Apps

7 essential apps for young professionals

An urban dweller’s must-haves!

Published

January 30, 2020

MJ Jucutan

Most of us rely on our apps to connect, work, and move. Switching between apps, doing work, messaging people — everything can be done in a single tap. I’d be lying if I said apps didn’t help improve my life. It offered me convenience, and as a young 20-something in the midst of his blossoming career, apps made me more efficient and productive.

When I attended Social Media Week in Manila, I was reminded of how my life depended on my apps. The event tackled how apps are changing our lifestyle, behavior, and culture — it might even be bringing the worst in us.

As a young adult filled with hope, I believe apps bring the best in us — not the worst. The only time apps will make a negative impact in our lives is when you abuse it. Always, always use it sparingly. Believing that apps aren’t inherently bad, here are apps that definitely make any young adult’s life easier.

Grab

After Uber left my country, Grab took over. While I hate monopoly, Grab made itself indispensable, hosting a full suite of services that everyone would badly need in the worsening living condition in the metro. From taxis, private cars, to express shipping, and even food deliveries — Grab ingrained itself in our lives, it’s going to make you wonder: “What was life before Grab?”

Zomato

As an urban dwelling young adult, Zomato has been essential for my date nights. It suggests restaurants and cafes which would make my life easier when deciding for a place to eat with my beau. Hangouts and catch up with friends are also easier, with their 1+1 or 2+2 promo, allowing us to eat at our heart’s content without spending too much.

Google

If there’s one thing that you should have on your smartphone, it’s Google’s mobile apps. It has everything you need — Chrome, Search, GMail, Maps, Drive, Calendar, Contacts, you name it! Work and life would be a lot easier if you have these. Trust me.

Klook

Traveling has been one of every young adult’s goals they hope to achieve before turning 30. In case you didn’t know, travel is eighty percent planning. As a frequent traveler, Klook made my trips easier, allowing me to buy mobile sim cards, book a tour, and get discounts even before I arrive at my destination. Klook, in a sense, can save you time, money, and headaches so you can focus on the adventure waiting for you.

YouTube

There’s more to YouTube than vlogs and music videos. If you use YouTube right, you can get tips on how to achieve your fitness dreams, some DIY crafts to keep you occupied, styling tips, gadget reviews, and more. By now, you already know that learning doesn’t stop at school. If you want to commit to self-development, YouTube can be your university — hosting courses that appeal to your interests.

Instagram/TikTok

Just like YouTube, Instagram is more than just aesthetically-pleasing photos and TikTok is more than just a collection of wacky, senseless short videos. Both apps are changing the way we consume content, with young adults using Instagram and its Stories feature more to connect and update with friends and the people they admire. Tiktok, on the other hand, is becoming a platform for the younger generation. Nonetheless, both Instagram and TikTok can provide inspiration and laughter — if you scour and follow the right accounts.

GCash/PayMaya

Banks might be leaning towards apps for accessibility and convenience, but GCash and PayMaya revolutionize the way we handle our finances. Through these apps, we can transfer charge-free between banks albeit it’s a tedious process. On the other hand, you can use both GCash and PayMaya to pay your bills, load your prepaid cards, and send money — while getting rebates for using their services.

Bonus: Angkas

I can’t recall how many times Angkas saved my life. When I woke up late for a meeting and I braved the horrible traffic jams to make it, Angkas was always there. The future of motorcycle taxi in the Philippines is still blurry, but every young professional must have this app to get through the metro. Don’t worry about the cost, though. You can always make money, but you can’t get back the time wasted stuck in traffic. Make the most of your youth!

Related Topics:Angkas GCash Google Grab Instagram Klook PayMaya SMW Manila Social Media Week Social Media Week Manila TikTok YouTube Zomato

Apps

iOS 26.5 will support end-to-end encryption RCS messaging

The final update should come out within the month.

Published

May 5, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Back in 2023, Apple finally adopted the RCS messaging standard, ensuring that iOS and Android users could communicate more seamlessly despite being on different platforms. This year, the platform is adding an improvement to the feature: end-to-end encryption.

Starting with the upcoming launch of iOS 26.5, Apple will now support end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iOS and Android users (via 9to5Mac). Besides the seamless communication, users on both platforms can start enjoying secure messaging with one another.

Apple has been testing the feature since February. Now, the company is confident enough to release the encryption technology in a new build for iOS 26.5 meant for developers. At this point, it’s just waiting for an actual release.

Why is this a big deal? Encryption adds an extra layer of security for your messages. Plus, end-to-end encryption means that messages is encrypted and decrypted only by the sender and the receiver. Third parties, which includes Apple, cannot intercept and access your information.

With the feature on, both messaging platforms on Android and iOS will show a lock icon to signify that, yes, your messages are encrypted.

Though the current build isn’t meant for end users just yet, it’s expected that iOS 26.5 will launch within the month, if not by next week.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Apps

Google might be moving away from flat design

Bye bye, Material Design.

Published

April 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s time to kindly shove off, flat design. After over a decade of Google’s Material Design, Android is finally showing signs of ditching flat, monotonous colors. In a series of logo redesigns, Google is reportedly trying out gradients as its latest reinvention.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google is moving forward with incorporating gradients into its designs. Previously, the company started changing the icons of a few first-party apps including Photos and Maps. Now, it seems that the new design philosophy will reach the rest of Google’s suite.

In the obtained designs, the rest of Google’s plethora of apps will no longer look static. The splash of gradient adds the feeling of layering without losing the company’s roots in flat design. Docs and Sheets, for example, look like a light shining on pieces of paper.

Image source: 9to5Google

It’s unknown when Google plans to incorporate the new philosophy. However, with Google I/O coming fast, it’s fair to bet that an update might come out around that time, especially since that event’s logo already has gradients.

Google’s evolution is not without its precedent. Besides the company’s small trial previously, Apple’s iOS has also made inroads into more three-dimensional designs with the new Liquid Glass. However, unlike Apple, Google’s newest design is a far cry from the former’s return to Windows Vista aesthetics.

Personally, I don’t mind the transition to 3D, as long as it’s done well. Though still visually pleasing, flat design has started overstaying its welcome. It’s time to try something new.