These are the best apps for writers who want to finally complete that novel they’ve been letting collect dust. I’ve got recommendations for apps that will help you write your story in every part. First, we’ll look at the best writing apps for planning your story, from mind-mapping to idea generating. Then it’s time to sit our butts in the chair and get started, so we’ll look at creative writing apps for actually doing your writing. Lastly, there are some tools every writer needs during and after the process, which is why I’ve got a writing app with tips for the business side of writing. As a writer, I use all of my devices to work, including the iPhone, iPad, and a Macbook. So each writer's app below will also indicate which devices it’s available on. I believe we’ve all got a book in us. Here are the nine best writing apps for getting your book onto paper and into the world.
Apps
How to Record a Voice Memo on the Apple Watch
By Tamlin Day
When you need to make yourself a quick voice recording, the Voice Memos feature on the Apple Watch is a great shortcut. I like using this feature to make a recording when my iPhone is out of reach or I don't have time to open my iPhone and open the Voice Memos app. It's also a nice way to record your thoughts without losing your thread of concentration. Here's how to record a voice memo on the Apple Watch.
7 Best Language-Learning Apps for Casual & Serious Students
By Ashleigh Page
Whether you're casually interested in learning a new language or you plan to travel for work or vacation, we've compiled a list of the best language-learning apps available. With options for everyone from newbies to proficient speakers, these fun and educational apps have been chosen for their innovative approaches to language learning.
Is iTunes Going Away? Sort Of. Here's What's Taking Its Place.
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Where is iTunes on my Mac? This might be a question you're asking if you have just updated to MacOS Catalina or later, or switched from a PC to a Mac. Apple replaced the music part of iTunes with Apple Music at the end of 2019, so while many people have made the transition already, first-time Mac owners or the newly updated might be feeling anxious about where their music went, and worry it's hidden behind a paywall. While it is true that Apple Music has replaced iTunes in the latest MacOS updates, you're still able to access your old library for free, and can still buy individual songs and albums instead of paying for the subscription service. Here are the answers to all your questions about the Apple Music/iTunes switch including how does Apple Music work, who can get the current iTunes version, and what about non-music content?
Experience van Gogh for free on your iPhone without crowds or confusion. Several Immersive Van Gogh Experiences are coming to the USA this summer and fall. Many of them are already sold out until 2022, so if you want to enjoy some Vincent van Gogh paintings sooner, you may have to do it virtually on your iPhone!
How to Manually Enter Your Apple Watch Handwashing Time
By Olena Kagui
Your Apple Watch has a Handwashing timer to remind you to wash for 20 seconds, but sometimes your watch may not correctly track your time. If you're worried about having an accurate average handwashing time, you can keep your clean streak going by entering it into the Health app manually.
The 5 Best Family Tree Apps
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
If you're looking for a family tree maker, it can be hard to sort through all the resources out there. So, we've collected the best free family tree apps out there, to help you discover and record your genealogy on your iPhone. If you're wondering how to make a family tree, lots of these have step by step instructions, that can guide you through an otherwise complicated process. Many are linked to genealogy websites that offer even more resources and options. Let's dive in!
7 Best Mac Apps for Computers with the M1 Chip
By Mike Riley
Apple Silicon Macs became available near the end of last year. These portable devices feature the M1 chip, Apple’s custom ARM-based processor, much like the ones that power iPhones and iPads. Consequently, Apple has promised that iOS applications will run on Apple Silicon systems without modification.
How to Make a Playlist on YouTube
By August Garry
Do you often find yourself wishing you could put all of the YouTube videos you love in one place and have them all play one after the other, like a playlist? Well, we've got some good news for you: you absolutely can! We'll go over how to create a playlist on YouTube, and where to find it once you've made it.
5 Reasons I’m Sold on Apple Pay
By Erin MacPherson
Should you use Apple Pay? Security concerns and a general distrust for all things related to digital payments made me extremely hesitant to use Apple’s proprietary payment service. However, a chilly October day when I was stuck in another city without my wallet forced me to learn how to use Apple Pay. Now I’m sold.
5 Ways to Use the Apple Translate App for Voice, Text & Web Content
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
The Apple Translate app is incredibly versatile, allowing users to translate pages in Safari, convert text messages to a different language, translate conversations, and save and access important phrases. The best part? Each of these translation functions can be accessed with just a few quick taps.
The Best Reading Apps for iPhone & iPad Users
By August Garry
Are you looking for your next great beach read? Hoping to keep your kids or grandkids reading during the summer break? We’ve done our research into the best reading apps, so you can skip reading reviews and get straight to reading your favorite books. From free book apps to reading apps for kids to audiobook apps, we’ve got you covered.
5 Fun Apple Photos Tips for the Best iPhone Pictures & Easy Sorting
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
The Apple Photos app has many powerful features! In this article, we'll cover some fun tricks for taking amazing iPhone photos. We'll also cover the best way to organize your photos by showing you how to add captions to photos and how to sort photos on your iPhone.
Garden Planner Apps: Plant & Harvest Your Best Produce Yet
By Leanne Hays
It may seem a little counterintuitive to use your iPhone for planning, planting, and harvesting your garden. I was skeptical about plant care apps at first too, but I’ve changed my mind over the last few growing seasons. Let’s go over some of the best garden design apps and online resources I’ve tested to help grow your favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries, and flowers. You might just become a plant app convert, too!
How to Sort Lists in the Reminders App with iOS 14.5
By Ashleigh Page
With the recent iOS 14.5 update, the Apple Reminders app just became an even more invaluable organization tool! You can now sort your reminders alphabetically, or you can choose to sort by priority, due date, or date created. We'll walk through how to organize your lists with each of the available sorting methods.
With iOS 14.5, the Apple Maps app now supports crowdsourced traffic, speed trap, and incident reporting. If a reported incident has cleared by the time you get to it, though, you can remove the warning so the system stays accurate and other drivers don't have to worry.
How to Set a Reminder for When You Message Someone
By Leanne Hays
If you use Apple's Reminders app to keep on top of your chores, events, and tasks, there's a convenient feature you'll want to try out. The Reminders app now allows users to tag a contact when they create a new reminder. Once you do this, a reminder notification will pop up on your iPhone next time you use the Messages app to text your tagged contact.
How to Add a Smart Home Accessory to Your Apple HomeKit
By Hallei Halter
Adding HomeKit-enabled accessories to the Apple Home app lets you control, schedule, and monitor your smart home devices from anywhere in the world. We'll walk you through the steps to add a smart accessory to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad and pair the smart device using the app's Scan QR function (or by entering the code manually).
How to Download iCloud for Windows on Your PC
By August Garry
Do you have an iPhone and a PC? Are you despairing at the complications involved in accessing your iCloud from your PC? Never fear, downloading iCloud for Windows 10 is quick and easy. Once you do it, you can access everything stored in your iCloud directly from your computer.
Want to mark a page to revisit later? Luckily, it’s easy to add as many bookmarks as you’d like in the Books app, and just as easy to remove them. In this guide, we’ll go over how to do both, as well as how to view and visit your bookmarked pages.
