Apps are the lifeblood of any device, whether it be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They entertain us. They give us the tools to create. And they encourage us to be more mindful of our health.
Speaking of which, Apple said the number one trend in 2018 was self-care, with apps like Fabulous, Shine, and Calm leading the charge. Juxtaposing the self-care movement was the trend of Battle Royale-style gaming, with Fortnite easily topping the charts.
If you own an Apple device or plan on picking one up, this list is for you.
IPHONE APP OF 2018: PROCREATE POCKET
Procreate initially made a name for itself on the iPad before releasing an app for the iPhone. Procreate Pocket provides iPhone users with professional tools for drawing, painting, and illustration, optimized for the mobile environment. Whether you're a professional artist or simply like to doodle, Procreate Pocket is a great tool to express yourself. $4.99 [iTunes]
IPHONE GAME OF 2018: DONUT COUNTY
Donut County is described as a story-based physics puzzle game where players play as a hole in the ground. Your goal is to devour the environment around you, all the while becoming larger and more destructive as you go along. It's a simple concept that makes for surprisingly deep and satisfying gameplay. $4.99 [iTunes]
IPAD APP OF 2018: FROGGIPEDIA
What's not to love about an app that's both interactive and educational? Froggipedia is a learning app that explores the life cycle of a frog, including the intricate anatomical details each step of the way. $3.99 [iTunes]
IPAD GAME OF 2018: GOROGOA
Told through a hand-drawn story, Gorogoa is a puzzle game that challenges players to arrange and combine illustrated panels into a cohesive story. "Gorogoa isn't just a game—it's a work of art, expressive itself through soulful, charming illustrations and distinguished puzzle mechanics." $4.99 [iTunes]
MAC APP OF 2018: PIXELMATOR PRO
Pixelmator Pro is in the same vein as Adobe Photoshop, but it's much friendlier to beginners thanks to its intuitive design and easy to use image editor. It features nondestructive image editing tools, allowing users to edit photos, draw, paint and more. $39.99 [iTunes]
MAC GAME OF 2018: THE GARDENS BETWEEN
The Gardens Between is described as a single-player adventure-puzzle game about time, memory and friendship. It features gorgeous storybook-inspired graphics and a wonderful, calming soundtrack. $19.99 [iTunes]
