The best apps for your iPhone and iPad (February 2021)

The first month of the new year is behind us. For another 31 days in isolation, many of us have likely spent a lot of time on our smartphones. So it’s time to see what apps might be installed for the next month.

Manage passwords with “1Password”

Every year we carry more and more user accounts with us. After all, more and more digital services are making our everyday lives easier and a user account is usually required. Remembering an individual password for each account has become an impossibility. “1Password” supports this and synchronizes your passwords across all end devices.

In addition to storing the log-in data, the 2-factor code can also be saved and entered directly when logging in. Through the integration in Apple’s native keyboard, you can unlock your password safe directly as an overlay and have the usage data copied into the corresponding fields. It almost always works, sometimes I get the feeling that “1Password” is already part of iOS.

An annual subscription is required for “1Password”. This currently costs $ 42.70 per year, so the price in euros varies depending on the exchange rate.

“1Blocker” blocks ads and trackers in Safari

With the turn of the year, the topic of data protection has become increasingly relevant. After all, advertisers now use every opportunity to find out more about us or our interests. If you use Safari on iOS, you can put a stop to it with “1Blocker”.

After the installation you only have to activate the extension for Safari. Then you can select predefined filters or define your own blocking rules. “1Blocker” blocks very reliably, in addition to advertising and trackers, special cookies can also be blocked.

In the free version you can choose a predefined filter list. If you want to have the full functionality of “1Blocker”, you can pay a maximum of between 1.99 euros (month) and 5.49 (year).

“Parcel Track” as a universal tracking app

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a significant increase in parcels. No wonder we can no longer just go to retail stores and purchase goods. In order to track the current status of the shipment, you have to use the tracking of the parcel service preferred by the retailer. There are usually quite a few.

“Parcel Track” aims to simplify this process. (Almost) all parcel services can be tracked in a tidy app. Depending on the status, you can have a push message sent and, with supported services, even see the delivery time window. If you get the premium version, you can forward your shipping confirmation to your own email, the tracking data is then automatically stored in the app.

The standard version of the app is available free of charge in the App Store. If you want to support the developers and use your own inbox at the same time, you pay a one-time fee of EUR 3.49.

Franking made easy – with “Post & DHL”

And then of course there are those of us who have to send a package or a letter more often. For those who do this mainly with DHL or Deutsche Post, the official “Post & DHL” app is an absolute must.

Parcels addressed to you are automatically stored in the “Receive” tab. The real plus is the purchase of postage and postage stamps for your own shipments. For example, if you send a letter, you can now purchase a stamp via PayPal and write a code on the envelope. Queuing at the post office is no longer necessary.

“Post & DHL” is available free of charge in the App Store.