Best iPhone 12 Apps for Everyday Use
Got an iPhone 12 and want to make the most of it? Whether you're into staying organized, editing photos, or just killing time with games, the right apps can seriously upgrade your experience. Explore a mix of popular and practical iPhone 12 apps that are worth a spot on your home screen.
How iPhone 12 Enhances Your Productivity and Leisure
The iPhone 12 significantly boosts productivity with its powerful A14 Bionic chip, delivering fast response times and excellent multitasking capabilities. With 5G support, you can work, send and receive large files, and join video conferences with minimal delay, no matter where you are. Additionally, its long battery life allows for full-day use without the need for frequent charging.

For leisure, the iPhone 12 offers an impressive visual experience with its bright and sharp Super Retina XDR display, making it perfect for watching videos and gaming. The enhanced camera excels in capturing professional-quality photos and videos, enabling you to create high-quality content on the go. With AR support and excellent sound, it enhances multimedia interaction and gaming, turning your device into a full-fledged entertainment hub.

This balance between productivity and leisure makes the iPhone 12 the perfect choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one device for both work and play.
Top Apps for iPhone 12: Essentials You Shouldn’t Miss
The App Store is full of options, but not every app is built to match the capabilities of the iPhone 12. Below is a curated list of top-performing apps that take advantage of its hardware and display features whether you're looking for productivity, creativity, or everyday convenience.
1. Lina: Art Therapy & Self-Love

Lina Therapy is a project about using simple art practices to support emotional well-being. As part of this, we created the Art Therapy: Self-love Lina app for iPhone, where users can draw, reflect, and relax through creative exercises. The app includes three modes: Anti-stress, Meditation, and Intuition, each designed to help users focus on different emotional states.

All illustrations and affirmations featured in the app are original and created by our in-house team. Users can save their drawings, revisit them later, and track their mood over time through a personal gallery. The app is designed to help users observe and understand their emotions in a visual and accessible way.

We also maintain active communities on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, where we share updates, visual tools for self-reflection, and insights from the art therapy process. These platforms extend the app experience and offer a space to connect with others exploring similar themes.

Key Highlights:
  • Interactive drawing modes: Anti-stress, Meditation, and Intuition
  • Original illustrations and affirmations
  • Option to save artwork and track mood over time
  • No need for prior artistic experience
  • Linked communities on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users exploring creative ways to manage emotions
  • People interested in self-reflection and mindfulness through art
  • Users who want a personal, non-judgmental creative outlet
  • Those looking to visually track mood and emotional states over time
2. HabitMinder - Habit Tracker

HabitMinder is an app designed to help users build and maintain positive habits by offering a structured and visually appealing interface. The app provides various tools to track daily routines, set reminders, and monitor progress over time. Users can choose from a range of pre-set habits or create their own, making it adaptable to different personal goals. The app also includes features like motivational messages and detailed statistics to help users stay on track.

The interface is user-friendly, with a clean design that allows for easy navigation. HabitMinder integrates with Apple Health, enabling users to sync health-related habits directly with their health data. The app supports different habit types, such as hydration, exercise, and mindfulness, making it versatile for various lifestyle improvements. Additionally, it offers customization options, allowing users to tailor the experience to their specific needs.

Key Highlights:
  • Customizable habit tracking with pre-set and user-defined options
  • Integration with Apple Health for health-related habits
  • Detailed statistics and progress tracking
  • Motivational messages and reminders
  • Clean and intuitive user interface
Who it’s best for:
  • Individuals looking to build and maintain positive daily habits
  • iPhone 12 users building positive daily habits
  • Those seeking integration with Apple Health for health-related goals
  • People who appreciate a structured approach to habit formation
3. Insight Timer

Insight Timer is a meditation and sleep app that offers a large library of guided sessions, music tracks, and talks from meditation teachers, psychologists, and other wellness professionals. The app includes tools for mindfulness, stress reduction, sleep improvement, and personal growth. Users can browse content by topic, duration, or instructor, and follow their favorite contributors. Features include a customizable meditation timer, live events, and progress tracking.

The app supports a wide range of meditation styles including mindfulness, loving-kindness, body scan, and visualization. Sleep-focused content includes bedtime stories, ambient music, and calming soundscapes. While many resources are free, Insight Timer also offers an optional membership with access to full-length courses and premium features.

Key Highlights:
  • Library of over 200,000 guided meditations and music tracks
  • Customizable meditation timer with ambient sounds
  • Daily live sessions and community features
  • Sleep content including music, stories, and soundscapes
  • Optional membership for premium courses and offline access
Who it’s best for:
  • People exploring meditation for the first time
  • iPhone 12 users exploring meditation and mindfulness
  • Anyone needing help falling asleep or managing anxiety
  • Those interested in live meditation events and a global community
4. Lightroom Photo & Video Editor

Lightroom is a photo and video editing app developed by Adobe. It provides tools for adjusting lighting, color, exposure, contrast, and other visual elements. The app also includes presets and AI-powered features to streamline the editing process. Users can apply edits to both photos and videos and make fine adjustments using sliders and controls.

The app offers cloud-based storage for syncing across devices, and users can organize their media using albums and keywords. Lightroom includes in-app tutorials and an optional subscription for access to premium features such as Healing Brush, Masking, and advanced editing controls.

Key Highlights:
  • Editing tools for photos and videos with precision sliders
  • Built-in presets and AI-recommended presets
  • Cloud storage and sync across devices
  • In-app tutorials for learning editing techniques
  • Premium features available with subscription
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users editing photos or videos on the go
  • People looking for mobile access to Adobe’s editing tools
  • Creators who want to organize, edit, and sync media across devices
  • Those interested in learning photography and editing techniques through guided tutorials
5. MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter

MyFitnessPal is a nutrition and fitness tracking app that helps users monitor their daily food intake, exercise, and overall health habits. The app includes a food diary with a large database of meal items and nutritional details. Users can log meals manually or scan barcodes to add items quickly. It also supports tracking water intake, weight, and exercise activity.

The app integrates with several fitness devices and apps, allowing users to sync workout data and get a broader view of their health progress. MyFitnessPal offers goal setting, progress charts, and community support features. Some features require a premium subscription, including detailed food analysis and advanced tracking options.

Key Highlights:
  • Food diary with barcode scanner and large nutrition database
  • Tracks calories, macronutrients, water, and weight
  • Syncs with other health and fitness apps
  • Goal setting and progress tracking features
  • Premium option with additional tools and insights
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users tracking calories or managing diet goals
  • People logging meals and workouts in one app
  • Anyone building healthier eating and fitness habits
  • Users syncing health data from other apps or devices
6. Nike Training Club: Fitness

Nike Training Club is a workout app that provides on-demand fitness content across a variety of training types. The app includes guided video and audio workouts designed by Nike trainers, covering strength training, mobility, yoga, and cardio. Sessions range from under 20 minutes to over an hour and can be filtered by equipment availability, intensity, or fitness goals.

In addition to workout programs, the app features wellness tips, nutrition advice, and expert guidance. Users can follow structured programs or choose individual sessions. Progress tracking and session history are included, and content is available with no subscription required.

Key Highlights:
  • Video and audio workouts led by Nike trainers
  • Wide range of training types including strength, mobility, and yoga
  • Filters for workout duration, intensity, and equipment
  • Includes wellness and nutrition content
  • No subscription required for access
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users looking for guided workouts at home
  • People training without access to a gym
  • Those combining fitness with wellness and nutrition tips
  • Beginners or experienced users following structured fitness plans
7. Google Maps

Google Maps is a navigation app that provides directions, real-time traffic updates, and location-based services. Users can get turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, cycling, or public transport, along with estimated travel times and alternate routes. The app also includes offline maps, allowing users to download areas in advance.

In addition to navigation, Google Maps offers local business listings, reviews, and photos. Users can search for restaurants, gas stations, or attractions nearby, and view information such as opening hours and contact details. It also supports features like live view with AR directions and the ability to save favorite locations.

Key Highlights:
  • Turn-by-turn GPS navigation for various transport modes
  • Real-time traffic, incident, and ETA updates
  • Offline maps for selected areas
  • Local business search with ratings, reviews, and photos
  • Augmented reality (AR) directions with Live View
Who it’s best for:
  • Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians needing reliable navigation
  • Travelers looking for local recommendations
  • iPhone 12 users needing reliable, real-time navigation
  • Anyone exploring unfamiliar areas or planning routes
8. Paper by WeTransfer

Paper is a drawing and note-taking app designed for quick sketches, handwritten notes, diagrams, and visual journaling. It offers a minimalistic interface that focuses on ease of use and fluid creative flow. The app supports both stylus and finger input, with tools like pens, pencils, markers, and watercolours built into a streamlined workspace.

Users can organize their work into journals and export pages or entire notebooks in different formats. While it is primarily geared towards freehand drawing and ideation, Paper also includes basic shape correction and collage features. A Pro subscription unlocks additional tools and features, but the core functionality remains available for free.

Key Highlights:
  • Sketching and note-taking tools with natural-feeling pens, brushes, and markers
  • Organizable journals for keeping multiple projects or notes in one place
  • Shape recognition tool for quick diagramming
  • Collage function with cut-and-paste style image manipulation
  • Export options for sharing drawings or entire notebooks
  • Optional Pro subscription for extra tools and customisation features
Who it’s best for:
  • People who like to sketch or jot down visual ideas on the go
  • iPhone 12 users who sketch or write visual notes
  • Anyone looking for a lightweight, distraction-free creative space
  • Artists and designers needing a companion app for ideation and thumbnails
9. Quizlet: AI-Powered Flashcards

Quizlet is a study app built around flashcards, designed to help users learn and review information across a wide range of subjects. The app allows users to create their own flashcard sets or browse from millions of existing ones made by other learners. It also includes several study modes, such as Learn, Test, Match, and Write, which adapt to different learning styles.

The app incorporates AI features that generate explanations, practice questions, and personalized study paths. Quizlet Plus subscribers can access features like expert-verified solutions and progress tracking. Quizlet is used by students, teachers, and self-learners for schoolwork, language learning, exam prep, and general knowledge building.

Key Highlights:
  • Create custom flashcards or use existing sets
  • Study modes include Learn, Write, Match, and Test
  • AI-generated practice questions and explanations
  • Supports images and audio in flashcards
  • Available offline with Quizlet Plus subscription
  • Tools for class sharing and collaboration
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users studying for tests or language learning
  • Students using flashcards and practice modes
  • Teachers sharing materials with students
  • Learners preferring short, repeatable study formats
10. iStudiez Pro Legendary Planner

iStudiez Pro is a scheduling and task management app built for students. It combines calendar planning, class scheduling, assignment tracking, and grade management in a single interface. Users can input details such as class times, locations, instructors, and even grading scales to monitor academic performance throughout a term.

The app supports daily and weekly views, integrates with external calendars, and syncs across multiple devices. Students can organise their workload by setting due dates, reminders, and priorities for assignments and exams. The app is available as a one-time purchase or with a subscription for cross-platform sync and cloud backup.

Key Highlights:
  • Custom class schedules with support for complex timetables
  • Assignment and exam tracking with due dates and priorities
  • Grade calculation based on user-defined grading scales
  • Daily and weekly planning views
  • Calendar integration and cloud sync with Pro version
  • Cross-device support including iPhone, iPad, and macOS
Who it’s best for:
  • University or college students managing multiple classes
  • iPhone 12 users managing academic schedules
  • Learners who want to track grades and deadlines in one place
  • People who prefer calendar-based study planning
11. Citymapper

Citymapper is a transit navigation app that offers live travel information across various modes of public transportation. It helps users plan routes using subways, buses, trains, ferries, taxis, walking, and cycling. The app shows real-time arrivals, service disruptions, and estimated travel times, adjusting routes as needed based on current conditions.

The interface provides multiple route options, each showing time, cost, and potential delays. Users can also access turn-by-turn walking directions and receive alerts when it’s time to get off a bus or train. Offline maps and timetables are available in some cities, and the app supports more than one hundred urban areas worldwide.

Key Highlights:
  • Real-time transit data including delays and service changes
  • Multi-modal route planning (subway, bus, bike, walk, etc.)
  • Live step-by-step navigation with alerts
  • Offline support in select cities
  • Coverage across major global cities
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users in urban areas who rely on public transport
  • Travelers navigating unfamiliar cities
  • Commuters looking for real-time transit updates
  • Users who prefer combining multiple transport methods in one trip
12. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where users can find and save ideas for a wide range of topics including design, fashion, cooking, travel, and DIY projects. The app allows users to browse images, known as “Pins,” and organize them into themed boards. These Pins can link to websites, tutorials, or product pages, making it easier to revisit or try ideas later.

The app supports personalized recommendations based on user activity and interests. It also includes a visual search function, where users can tap on a part of an image to explore similar content. Content can be saved for private or public viewing, and users can follow others to see their saved ideas in the home feed.

Key Highlights:
  • Visual idea discovery and organization through Pins and boards
  • Personalized feed based on user activity
  • Visual search to find similar items within an image
  • Option to save Pins privately or publicly
  • Wide range of categories including food, home, fashion, and more
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users looking for inspiration across lifestyle categories
  • People planning creative projects or events
  • Users interested in saving and organizing visual ideas
  • Those who enjoy browsing curated content on specific topics
13. Audible: Audio Entertainment

Audible is an audio content platform offering access to a large collection of audiobooks, podcasts, and other spoken-word programs. Users can listen to content across a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, self-development, and original audio productions. The app allows downloads for offline listening and supports playback customization such as adjustable narration speed and sleep timers.

In addition to audiobooks, Audible includes exclusive series and podcasts. Users can build their personal audio library and continue listening across devices. Bookmarks and notes can be added during playback, and content is organized into easy-to-browse categories. The app supports English and several other languages.

Key Highlights:
  • Wide range of audiobooks and audio series
  • Offline listening with download option
  • Adjustable playback speed and sleep timer
  • Bookmark and note-taking features
  • Access to Audible Originals and podcasts
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users who prefer listening over reading
  • Commuters and travelers
  • Those interested in fiction, learning, or self-development content
  • Users who enjoy serialized audio storytelling
14. Pzizz: Sleep, Nap, Focus

Pzizz is an app designed to support users in falling asleep, taking power naps, or maintaining focus during work or study. It combines voiceovers, sound effects, and music to create what it calls “dreamscapes” audio sessions intended to guide the user’s mental state. The app includes three main modes: Sleep, Nap, and Focus, each tailored to different goals.

The sessions are customizable in length and content, and users can select voice styles, adjust volume levels for different audio layers, and set alarms or fade-outs. Pzizz also includes a library of session content that updates regularly, offering variety in the audio experience.

Key Highlights:
  • Separate modes for sleep, naps, and focus
  • Customizable session length and audio mix
  • “Dreamscape” audio combining music, voice, and effects
  • Built-in alarm and fade-out options
  • Regularly updated content library
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users looking to improve sleep routines
  • People who take short rest breaks or power naps
  • Users who prefer audio guidance to stay focused
15. Motivation - Daily Quotes

Motivation - Daily Quotes is an app that delivers motivational quotes across a range of categories including self-esteem, mental health, productivity, and relationships. Users can browse curated quotes or receive them as notifications throughout the day. The app also allows customization of themes, fonts, and background images to personalize the look of the quotes.

Users can save their favorite quotes, share them on social media, or add them as widgets to their iPhone home screen. The app includes a category-based browsing system, letting users choose topics that align with their current mindset or goals. A premium subscription unlocks additional features such as scheduling and expanded content access.

Key Highlights:
  • Daily motivational quotes with notification support
  • Customizable design elements: fonts, colors, and backgrounds
  • Widget support for displaying quotes on the home screen
  • Category filters for topics like self-care, success, and relationships
  • Save and share options for favorite quotes
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users interested in regular motivational reminders
  • People who enjoy curated quote collections
  • Users who like to personalize their phone’s visual content
  • Those seeking gentle prompts for focus, mood, or mindset shifts
16. CARROT Weather: Alerts & Radar

CARROT Weather is a weather app that provides detailed forecasts, real-time radar, and severe weather alerts. The app includes current, hourly, and daily forecasts sourced from multiple weather data providers, with options to customize the layout and information displayed. Users can track weather conditions using maps, graphs, and widgets, as well as receive push notifications for warnings and alerts.

The app is known for its customizable interface and optional commentary style, which can be humorous or professional depending on user settings. It supports Apple Watch integration and offers a timeline feature that lets users scroll through past and future weather data. Some features, such as advanced notifications and radar layers, require a subscription.

Key Highlights:
  • Hourly, daily, and long-term weather forecasts
  • Real-time radar and severe weather alerts
  • Customizable interface with multiple layout options
  • Apple Watch support and Home Screen widgets
  • Optional personality settings for forecast narration
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users who want detailed, flexible weather tracking
  • People who rely on up-to-date weather alerts
  • Users looking for Apple Watch-compatible weather tools
  • Those who prefer personalization in how weather data is displayed
17. Noto - Elegant Note

Noto is a note-taking app focused on minimal design and flexible organization. It allows users to create and manage notes across folders and subfolders, with support for rich text formatting, checklists, tables, and images. The interface is designed to be distraction-free, with a focus on clean typography and intuitive layout.

The app includes features such as tags for categorization, drag-and-drop organization, and iCloud sync for access across devices. It supports Dark Mode and external keyboard shortcuts. Users can also export notes in multiple formats including PDF and Markdown, making it adaptable for both personal and professional use.

Key Highlights:
  • Clean interface with support for rich text, checklists, and tables
  • Folder and subfolder organization with drag-and-drop
  • Tagging system for easy search and categorization
  • iCloud sync across Apple devices
  • Export options including PDF and Markdown
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users looking for a minimalist note-taking app
  • People who organize notes in folders and subfolders
  • Users who prefer clean layouts and flexible formatting tools
  • Those who work across multiple Apple devices using iCloud
18. TIDAL Music: HiFi Sound

TIDAL Music is a streaming app that offers access to a library of over 100 million tracks and 650,000 videos. It provides multiple sound quality options, including standard, HiFi, and HiRes FLAC, depending on the user’s subscription plan. The app supports curated playlists, artist radio, and personalized mixes, along with offline listening through downloadable content.

Users can explore music by genre, mood, or activity, and the app also includes exclusive content such as early releases and behind-the-scenes videos. TIDAL integrates with Apple CarPlay and offers support for various connected devices. Audio playback can be customized through settings such as volume normalization and crossfade.

Key Highlights:
  • Access to over 100 million tracks and 650,000 videos
  • Multiple audio quality tiers including HiFi and HiRes FLAC
  • Download options for offline listening
  • Curated playlists, mixes, and artist radio
  • Support for CarPlay and other device integrations
Who it’s best for:
  • iPhone 12 users who want high-quality music streaming
  • Listeners who download content for offline playback
  • People interested in curated playlists and exclusive music releases
  • Users who stream audio across multiple devices or platforms
Why App Optimization for iPhone 12 Matters
The iPhone 12 introduced a significant hardware and software upgrade over previous models, which affects how apps run and perform. Choosing apps optimized for the iPhone 12 ensures better speed, efficiency, and visual quality. Here's why that matters:

A14 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 12 runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic processor, which improves CPU and GPU performance. Optimized apps can take advantage of this processing power for smoother multitasking, faster load times, and better graphics especially in games and video editing tools.

iOS Compatibility
Apps designed or updated for the latest iOS versions tend to work more reliably. They support newer APIs and features like widgets, App Clips, and advanced privacy settings. This improves both functionality and user experience on the iPhone 12.

Display and Visuals
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display. Apps that support high-resolution assets and dynamic interface scaling deliver sharper visuals and more accurate colors, especially in media-heavy apps like streaming platforms, photo editors, and graphic design tools.

Battery and Efficiency
Optimized apps are often better at managing background activity and power consumption. On the iPhone 12, this translates into longer battery life and fewer performance slowdowns caused by poorly coded or outdated apps.

Camera and AR Features
Apps that tap into the iPhone 12’s improved camera system and LiDAR (in the Pro models) can provide advanced photography features or more responsive augmented reality experiences. This is relevant for camera apps, scanning tools, and AR-based games.

In short, app optimization for iPhone 12 ensures users are making full use of the hardware and software capabilities their device offers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right apps for your iPhone 12 can make a noticeable difference in how you use the device day-to-day. With its A14 Bionic chip, advanced display, and updated iOS features, the iPhone 12 performs best with apps that are optimized for speed, efficiency, and visual clarity.

Whether you're setting up a new device or just looking to get more out of your current one, installing the right apps can improve productivity, support creativity, and streamline everyday tasks. With thousands of options available, focusing on quality and optimization makes a clear difference in how your iPhone 12 performs over time.
1. Are iPhone 13 or 14 apps compatible with iPhone 12?
Yes. Most apps are developed for a range of iPhones and iOS versions. As long as your iPhone 12 is running the required iOS version, apps designed for newer models will usually work.
2. Do I need special apps for iPhone 12?
No special apps are required, but choosing apps that take advantage of the iPhone 12’s processor, display, and camera will provide better performance and user experience.
3. What are the best free apps for iPhone 12?
Free top-rated apps vary by category but often include tools like Notion (productivity), CapCut (video editing), Spotify (music), and Google Photos (storage and backup).
4. How can I tell if an app is optimized for iPhone 12?
Check the app’s update history in the App Store. Recent updates that mention support for newer iOS versions or performance improvements usually indicate optimization.
5. Will older apps run slower on iPhone 12?
If an app hasn’t been updated in a long time, it may not fully utilize the iPhone 12’s hardware and could run with minor performance issues or UI glitches. It's best to use apps that are actively maintained.