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
Accessible Smartphone Apps
The Hub Keyboard App Makes Smartphone Use More Streamlined
17
Football Player Health Apps
The TeamStudy App Monitors the Cognitive Health of Former NFL Players
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
Regional Travel Apps
Freedomverse & Tourism Authority of Thailand Debut the Freedom World App
Empathetic AI-Powered Journal Apps
The 'empaithy' App Supports Mental Health Exploration
Accessibility-Focused Nature Trail Apps
Able Active Helps Users Find Accessible Trails & Amenities
Emotion-Regulating Mobile Apps
Feeling Great is a New Therapy App by Psychiatrist Dr. David Burns
Beauty Standard-Redefining Wellness Apps
Activerse.app Debuts a New Wellness Application — Raize
AI-Powered News Apps
The 'Particle' App Uses AI to Organize and Summarize Articles
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Community-Focused Healthy Habits Apps
Noom Recently Debuted Its New Health-Focused App — Noom Vibe
AI Mental Health Apps
TheraMe Uses AI To Detect The Critical Mental Health Needs of Its Users
Upcoming Anti-Loneliness Apps
Phori Is an AI-Enhanced Chat App to Help Introverts with Loneliness
AI Mental Health Companions
MYND Provides Personalized Guidance, Meditations & Support
Score-Tracking Esports Applications
The Esports World Cup Now Has a Mobile App for Attendees
AI-Powered Wellness Apps
The 'Yuna' App Lets Users Vent, Track Events and More
Boycott-Supporting Phone Apps
Buycott Helps Consumers Decide Whether to Buy or Avoid a Brand
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
AI-Powered Metabolic Health Apps
January AI Has Introduced Notable Enhancements to Its App
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
AI-Powered App Testing Tools
Mabl Launched a Low-Code Testing Tool for Mobile Applications
AI-Powered Maternity Support Apps
The 'Soula' App Supports Moms-to-Be with Proactive Information
Complimentary Health Apps
Life Time, Inc. Has Announced That Its Life Time App is Now Free
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
AI-Enabled Weight Management Apps
The 'Simple' Health Coaching App is Practical and Positive
Financial Challenges Mobile Apps
The Achieve GOOD™ App Aims to Assist Consumers with Debt
AI-Driven Metabolic Health Apps
The Updated January AI App Eliminates the Need for Coaches & CGMs
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
Charity Health-Tech Apps
Helpster Charity Connects Sectors to provide Essential Healthcare
Social Sports Applications
EA is Launching the EA Sports Social App on Web and Mobile
AI-Powered Meal Planning Apps
YouFitness Helps You Create Custom Diet and Fitness Plans
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Accessibility-Focused Navigation Apps
The Atlas App is a Community-Driven Solution
Nonprofit-Backed Senior Social Apps
'Senior Planet Community' is Supported by the AARP for Seniors
Anonymous Social Wellness Apps
SoGoHa Let's You Share Experiences Without Revealing Yourself
Digital Travel Companions
Allianz Partners Launches the allyz Mobile App for Consumer Travel Needs
Anti-Doomscrolling Robots
NABS & Amplify Created the DoomScroller for World Mental Health Day
Matchmaking Dating Apps
The 'Cheers' Dating App Incorporates Friend into the Experience
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
Healthcare Staffing Mobile Apps
GHR Healthcare and Opus Match Have Introduced GHR Live!
Music-Based Fitness Apps
Feed.fm Highlights the Significant Role Music Plays for Fitness Apps
Personalized Meditation Apps
Meditia Allows Users to Find Their Zen With Personal Courses
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Metaverse Therapy Apps
'Innerworld' Launched a New Paid Tier with Licensed Therapists
AI Mental Health Apps
Deepen is an AI-Powered Pocket Therapist
AI Autism Support App
Alexilearn Uses AI to Support People with Autism in Their Emotional Literacy
Comprehensive Weight Health Apps
MyFitnessPal & Medmate's Partnership Supports GLP-1 Users
Distraction-Blocking Apps
The 'FlowBuddy' App Helps Users Cut Down on Screen Time
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Emotive AI Therapy Apps
aiTherapyCall Boasts the Slogan "Human Feel, AI Heal"
Gen Z Motivational Apps
The Etherea App is Driven by Motivators and Sustainable Actions
Elite Performance Coach-Backed Apps
Youll Debuts Miactive, a New Fitness and Wellness App
Pregnancy Support Communities
Aware.ai Pregnancy App Connects Moms with Communities and Resources
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Traveling Healthcare Professional Apps
Fusion Medical Staffing Addresses Challenges in the Field
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
Dedicated Mobile Fitness Apps
SilverSneakers GO Helps Older Consumers Stay Fit in 2024
Ocular Disease-Detecting Apps
Clearly Vision for Apple Vision Pro Checks a User's Eye Sight
Mobile Content Creator Apps
Microsoft Brought its 'Designer' Copilot App to Android
Family Organizational Apps
FamHive Incentivizes Family Chores and Organization
Holistic Spiritual Journey Apps
Churchome Has Launched a New Mobile App to Foster Connection
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Workplace Safety-Enhancing Mobile Apps
JMJ Has Introduced the Toolbox Talks App
Connective Health Apps
WellB Health Connects Your with Doctors to Suit Your Needs
Tech Worker-Focused Wellness Apps
TechieMind is a Mental Health Tool for Tech Industry Workers
AI Smoking Cessation Apps
The 'QuitBot' App Offers Resources To People Trying to Quit Smoking
Creativity-Supporting Art Apps
The 'Blank' App Uses AI to Create Custom Art Based on Prompts
Emotional Awareness Apps
Crown Institute Debuts an Emotional Learning App Inspired by Inside Out
Immersive Restaurant Rewards App
Bella Italia is Unveiling a New Digital App for its Guests
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
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Connective Men's Wellness Apps
'Find a Men's Group' Helps Men Seeking Community and Support
Doodling Mental Health Apps
The 'Scribble Journey' App Encourages Art to Explore Emotions
Endurance Athlete-Specific Social Networks
Front Pack's New Social Network is on Its Website & App
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
Personal Goal-Setting Apps
Fred Breaks Down Goals Into Actionable Steps
Community-Oriented Meetup Apps
The 'Flying Pig' App Connects People for Hanging Out
Mental Health Messaging Apps
Koala Messenger is a Place to Share When You Don't Feel Your Best
AI Finance Tracking Solutions
With the Freelance App Users Can Track Detailed Reports & More
AI-Powered Language Apps
The Memrise App Welcomes More Than 70 Million Users
Supportive Sobriety Apps
'Sober' Guides Individuals on Their Sobriety Journey
Efficient Property Management Apps
Tribe Property Technologies Has Launched Its Tribe Home App
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Empowering AR Applications
Black Radiance is Unveiling a New Augmented Reality App for Black Women
Postpartum Mental Health Apps
Postpartum Support International Launches the Connect App
AI Mental Health Apps
Mentalport Makes Improving Upon Mental Health Easy and Fun
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Connection-Fostering Workplace Apps
TeamDay Helps Remote Workers Build Bonds
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
AI-Enhanced Journaling Apps
Stoic Let's Users Journal While Providing Insights with AI
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
Social Workout Apps
FITCHAIN Helps you Find Fitness Friends to Stay Accountable
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
musculoskeletal health apps
Movr helps organizations manage preventive musculoskeletal health
Emergency Distress Signals
SOS Light App Provides a Simple Morse-Code Distress Signal Tool
Connective Travel Apps
Fairytrail is For Those Who Value Travel and Meaningful Connections
Accessible Service Provider Apps
Giga Introduces New Accessibility Features to Its App
Musician-Connecting Platforms
BandMatch Helps People Discover Nearby Musicians to Create Bands
Meaningful Chat Apps
Oom Helps People Connect on a Deeper Level By Skipping Small Talk
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
Public Bathroom Location Apps
The Bathroom App Helps People in Need of Relief
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Positive Mental Health Strategies
HappierMe: Master Your Mind Helps Users Achieve Long-Term Goals
Result-Highlighting Health Apps
Sandyl Uses A/B Testing to Ensure Positive Change
Community-Based Eclipse Apps
The Eclipse App Helped People Better Witness the 2024 Eclipse
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Membership-Based Community Engagement
The Lamp App Uses Technology to Promote Community Giving
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Comprehensive Fitness Apps
JustLift Monitors and Tracks Fitness Goals
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
Connective Handy Services Apps
HandyFriend Connects Home Owners With Maintence Workers
Online Mental Health Support
AI Therapist Provides Instant, Free Therapy Access Through a Web App
Practical Grief Support Platforms
The 'Griefity' Online Grief Support App is Free to Join
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Creative Collaboration Clubs
Dazed Has Launched a New Social Media App Called Dazed Club
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships
Important Sharing Apps
The FinhApp Let's You Share Wills or Messages with Loved Ones