Top essential iPhone, iPad apps

It only takes a moment to download an app which helps keep your device running for longer, but the benefits are often fantastic.

An app I always keep on my iOS-based mobile devices is Battery Doctor, a simple-to-use optimizer for the iPhone and iPad. The app not only lets you know how your device is performing but also gives you tips and advice on how to maximize power and reduce drain rates.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

With millions of users worldwide, Evernote is a popular go-to app for research, note-taking and content organization.

The mobile application can be used to create notes, checklists, copy and save articles and content, as well as store files such as documents and photos, which can be organized how you please. One of the app's most appealing strengths is the ability to sync your content to a range of devices.

Price: $Free | In-app purchases

Via: App Store

If you have trouble keeping track of your spending and budgeting, or need to record work expenses, Mint is a fantastic app to download. The app allows users to submit expenses, budgets and separate spending into categories, among other features. By seeing your spending in a graphical way, you may also find the app useful in making positive changes to your finances.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

I always consider a good image editing app an essential part of my kit while i'm out and about. You never know when interesting photo opportunities will occur, and being able to clean up and edit images on the fly is a bonus.

When it comes to iOS photo editing options, I rely on Fotor. While there are effects which are only available through in-app purchases, the free version still includes a vast range of options for basic filtering, cleaning and improved focus.

Price: $Free | In-app purchases

Via: App Store

If you're ever unfortunate enough to lose your device or have it stolen, it is often the loss of content stored on your iPad or iPhone which will cause the most heartache.

Photos, in particular, can be particularly devastating. If you're someone who forgets to perform regular data backups, consider downloading an app such as Shoebox, which automatically backs up and secures your photos within the cloud.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

Particularly useful if you find the iPhone or iPad keyboard restrictive or difficult to use, SwiftKey is a great app for writing quickly and effectively. The virtual keyboard is backed by AI technology which aims to learn your writing style and correct typos more efficiently.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

There are a number of scanner apps available through Apple's App Store, but Genius Scanner is my go-to app for this functionality on the road. While a scanner may not at first seem like an essential app to download onto your iPhone or iPad, having a scanner can be a life saver for recording expenses, taking copies of important documents and being able to digitally scan and sign documents which need to be sent off immediately.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

If you're often on the road, Waze, a crowdsourced traffic update application, may end up becoming a favorite.

The app relies on community submissions for traffic conditions and accident reports, and the more people contribute, the better it is for everyone driving. The software not only acts as a sat-nav, but also can issue alerts in real-time for any upcoming problems and let family and friends know if you will be late.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

Today, many people have at least one job and have to juggle home and work life. With the addition of mobile devices, this has become even more complicated -- and sometimes, remembering everything you have to do is difficult.

An app I consider essential is Wunderlist, which helps you organize tasks based on deadlines and urgency. The app goes beyond simple to-do list creation and allows you to attach files such as .PDFs and images to your notes, set reminders and share your lists with contacts.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

News360 is an interesting news app which harnesses AI technology and learns what sorts of news, content and articles you may be interested in. By subscribing and choosing publications and topics, you can use the app to create a personal news feed for your daily updates.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store

An essential app on my iPhone is FlightView -- a handy mobile app for those who are constantly on the move. You never know when a flight might be delayed, a gate changes or a redirect occurs -- but this application allows you to search for flights and stay informed of any changes.

Price: $Free

Via: App Store