20 Best Apps Every Briton Must Have On Their Smartphones

The use of mobile apps has gone to such an extent that there is literally an app for every purpose. If you want a taxi, there’s Uber waiting outside your home with just a few clicks, or if you’re feeling hungry, there’s Uber Eats or Just Eats waiting for your order. These are just a few examples; the list goes on with WhatsApp, Facebook, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, and so on. It’s 2024, and the world of mobile apps is here to simplify our lives. And we are here to help you find the best apps for your smartphones. 

There are many reasons behind the widespread popularity of mobile apps, especially in the United Kingdom. The biggest one remains the widespread adoption of smartphones in the country, with over 40 million users. The second one is the access to the high-speed internet. You will be surprised to know that 77% of the UK population has access to 5G services.

If you have just bought a new Android/iOS smartphone or have just entered the UK, then the chances are you are probably finding useful apps for your device. So, to help you out, we have curated a list of the 20 best apps in the UK based on different categories that every Britisher should have in their smartphones in 2024. 

Key Statistics to Know About the Mobile App Market in the UK

• The total revenue in the UK app market was $14.47 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $23.81 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 9.05%. (Source: Statista) 
• Of 2,047,317 apps on the Google Play Store, 28,132 were built by British Developers. (Source: 42Matters)
• The average downloads for British apps is 329.72k. (Source: 42Matters)
• 62% of smartphone users in the UK use messaging apps daily. (Source: Mintel Store)
• 36% of Brits use map apps to find recommendations of things to do in the new city. (Source: Mintel Store)
• 65% of mobile users in the UK want an app that bundles music and video streaming services together. (Source: Mintel Store)

Best Apps for Android and iOS Users in the UK

Your smartphone isn’t called smart unless it has useful apps that really make your life convenient. You already know some of the top apps, like Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, etc. But there are plenty of other mobile phone apps that are actually valuable for your daily use while in the UK. So, let’s list down some of the best apps you should download right away. 

#1. Communication 

This is an extensively popular app category in the UK, with over 65% of adults using at least one messaging app. The average smartphone user in the county spends at least 2 hours and 20 minutes on social networking apps daily. They use these apps to communicate with their family, friends, and peers. 

If you’re a business looking for a lucrative opportunity, you can invest in social networking app development, as the revenue of such apps is climbing in the UK and is expected to reach $189.50 billion by 2027.

Here are some of the most downloaded apps in the UK:

#2. Restaurant and Food Delivery

The rise of food delivery app development services in the UK was driven by the lockdowns during the pandemic period. Those who embraced this change have continued to prosper both now and in the future. According to statistics, the food delivery market is projected to expand to $320 billion by 2029 and is expected to generate $0.91 trillion in revenue. This significant growth and revenue potential motivate restaurateurs to offer their services through mobile applications.

Here are some best food delivery apps for Android and iOS users:

#3. Lifestyle

Lifestyle apps include a wide range of applications designed to enhance various aspects of daily life. This category includes fitness apps, dating apps, music apps, travel apps, food apps, and more. These apps aim to improve users' lives by aligning with their current lifestyles.

Here are some of the best lifestyle apps in the UK:

#4. Games

The game app section in app stores is highly competitive, with millions of apps available. This category includes a variety of apps aimed at different audiences and can be played either solo or in groups. Despite the vast number of apps, game apps generate a significant portion of revenue, making up 61% of iOS and 77% of Google Play.

Here are some of the top gaming apps in the UK:

#5. Entertainment

Entertainment apps provide a variety of activities on mobile devices, such as gaming, movie streaming, music listening, and participating in discussions. These apps allow users to enjoy entertainment wherever they are, leading to a rise in downloads (both paid and free) and in-app purchases. 

Statista predicts that the total revenue from entertainment apps will grow at an annual rate of 10.64%, reaching an estimated market volume of $53.13 billion by 2027.

#6. Productivity

When we think of productivity apps, we often assume they are designed solely for office workers to enhance their efficiency. However, this is not true. Productivity apps are a widely used category of mobile applications that aim to make complex tasks simpler and help users complete them swiftly and effectively. For example, apps like Evernote and Wunderlist assist users in managing daily tasks with ease, providing reminders for everything that needs to be done throughout the day.

#7. Business

Businesses of all sizes, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) to large corporations, require digital tools to enhance their daily operations, processes, and workflows. Thanks to technological advancements, tasks that once necessitated the use of desktops can now be efficiently managed on mobile devices. 

Business app development has enabled the mobilization and automation of various business processes, from minor tasks to core functions. Entrepreneurs and startup owners recognize the value of having a mobile app for their business and aim to achieve significant benefits from it.

#8. Education

Education apps come in many types, but they all aim to educate and inform users. Among these, e-learning apps are becoming increasingly popular. The education sector has recognized the value of these apps beyond traditional schools and universities. 

The growing number of downloads for Busuu and the rising signups for Duolingo demonstrate how seriously people are embracing e-learning apps.

#9. Healthcare

Over the past ten years, advancements in technology have greatly facilitated the delivery of patient-focused healthcare services. 

The telemedicine app development covers a broad range of categories, including appointment scheduling, virtual consultations, pharmacy deliveries, diet and nutrition tracking, exercise and yoga, as well as mindfulness and meditation apps.

#10. Web Browser

By the end of 2024, 1.05 billion people were using mobile phones to access the Internet, a number that is expected to grow significantly by 2030. 

In the UK, millions of smartphone users use several mobile web browsers daily. Here are some of the best apps for Android and iOS users to access the internet:

#11. Grocery Delivery

The grocery delivery app development has surged, driven by the promise of ultrafast deliveries from Amazon Fresh stores. This trend of quick online ordering is encouraging entrepreneurs to create mobile apps for their new ventures. 

In the UK, grocery delivery sales are projected to reach $121 billion by 2025, doubling the current figures. The popularity of purchasing groceries through mobile apps is expected to grow in the coming years.

#12. Finance

Over the past decade, the financial sector has seen significant growth thanks to advancements in technology and relaxed government regulations. 

Various companies, including those in banking, insurance, and trading, are now using mobile apps to improve customer service, streamline operations, and reduce infrastructure expenses. This increased accessibility to banking services has led to higher user satisfaction.

#13. Travel & Transporation

Travel apps integrate various services to simplify the complexities of travel management. These apps help users book hotels, flights, and taxis, find restaurants at their destination, discover new places to visit and enhance their overall travel experience. 

The shift from traditional to mobile travel planning has boosted the travel app market, which is expected to generate $533 million in revenue by 2027.

#14. Shopping

Shopping apps are widely popular in the UK. They offer a wide range of products, convenient delivery options, competitive prices, and make online shopping easy and accessible.

These apps also recommend premium discounts and personalized offers tailored to the user's shopping habits. Here are the best apps for Shopping in the UK:

#15. Photo & Editing

The rise in smartphone usage has significantly boosted the popularity of photo and video editing on mobile devices. These editing apps enable users to improve and customize their photos and videos with various features such as color adjustments, resizing, filters, and cropping. 

They also incorporate advanced technologies like augmented reality filters, artificial intelligence enhancements, and cloud storage.

#16. Music

Music streaming apps such as Pandora and Spotify have revolutionized how people listen to music and its associated costs. These apps are designed to enhance music accessibility, allowing users to create personalized playlists, stream entire albums, or listen to individual songs at any time and from any location. 

In the UK, these music streaming services have gained significant popularity, with 83% of their revenue originating from the country.

#17. Sports

Sports fans enjoy watching live games, keeping track of scores, and accessing various sports-related information on their devices. Sports apps provide real-time updates on live matches and offer offline streaming of previous games. 

These apps also include features like AI-based prediction tools, AI chatbots, and GPS functionalities, encouraging users to download the app and subscribe despite the increasing costs.

#18. Kids

When kids come home from school, they often spend a lot of time on their devices. Instead of blocking games like Minecraft or Subway Surfer, you can manage their digital activities by choosing the right apps and setting appropriate screen time limits. 

A well-designed kids' app can help them use their screens creatively, providing both entertainment and education.

#19. Parenting

In today's world, parents often feel stressed about taking care of their children. Parenting apps can help ease this burden by offering a variety of useful features. These apps allow parents to monitor their children's activities when they are not around, plan nutritious meals with simple recipes, and even transform their phones into soothing rattle toys for babies. 

With these tools, parenting becomes a bit more manageable and less overwhelming. Here are some of the useful apps every parent should have on their smartphone: 

#20. Utility

When you look at your smartphone, you'll find many apps that might not always catch your attention but have made everyday tasks easier and boosted productivity. 

These utility apps include tools for taking notes, translating languages, managing time, organizing files, checking the weather, and much more.

Conclusion

Mobile apps have become essential in our daily routines, with most of us using them 5-6 hours a day on average. The apps highlighted in this blog are designed to simplify your life. They are currently trending and have millions of users. These apps are not only excellent for personal use but also serve as great inspiration if you're looking to develop a mobile app for your business. 

If so, you can contact Mtoag Technologies, a trusted mobile app development company in the UK. We can assist you in this endeavor and offer top-notch resources and solutions. Feel free to reach out to us anytime to discuss your needs further.

FAQs

What App is Mostly Used in the UK?

WhatsApp is the most widely used app in the UK, with an audience reach of 86% as of March 2024.

What is the Most Popular App Category?

Gaming apps are the most popular category in the Google Play Store, accounting for 13.8% of available apps worldwide.

What is the Most Used Social App in the UK?

WhatsApp is also the most used social app in the UK, with 79% of internet users reporting its use as of the second quarter of 2024.

What is the Best App to Meet People in the UK?

Bumble BFF is considered one of the best apps to meet new people in the UK. It allows users to build friendships and expand their social circle.