Every year, we take on the strenuous (but
fun!) task of surveying tons of apps and accessories so that we can present the
cream of the crop to you, our faithful readers. We scrutinize user reviews. We
compare prices and popularity. We geek out over sales numbers. We test apps,
cases, speakers, and headphones for hours on end. So here they are: the best of
the best in over 35 different categories, handpicked specially for you.
Whether you're an iOS newbie or have been
fiddling with iDevices for years, we hope that you'll find some fun and useful
new tidbits in the following pages.
At iPhone Life headquarters, we see
a lot of apps. So when there's one that we keep coming back to again and again,
we take notice. Here are our top five most-used, can't-live-without, favorite
apps of the year (in no particular order):
Instagram
Price: Free
Website: www.app2.me/3183
Instagram
This mobile photography community of 80
million users made a big splash earlier in the year when it was acquired by
Facebook. Use it to add cool filters to your photos, share them, and comment
on your friends' masterpieces.
Mint
Price: Free
Website: www.app2.me/2711
Mint
If you're into personal finance and don't
use Mint yet, then you're in for a treat. Mint's award-winning app, in
combination with Mint.com, allows you to track expenses, create a budget, and
manage your finances from the palm of your hand.
Clear
Price: $2.99
Website: app2.me/4968
Clear
Clear is possibly the most satisfying to-do
list app in the App Store. Flick, swipe and pinch your way through quick lists
with this super sleek, streamlined app.
Flipboard
Price: Free
Website: app2.me/3473
Flipboard
If you want a continuous stream of
personalized news content, Flipboard is the way to go. It syncs with your
Twitter and Facebook accounts and turns your news stream into a beautifully
laid-out magazine.
Tiny Wings
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/3739
Tiny
Wings
Long after its initial release, Tiny Wings
continues to win us over. This simple, one-tap game will make the hours "fly
by” (is that the Pun Police at my house?), and it features different graphics
every day that you play.
Get your game on
Angry Birds Space
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/5137
Angry
Birds Space
This follow-up to the successful Angry
Birds series is out of this world, literally. New birds, new levels,
zero-gravity trick shots, and more. If you only get one game, this should be
it.
Where's My Water
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/4319
Where's
My Water
Disney's physics-based puzzler debuted last
year to much fanfare, and has remained a favorite among iPhone users. The goal
is to fill Swampy's bathtub with water, but that's easier said than done.
Fruit Ninja
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/3013
Fruit
Ninja
Ready for kick-ass juicy fun? Slash and
dash your way through lemons, watermelons, apples, and more.This instant
classic makes you realize how simple and fun iPhone and iPad games can be.
Tiny Wings
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/3739
Oh, the shame. He's a bird, but he can't fly.
Luckily, he's got hills, and he's got you to help. Get ready for addicting and
challenging fun.
Temple Run: Brave
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/5136
Temple
Run: Brave
In this sequel to Temple Run, you can play
as Merida, the title character from the Disney/Pixar movie Brave. Jump,
slide, and shoot your way through an endless path and outrun that hungry bear!
Jetpack Joyride
Price: Free
Website: app2.me/4317
Jetpack
Joyride
This action-packed game has incredibly simple
controlls Tap to boost your jetpack, and try to capture coins while avoiding
missiles and other obstacles. Score new jetpacks and other bonuses as the game
progresses.
Where's My Perry?
Price: $0.99
Website: app2.me/5138
Where's
My Perry?
This sequel to Where's My Water? Builds on
the original water puzzler idea, but expands it to include different water
states such as steam and ice.
Agent Dash
Price: Free
Website: app2.me/5148
Agent
Dash
Sprint your way through enemy bases and
destroy what you can using your secret agent skills. Dodge, slide, and jump
past hazards to stay alive.
Tiny Tower
Price: Free
Website: app2.me/4323
Tiny
Tower
Build the tower of your dreams, and manage
the day-to-day lives of the "bitizens" inhabiting it. You can also see
what others are building through the Game Center.
The King of Fighters-i 2012.
Price: $6.99
Website: app2.me/5139
The
King of Fighters-i 2012
In the style of traditional arcade fighting
games, King of Fighters features 32 characters, several single player options,
and a Versus mode to play with others over a Wi-Fi connection.
Draw Something
Price: $2.99
Website: app2.me/4982
Draw
Something
This turn-based drawing game brought back
the fun of Pictionary to the masses. Get paired up with Facebook and Twitter
friends, or find random partners.
Words With Friends
Price: Free
Website: app2.me/2499
Words
With Friends
20 million people can't be wrong, right?
Words With Friends is another turn-based game resembling the classic board game
Scrabble. You can play up to 20 simultaneous games.
Sky Gamblers: Air Supremacy
Price: $4.99
Website: app2.me/5140
Sky
Gamblers: Air Supremacy
Rule the skies in this second-to-none air
combat game. You can play solo or invite your friends to participate in
cooperative or competitive missions.
