Apple’s release of its new flagships — in the form of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus — brought with them more than just bigger screens and an improved camera. Geared with the new A8 processing chip, the new line of iPhones feature impressive power and performance never before seen in an iPhone. But the best way to see what the new iPhones can do, are to download apps. While some apps received simple patches to take full advantage of the new operating system, other developers created apps from the ground up specifically for iOS 8.
So while some have made the jump to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus’ bigger screens with ease, others weren’t as fortunate. Over time, most apps will get a general update to accommodate the uptick in screen size, but we know you want quality apps now. After taking some time to dig through Apple’s App Store, we’ve found a slew of iOS 8 optimized applications worthy of space on your new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. From news apps taking full advantage of the increased screen size, to games utilizing Apple’s new Metal processing technology, these are the best iPhone 6 and 6 Plus apps currently available in the App Store.
Note: We will update this list periodically once more apps take advantage of iOS 8 and the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus’ increased screen size.
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CNN
Not only is the CNN app completely free, but it brings worldwide breaking news and in-depth coverage right to your fingertips. With a cable or satellite provider subscription, users even have to the ability to watch live CNN TV shows and events right on their phone. The increased screen size of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus make the photos and videos look absolutely stunning.
Anomoly 2
While it’s not quite Starcraft for the iPhone, Anomoly 2 is a worthwhile iOS game for any real-time strategy fan. Utilizing the screen size and graphical power of the new iPhone 6, Anomoly 2 not only runs smoothly on the new device but looks incredible. It’s guaranteed you’ll have a hard time putting this game down once you start playing.
Asphalt 8: Airborne
Of the numerous racers around Apple’s App Store, Asphalt 8: Airborne received the best update for the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Armed with detailed graphics, a deep roster of raceable cars, and the option to participate in live multi-player races, Asphalt 8 is a rousing good time. The game costs nothing to download, though it does feature a bevy of in-game app purchases to help you take your racing skills to the next level.
As if Pinterest users needed their favorite application to become any more addictive, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus version makes pinning endlessly fun. The application’s larger graphics and cleaner images will make you instantly forget you’re even on an iPhone to begin with. Safari users even have the ability to pin within the browser by just simply hitting the Share button while using iOS 8.
Sky Guide
No matter if it’s daytime or nighttime, Sky Guide is your ticket to gazing at the stars. The app received a giant update for iOS 8 and now features a widget which stores at-a-glance essentials like sunset and sunrise times, meteor shower locations, or times for any upcoming eclipse. With the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus’ new screen, the app features crystal clear sky views and allows for 50 percent deeper zooms than its previous versions.
SwiftKey Keyboard
Apple finally introduced the ability to replace the default keyboard with iOS 8, so downloading SwiftKey Keyboard is a no-brainer. Like the updated iOS 8 keyboard, SwiftKey reacts to your writing style and actively learns how you type. It predicts your next words with insane accuracy and even auto-corrects based on your writing style, not a default list of words. For international users, SwiftKey supports other languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Italian.
FIFA 14
Even though EA Sports’ popular soccer sim has legions of loyal fans among the major consoles, its iOS iteration is still a blast to play. Not only does the iOS version feature hundreds of playable teams and more than 30 leagues, but EA has also included the insanely addicting Ultimate Team card game. Any soccer fan with a new iPhone 6 or 6 Plus will want to take advantage of the bigger screens and start working on hitting those virtual upper Vs.
Deus Ex: The Fall
Deus Ex: The Fall takes everything good about the console version — Deus Ex: Human Revolution — and crams it in to a fantastic iOS game. All the action-RPG elements and deep storylines–as well as the option to play stealthily or with guns blazing–are satisfyingly present in The Fall. When played on an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, the graphics are stunning and the various locales pop with vibrant colors and stunning environments.
Plunder Pirates
Angry Birds developer Rovio returns with its newest addicting iOS game, Plunder Pirates. The game tasks players with building their own 3D pirate island and allows them to explore uncharted waters looking for obtainable booty or other pirates to battle. Plunder Pirates even allows you to join Pirate Guilds with your friends and features leaderboards showing how you stack up against other Pirate Guilds from all over the globe.
Storehouse
Storehouse gives everyone the opportunity to display their visual storytelling prowess with this incredibly fun app. Combine photos, videos, and customized text to create beautiful looking stories. Once you complete a story, Storehouse allows you to upload them to any blogs you have, or share them across the gamut of social media sites.
PCalc
When the stock calculator on your iPhone just doesn’t cut it, look no further than the app PCalc. PCalc’s developers updated the app to fully support iOS 8 and it takes full advantage of the increased screen sizes of the 6 and 6 Plus. With engineering and scientific notations, an impressive selection of unit conversions, and a multi-line display, PCalc is a must-have for anybody looking to crunch some numbers.
The Wolf Among Us
Telltale Games burst on the scene with 2012’s incredibly popular game The Walking Dead — based on the graphic novel and hit TV show of the same name. It returns with another episodic take on a comic book with The Wolf Among Us. Set across five separate episodes, The Wolf Among Us takes you through an unforgettable adventure in which each choice you make has enormous and lasting consequences.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Fans of turn-based strategy games should look no further than XCOM: Enemy Unknown for their next gaming addiction. The game tasks you with strategically building an elite group of soldiers to help rid planet Earth of an invading alien species. Level-up your squad, discover new weapons, and perfect your battle tactics in this wildly popular re-imagining of a mid-’90s gem.
Day One
The developers of Day One make keeping a daily journal easy with this intuitive and fun application. No matter the post you create, Day One allows you to upload photos, easily insert the date and time, and even add music to give each entry it’s own unique feel. It even lets you share your random musings with the world by allowing you to post your entries on Facebook, Twitter, or Foursquare.
Halftone 2
Who wouldn’t want to turn their everyday routine into a comic book? The makers of Halftone 2 recognized this desire and developed one of the most fun experiences you’ll have with your iPhone. This app lets you give any photo in your Camera Roll the comic book treatment and enhances even the most mundane of pictures. Halftone 2 looks especially crisp and clear after updating for iOS 8.
[Header image courtesy of: Shutterstock/Twin Design]
