPU, 12GB of RAM, and a GPU capable of delivering console-grade gaming experiences. The last few generations of flagship iPhones have been marketed for gaming capabilities. Well-known titles like “Red Dead Redemption” and “Alien: Isolation” are available, alongside newer releases like “Genshin Impact,” showcasing the iPhone’s impressive gaming prowess. Consequently, you might have noticed the Apple Games app on your device, which now comes preloaded with iOS 26.
This is different from Apple Arcade, which is a subscription-based service that provides access to a library of games on the App Store. The Apple Games app functions more like a game launcher and curator, akin to Steam for Windows. The “Library” tab shows currently and previously installed games on your iPhone with a direct launch option. Tapping a game will expand its details, including updates, achievements, or ongoing events.
The “Friends” tab allows you to invite others to join multiplayer games like “Call of Duty: Mobile.” It enables competitive challenges within supported games. If you subscribe to Apple Arcade, the app also facilitates quicker navigation to it. The “Home” tab provides easy access to recently played games while allowing discovery of new titles.
Journal
While the Notes app on your iPhone serves well for quickly capturing thoughts, creating lists, or formatting documents, it can also be used for journaling. However, Apple has introduced a dedicated Journal app to offer a more tailored journaling experience. This app is preinstalled and features a user-friendly interface for documenting your memories.
Users can create multiple entries and enhance them with images, videos, audio recordings, and location data to provide better context for those memories. The Journal app employs on-device machine learning to suggest related content when crafting entries, typically focusing on photos from recent notable outings or people you’ve spent time with.
We’ve previously delved into the Journal app in greater detail, but recent updates have provided it with a fresh Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. It enables the creation of separate journals for various life aspects. With enough entries accumulated, the search feature simplifies the recall of past experiences. All information stored in the Journal app is encrypted while your device is locked, and additional security measures can be established to protect your entries from prying eyes.
Measure
In addition to communication, gaming, and productivity applications, the iPhone is equipped with a variety of practical tools. Apps like Clock, Calendar, and Voice Memos are common, but did you know your iPhone can also function as a measuring device? The Measure app leverages your iPhone’s camera and AR capabilities to accurately measure objects.
This built-in measuring tool is one of the more unique utility apps available. Any iPhone running iOS 12 or later can be utilized for measurements. It can automatically display dimensions for rectangular objects it identifies, while manual measurements can be initiated by tapping the “+” button and moving the device around.
Models equipped with a LiDAR sensor offer enhanced accuracy, with guides outlining object edges for more precise measuring. Once completed, measurements can be saved by tapping the shutter button, resulting in an image saved with the measurements annotated. The app offers two main functions: the measurement mode described above and a “Level” mode that allows the iPhone to act as a spirit level, helping you determine the flatness of surfaces.
