Essential Apps For Every IPhone In 2013

With so many outstanding apps this year, it's hard to pick out just a handful. Here, though, are ten top apps that your iPhone simply cannot be without in 2013.

1. Google Maps

Apple fans were disappointed when they had to wait for months after the release of the iPhone 5 for a Google Maps app. It's easy to see why: this rich and detailed navigational tool is the cream of the crop when it comes to finding your way from A to B. Version 1.1 is now out, giving you even more features to play with. Sign into Google Contacts to look up friends' addresses, swap kilometers for miles or vice-versa and find local places by selecting a category from the handy list. Best of all, it's free.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8&affId=2156566&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

2. Brewster

Your iPhone contacts, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail... this free app can tie them all together, along with other social media channels. Brewster provides you with an integrated social media and contacts solution. With Gmail, you can even integrate more than one account.

https://www.brewster.com/

3. Evernote

Never miss an appointment, forget a great idea or come home without the milk again. Evernote is a free app that lets you collate notes, photos, voice reminders and to-do lists in one handy, searchable location.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/evernote/id281796108?mt=8

4. Facebook

The Facebook app makes it easier than ever to keep up with your friends when you're on the move. The latest version cuts down the number of taps you need to start a group message and lets you update your cover photo when you're on the move.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8

5. BBC iPlayer

Catch up with your favourite TV programmes on the move with this free app. Stream BBC programmes over 4G or Wi-Fi or download episodes to watch later. If you have iOS 5 or better, you can even send shows to your TV via Apple AirPlay.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-iplayer/id416580485?mt=8&affId=2156566&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

6. Angry Birds: Star Wars

No app list would be complete without a game. Everyone's favourite egg-flinging, piggy-battling mobile game gets a Star Wars makeover in this new version, with Rebel Birds taking on the evil Imperial Pigs. Hours of fun for only £0.69.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/angry-birds-star-wars/id557137623?mt=8&affId=2157876&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

7. Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal

Lose weight faster with this easy-to-use free app. Count calories, keep a food diary and watch the pounds melt away. There are many calorie counters out there but this one's range of features makes it essential. In particular, it has the largest food database of any similar app: details of 2000 foods are included.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8

8. Mint.com Personal Finance&nbsp

Voted WIRED App Guide's Best Personal Finance App in 2012, Mint.com is still on top of the heap. It's easy to see why five million users use the Mint.com app to stay on top of their finances. Check different accounts, track your spending and avoid late fees with this safe and secure app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mint.com-personal-finance/id300238550?mt=8

9. Dashlane

Dashlane is the top password manager for iPhone. We all know that using the same password for more than one site is a security no-no — but coming up with and remembering a different password for every site can tax even the mightiest brain. Dashlane takes care of all your passwords, even coming up with new, more secure ones for any site. Searchable lists make it easy to pull up any site you need to log into. It's free, with the option to upgrade to a full subscription if you like the service.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/dashlane/id517914548?mt=8

10. Onavo Extend

Onavo Extend lets you get more out of your data plan. Just carry on using your iPhone as normal while Onavo Extend uses its cunning data compression tools to squeeze your data down, saving you money and boosting your battery life. A free app that cuts your bills is not to be sniffed at.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/onavo-extend-data-usage-get/id423545287?mt=8

So there you have it, the 10 most vital apps for iphone owners of the moment. For UK readers, we also stongly recommend the brand new taxi booking app site, where users can book minicabs for free, for anywhere in the UK. Safe. Cost efficient. And most of all, handy. What's not to love?

This article is brought to you by freelancer writer, Mikey D. Image License: Creative Commons Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevegarfield/1270723762/sizes/m/in/photostream/