9 of the Most Innovative Apps Available

With somewhere around 2 million apps in the App Store, there’s no shortage of them to choose from. Some of them are useful, some are fun, and some are truly innovative apps. These apps are changing the way we communicate or perform our daily routines, showing how powerful an app can be if put to good use. Because of this, we can expect to see more and more of this type of innovation. Furthermore, we can look forward to innovative apps changing the way we live.

1. Snapchat

Snapchat is effectively changing the way we communicate with each other, making it one of the truly innovative apps. It focuses solely on images as a means of communication, allowing users to share moments of their lives with each other. Businesses are getting in on the action now too, with many having snap stories that share content. As a result, people are sharing more and more images as a way to speak to one another.

2. Uber

Uber changed the way many of us get around, allowing you to order a ride with the touch of a button through your app. It completely streamlines the process of taking cars anywhere, with you typing in your destination and hopping out as soon as you get there (your credit card is already stored in the app). In addition, with new services like UberEATS rolling out, we could very well see Uber continue to change the way we live.

3. Venmo

Gone are the days of trying to figure out how you’ll split a pizza with your friends when none of you carry cash. Venmo lets you link your bank account to the app and send money to friends, which will be directly deposited into their bank account. As a result, it makes it easy to send and receive money, all with the touch of a button.

4. Pokemon GO

Obviously this one had to make the list. This app took the world by storm when it was released, and is a major game changer when it comes to what apps can do. Pokemon GO implemented augmented reality and made it mainstream, and impressive feat. Not only was the app itself wildly popular, it also had a lot of bonus effects, like more customers being lured (literally) to businesses, and more people getting outside and exercising. This one is a true technology game changer and one of the most innovative apps in recent memory.

5. Google Translate

The Google Translate app could change the way we communicate with people who speak different languages. The app features a conversation mode that allows for instant speech translation, so that you can carry on a conversation with someone, even if you both speak different languages. It also has a camera translation feature that allows you to take pictures of text (like a road sign) and the app will translate it for you. As businesses and citizens become more and more global, innovative apps like this can help make communication even easier.

6. Lark

Lark uses artificial intelligence in a very personalised way. It’s a health app that helps you track your meals and workouts. The interesting part is that it uses a text interface to mimic the experience of directly communicating with a personal trainer. It also makes tracking meals simple and gives positive reinforcement to encourage users. This app is impressive in the way it uses artificial intelligence to replicate a real human to human experience, something that people respond more positively to. Rather than being depersonalised, Lark has taken the opposite tact, to great success.

7. Shyp

Shyp could potentially change the face of the entire shipping industry. First, you take a picture of what you want to ship and a Shyp worker comes and picks it up. Then they package and ship it for you. Finally, there is no more need to stand in line at the post office! By removing the need for the post office, Shyp focuses heavily on user experience and taking the hassle out of shipping. Though this is currently only available in a few U.S. cities, we could see them expanding soon as function grows.

8. Slack

Slack is an app for businesses that puts all of your team’s communications in a single place. It includes instant messaging and file sharing for easier collaboration, as well as integrates with several services like Asana, Google Drive, and Dropbox. The idea is to make work simpler and team’s more effective. The integration with other common workplace apps and services make it easy to get everything in one place in a way that no one has before.

9. Starbucks

Starbucks helped pioneer the mobile loyalty program, and they do it well. The app lets you pay with your phone, automatically gain and redeem points, and look up your nearest location. It also uses location services to notify you when a store is nearby, allowing them to instantaneously communicate with customers. It also recently started mobile ordering, which allows users to place and pay for their orders through the app, after which they can pick up their already made order and go. The Starbucks app focuses on user experience while also inspiring intense brand loyalty.

These nine are some of the most innovative apps currently available, and with tons of new apps being developed all the time, the innovation will only increase. As technology develops, businesses can get more and more creative with their app design and development. Because mobile allows for flexibility and inventiveness, businesses can take advantage of that to truly stand out in the mobile app market, just like these guys did.