Although apps are sometimes seen as frivolous, the May 2016 mobile app trends reveal that a growing number of companies are using mobile platforms to support noble causes. Whether it is connecting individuals in need of support or making the world more accessible for those with disabilities, it is clear that apps can be powerful tools of social change.
As the May 2016 mobile app trends reveal, one of the unique ways apps are being used for good is by creating social networks of support. Instead of connecting friends and family, these niche social networks bring together strangers in need of someone to talk to. Some examples of such networks include the Foveo Care app, which connects individuals suffering from mental illness and the Welcome! app, which helps refugees connect with other newcomers in Sweden.
Beyond social networking, apps are also being used to make the world more accessible. For instance, blind marathon runner Simon Wheatcroft teamed up with IBM to design an app that can help him navigate without visual cues. Another example is the Nurx app, which makes HIV-prevention drugs accessible to those who need them.
Top 100 Mobile App Ideas in May
100
Self-Scanning Shopping Apps
QueueHop Lets You Skip the Line With Smartphone Self-Service Checkout
99
Approachable Coding Apps
The Autocode Platform Makes it Simpler for Consumers to Enter into Coding
98
Encrypted Messenger Apps
Private Messaging App Cognitive Messenger has Enhanced Encryption
97
Previewing Tattoo Platforms
The Ink Hunter Utilizes Digital Augmented Reality to Pre-Test Designs
96
Productive Email Apps
This New Email App Helps iPad Users Boost Email Functionality
95
Interest-Based Navigation Apps
Walking App Sidekix Helps You Discover New Places En Route
94
Sleep Tracking Alarm Apps
The Pillow Platform Features a Smart Sleep Cycle Monitor to Improve Rest
93
Trust-Based Recommendation Apps
The Tril App Offers Food Suggestions Based on Real Endorsements
92
Smart Traffic-Based Alarms
The Traffic Alarm Clock Tells You to Leave Based on Road Conditions
91
Youth Health Apps
The Juicebox App is All About Fornication
90
Necessitiy-Checking Auto Apps
The Tile App Double Checks If Drivers Have Remembered Everything
89
Mental Illness Support Apps
Foveo Care Enables Encouragement a& Support For the Mentally Ill
88
Simulated Aircraft Safety Apps
Prepare for Impact Readies Passengers for Potential Accidents
87
Shoppable Socialite Gaming Apps
The Kim Kardashian Hollywood Game Links to the Spring Web Store
86
Click-Free Pizza Deliveries
The New Domino's App Facilities Click-Free Ordering
85
Goal-Oriented Calendars
The Google Calendar Goal Feature Encourages Milestone Achievements
84
Crowdsourced Note-Taking Apps
The Notestory App Helps Students Share Their Notes with Others
83
Motivational Task Managers
The Fillip App Helps You Complete Daily Tasks and Get Motivation
82
P2P Parcel Pickup Services
eNeighbr is a NYC Platform Helping Indivduals Receive Their Mail
81
Informative Vehicle Apps
The Personal Mobility Companion App Gets You To Your Destination On Time
80
Refugee Social Apps
The Welcome! App for Refugees Translates So Locals and Newcomers Can Connect
79
Driver Critiquing Apps
The EverDrive App Uses Phone-Based Sensors to Give You Feedback
78
Classical Video Apps
'Epicgram' Enhances Videos with Classical Music
77
Curated Nightlife Apps
The 'Up All Night' App Helps You Discover and Attend the Coolest Events
76
On-Demand Car Washes
The Squeegy App Allows Consumers to Order a Car Wash On-Demand
75
Coordinating Group Event Platforms
The Down to Lunch App Lets Users Unite Friends for Activities
74
Role-Play Language Apps
The TerraTalk App Uses Interactive Scenarios to Boost Language Learning
73
Ephemeral App-Install Campaigns
Cookie Jam is the First to Roll-Out App-Install Ads on Snapchat
72
Honesty-Focused Dating Apps
The GUYZ Platform Focuses on Facilitating Longterm Relationships
71
Bill-Organizing Apps
The 'Billy' App Helps Users Manage Subscriptions and Upcoming Bills
70
Infidelity-Detecting Plarforms
The Swipe Buster Website Can Find Out If Someone is Cheating
69
Localized Loyalty Apps
The Deal Local App Helps Local Businesses Build Loyalty Among Customers
68
Peer Pressure Health Apps
This Lifestyle App Encourages Tennesseans to Adopt Healthy Lifestyles
67
Education System Apps
ClassDojo 2.0 Hopes to Eliminate Parent-Teaching Meeting All Together
66
Restaurant Payment Apps
'JOEY PAY' is a Convenient Way to Settle Transactions at JOEY Restaurants
65
3D Climate Apps
The D-D Play Platform Presents the Weather in Animated Illustrations
64
On-Demand Detailing Services
The Envi App Allows Users to Request a Water-Free Car Wash Anytime
63
Ticket-Reserving Apps
The ShooWin App Helps Sports Fans Get Face Value Tickets to Sports Events
62
NFC Payment Apps
The Yandex.Money App Lets Users Pay for Services With a One-Time Registration
61
Assistive Automotive Apps
'Trak N Talk' is a Life-Saving Car Communications Device
60
Connectivity-Cutting Apps
The 'Skeebloo' App Provides Internet Blocking Capabilities
59
Social Selling Apps
The Flogg App Makes Buying and Selling More Social Than Ever
58
Convenient Typing Apps
The Microsoft Word Flow is Now Available on iOS Systems
57
Allergy-Relieving Apps
The Hay Fever Relief App Advises Allergy Sufferers On Treatment Options
56
Celebrity Contact Apps
The TipTalk App Helps Facilitate Celebrity-Fan Interactions
55
Digital Downtime Rewarding Apps
The Glued App Rewards Family Members For Minimizing Device Use
54
Musician-Tipping Platforms
'JamPay' Helps Performers Earn More at Each Concert They Play
53
Conversational Language-Learning Apps
The 'Lingbe' App Connects Users with Native Speakers
52
Investing Insight Apps
The Motley Fool App Empowers You to Make Smarter Financial Decisions
51
Millennial-Targeted Election Apps
The 'Politalk' App Helps Users Discover Their Political Identity
50
Paperless Passport Apps
De La Rue Let Consumers Keep Their Travel Documents on Their Smartphone
49
Drunk Text Recall Apps
The Privates App Helps You Recall Embarassing Drunk Texts
48
Book Review Social Platforms
The Litsy App Aims to Build More Community Around the Love of Reading
47
Mobile Gas Station Payments
Tasmoil is Changing the Way People Pay at a Gas Station
46
One-Shot Photography Apps
IKEA's 'KLIKK' App Only Lets Users Take a Single Photo
45
Machinated Learning Apps
The Volley App Uses Machine Learning to Help Students
44
Competitive Gaming News Apps
The Yahoo Esports App is Designed to Keep Gamers in the Loop
43
Social Calendar Apps
Events App Teplr Turns Your Daily Activities Into a Social Experience
42
Child-Designed Content Apps
The Sky Kids App Provides Content Streaming for Younger Viewers
41
Vegan Lifestyle Apps
The Food Monster Platform Encourages Vegan Eating With Recipes and Photos
40
Discreet VPN Apps
The Betternet App Doesn't Require Registration and Doesn't Track Users
39
Wedding Planning Apps
Loverly Deftly Combines Automated Technology and Human Help
38
Virtual Stock Games
The Vestly App Hosts Stock Trading Contests Where Players Win Real Money
37
Driver Reward Apps
The BonusDrive App Lets You Win Money For Good Driving
36
Dietary Takeout Apps
The FindMyMacros Lets Consumers Seek Out Eateries Based on Their Diets
35
Gas Delivery Apps
The Yoshi App Lets You Refuel Your Vehicle at Home Or Work
34
Collaborative Dating Apps
The Boompi App Allows Users to Let Their Friends View Prospective Dates
33
Cinema-Screening Browsers
The Snap Seat Lets Consumers See Compiled Film Listings in Their Area
32
Food-Rescuing Apps
'Ubifood' Connects Retailers and Consumers to Stop Food Waste
31
Female-Focused Finance Apps
'Pinkfolio' is a Personal Wealth App Targeted at Women
30
Genetics-Revealing Apps
myGenome Makes Your Full Genome Sequencing Available via Your Smartphone
29
Shopping Advisor Apps
'HelloShopper' Offers Personal Shopping Services Via an App
28
Keg-Optimizing Apps
The Petainer App Helps Small Brewers Reap Logistical Benefits While Brewing
27
Music-Based Matchmaking Apps
The Tastebuds App Connects Users Based on Their Shared Taste in Music
26
Psychological Dating Apps
The 'String' Dating App is Inspired by a Psychological Study
25
Socially Aware Emoji Apps
The MuvaMoji App From Amber Rose Adds Activism to Personal Branding
24
Parking Payment Apps
Meter Feeder Uses Mobile Payment Services to Make Parking Payments Easier
23
Image-Driven Music Apps
Moodsnap's Music Discovery App Matches Songs to the Feel of a Photo
22
Odor Detection Apps
The NOSE App Lets You Know When It's Time to Slap On Some Nivea Deodorant
21
On-Demand Repair Apps
This Home Repair App Uses GPS Tracking and Real-Time Data
20
Bus Tracking Apps
The Tallinja App Helps Maltese Commuters Track Buses In Real Time
19
Anti-Social Network Apps
'Ponder' Provides Users with a Place Safe from Influencer Marketing
18
Football Player Health Apps
The TeamStudy App Monitors the Cognitive Health of Former NFL Players
17
Accessible Smartphone Apps
The Hub Keyboard App Makes Smartphone Use More Streamlined
16
Surrounding Color-Capturing Apps
The Colordot Pulls Palette Shades From the User's Environment
15
HIV Drug Delivery Apps
'Nurx' Now Delivers a Drug for People Who are at Risk of Contracting HIV
14
Mower-Monitoring Apps
The MowerPlus Lawn Care App Monitors Your Mowing Schedule
13
Marijuana Prescription Apps
The MMJRecs App Helps Medical Cannabis Patients Organize Prescriptions
12
Registration-Free Photo Apps
The New 'FotoSwipe' App Requires No Registration to Transfer Photos
11
Communal Cycling Apps
The My City Bikes App Encourages Knoxville Residents to Cycle
10
Stress-Free Bill Payment Apps
The 'Wi-PAY' App Eliminates the Need to Register to Pay Bills Online
9
Interactive Karaoke Apps
The Karaoq App Brings Royalties, Ratings and Sponsorships to Karaoke
8
User-Friendly Indian Banking Apps
The Kotak Mahindra Bank App Features a Simple Log-In Platform
7
Coastal Biodiversity Apps
This Wildlife App Showcases the Species of British Columbia's Coast
6
Disabled Runner Apps
Simon Wheatcroft Partners with IBM to Use Technology to Run Solo
5
Selfie-Centric Apps
This Selfie App Helps You Share Your Interests With Friends
4
Historic Tour Apps
This App Helps Tourists Learn About the History Of the Paint Creek Scenic Byway
3
Quick Voter Registration Apps
The 'VoterPal' App Streamlines US Voter Registration
2
Jovial Motherhood Apps
The Baby Buddy App Gives New Mothers Friendly Advice and Guidance
1
Expansive E-Book Apps
The Juggernaut App Encourages Indian Smartphone Users to Read More
Related Ideas
Impairment-Aiding Navigation Apps
The Commute Booster App is Made to Help the Visually Impaired
Interactive Travel Map Apps
The 'Proxi' Travel App Offers Curated Travel Plans and More
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
AI Pet Care Apps
Healthcare App TTcare is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
AI-Powered Mental Health Apps
The 'Deepen' AI Therapist App Offers Insights and More
AI Mental Health Apps
TheraMe Uses AI To Detect The Critical Mental Health Needs of Its Users
Healthful Mood Journal Apps
The 'Mentalio' App Supports Users with Stress, Anxiety and More
AI-Powered App Testing Tools
Mabl Launched a Low-Code Testing Tool for Mobile Applications
On-Demand Disability Care Platforms
'Joshin' Offers On-Demand Care at the Press of a Button
Comprehensive Perimenopause Apps
The Health & Her App is a Leading Solution for Symptom Management
AI Physical Therapy Apps
Scrolling Therapy Helps Parkinson's Patients Work Their Facial Muscles
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Gamified Stress Reduction Apps
The 'URSO' Mental Health Gaming App is Fun and Engaging
Holistic AI Health Apps
Medikarma Uses Algorithms to Provide Personalized Health Assessments
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
AI-Powered Wellness Apps
The 'Yuna' App Lets Users Vent, Track Events and More
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Emotional Subtitle Smartwatch Apps
The 'Vibes' Apple Watch App Offers Real-Time Emotions Analysis
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
AI-Powered Maternity Support Apps
The 'Soula' App Supports Moms-to-Be with Proactive Information
Standalone Friend-Finding Apps
Bumble for Friends (BFF) is Being Tested in Select Markets
Motivational AI Health Apps
The Basys.ai Diabetes Control App Uses a Human Avatar for Motivation
Inclusive Digital Platform Experiences
Google Launches More Inclusive Assistance to its Platforms
Gender Identity Discovery Apps
The 'Discover Me' App Helps Trans, Questioning & Other Individuals
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Music-Based Therapy Apps
Spiritune Combines Music Therapy with Neuroscience
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
Nonprofit-Backed Senior Social Apps
'Senior Planet Community' is Supported by the AARP for Seniors
Priority-Only To-Do Apps
The 'Five' To-Do App Limits Users to Five Tasks at a Time
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Hyper-Personalized Wellness Apps
28 Seeks to Empower Women on Their Wellness Journey
Digital Travel Companions
Allianz Partners Launches the allyz Mobile App for Consumer Travel Needs
Privacy-Focused Budgeting Apps
The 'Apollo' Personal Finance App Streamlines Money Tracking
Democratic Digital Artwork Apps
The 'ArtzMe' App Makes Art Accessible to Everyone
Psychology-Based Habit Apps
The 'Doabl' App Helps Users Overcome Mental Barriers
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
Cannabis Marketplace Apps
Jane Technologies Launches Its First iOS Shopping App
Aggregated On-Demand Service Apps
The 'finish'd' App Combines a Range of Services into One Spot
AI-Powered Beauty Apps
Charlotte Tilbury Unveils its First Mobile Beauty App with AI Deep Learning
Common Task Organization Apps
The 'Blend.life' App Helps Users Share Common Tasks and More
Stress Reduction Finance Apps
The 'MoneyCoach' App Takes the Anxiety Out of Money Management
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
Private App-Based Journals
Apple Launches a New Journal App for iPhone Users to Positively Reflect
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Audio People Discovery Apps
The 'November' App Offers Users Five Audio Interviews Each Day
AI Mental Health Apps
Deepen is an AI-Powered Pocket Therapist
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Social Dating App Features
Tinder Now Supports Collaborative Matchmaking with Friends and Family
Social Media-Like Study Apps
SHARPEN Aims to Be Just as Engaging and Convenient as Social Media
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Cannabis Delivery Service Apps
Lantern Launches iOS App in Time for the Holidays
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
AI-Based Mental Health Platforms
Health Tech Company Wysa Creates an AI-Based Mental Health App
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Healthy Relationship-Focused Apps
The Official App Helps One Maintain Healthy Romantic Relations
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
Automated Crypto Investment Apps
The Crypto Smartlife App Gets Investors Started in Two-Minutes
Dedicated Mobile Fitness Apps
SilverSneakers GO Helps Older Consumers Stay Fit in 2024
Perimenopause Support Apps
'Bearable' Helps Women Track and Manage Menopause-Related Symptoms
Self-Therapy Apps
MINDLiNG is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Cutting-Edge Mental Health Apps
Gen Z Can Find Trusted Mental Health Information with Diall
Ocular Disease-Detecting Apps
Clearly Vision for Apple Vision Pro Checks a User's Eye Sight
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Kid-Focused Finance Apps
ABN Amro Launches a Financial Literacy App for Children
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
AI-Powered News Summary Apps
The 'Concise AI' News App Provides Summaries of Pertinent Topics
Employee Task Applications
Home Depot Launches a Mobile App to Prioritize Employee Tasks
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Chronic Psychosis-Aiding Apps
The SloMo App is Designed to Help Patients Slow Down Thoughts
Clutter-Free Recipe Apps
Manna Cooking Launches Its Community-Focused Recipe Software
Smartphone Distraction-Curbing Apps
The 'Lemio' App Combats Against Smartphone Addiction
Inclusive Smartphone Prototype Apps
Researchers Develop the OneButtonPIN on the Side of a Phone
Religious AI Mobile Apps
The MetaMosque App Leverages Artificial Intelligence
Solo Traveler Planning Apps
The ffaroh. App Connects Travelers to Others When Exploring Alone
Low-Cost Prescription Access Apps
The Scripta Member App Helps Users Get the Best Price Possible
Calendar-Coordinating Social Apps
The 'Clyx' App Expedites Making Plans with Friends
AI Smoking Cessation Apps
The 'QuitBot' App Offers Resources To People Trying to Quit Smoking
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Crowdsourced Outfit-Picking Apps
Choiced Let's Users Crowdsource Their Outfit Options
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Note-Taking Therapy Apps
Therapeze is a Note-Taking App for Therapy Clients
Postpartum Mental Health Apps
Postpartum Support International Launches the Connect App
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Personal Goal-Setting Apps
Fred Breaks Down Goals Into Actionable Steps
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Creativity-Supporting Art Apps
The 'Blank' App Uses AI to Create Custom Art Based on Prompts
Pet Health Support Apps
The 'Buddydoc' App Helps Owners Quickly Diagnose Symptoms
Multigenerational Workforce Apps
Microland Launches a Global Mobile App for Its Digital Workforce
AI-Powered Language Apps
The Memrise App Welcomes More Than 70 Million Users
Foodie Networking Apps
'YourTable' Connects People Through their Love of Foods
Motherhood Community Support Apps
The 'Mamahood' App Offers Professional Care and More
AI-Powered Therapy Apps
Sonia Makes AI Therapy Accessible Anytime and Anywhere
Supportive Sobriety Apps
'Sober' Guides Individuals on Their Sobriety Journey
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
AI Mental Health Apps
Mentalport Makes Improving Upon Mental Health Easy and Fun
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Digital Wellness-Promoting Apps
AARP Now is a Convenient Membership App for AARP Cardholders
Comprehensive Fitness Apps
JustLift Monitors and Tracks Fitness Goals
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Chatbot-Integrated Browser Apps
The 'Arc Search' iOS App Offers Customized Search Outputs
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Care Leaver Support Apps
Greater Manchester Introduces an App to Support Care Leavers
All-in-One Nutrition Apps
The 'Bxlder' App Offers Personalized Fitness and Nutrition Services
Democratic Comparative News Apps
The Daily Edit App Offers Readers More Essential Details
Categorized Podcast Genres
Apple's Podcasts App Launches a New Organized Update Feature
Motivational Goal-Tracking Apps
Disciplined Helps Users Track Their Progress and Stay Motivated
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Reflective Peer Support Platforms
HOPE Connects Struggling People to Their Future Selves
Community-Based Eclipse Apps
The Eclipse App Helped People Better Witness the 2024 Eclipse
Invitational Social App Expansions
The Bluesky App is Only Available by Invitation
Community Care Helpers
Senior Care App Tuktu Creates a Network of Taskers to Help with Small Jobs
Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features
Apple Adds the New Bold Assistive Access Feature
Result-Highlighting Health Apps
Sandyl Uses A/B Testing to Ensure Positive Change
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Glucose-Managing Diabetes Apps
OHSU Unveils an AI-Powered App for Blood Sugar Management
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Android-Compatible Esports Apps
ONE Esports Debuts a Mobile App for Southeast Asian Consumers
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Practical Grief Support Platforms
The 'Griefity' Online Grief Support App is Free to Join
Community-Oriented Aging Apps
Melissa Gilbert Debuts the Modern Prairie Lifestyle App for Women
Safe Mental Health Spaces
Suniel Shetty Launches a Mental Health App with 24/7 Access to Therapy
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Visualized Screen Time Apps
The 'Cyte' App Helps Users Search Their Digital History with Ease
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Accessible Service Provider Apps
Giga Introduces New Accessibility Features to Its App
Trailer-Making Life Apps
Moments Helps Users Live in the Moment and Relive the Event the Next Day
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships