10 iPhone Apps of 2010 That Made a Difference (Where Are They Now?)
Which were the iphone apps of 2010 that changed how people used their phones? This list was first written in early 2011, when the iPhone 4 was new and apps were starting to replace text messages, maps and even cameras. Below is the original top 10, what happened to each app, and what to use in 2026.
Quick answer: Most of the big iPhone apps of 2010 are still here: Dropbox, Pandora, Hipstamatic, Facebook, Runkeeper, WhatsApp and Yelp. Truphone’s calling app closed in 2016, and the smaller chat and to-do apps faded away. Today WhatsApp, iMessage and the built-in Reminders app cover most of what those apps did.
Table of Contents
Why the iPhone apps of 2010 mattered
In 2010 phone users were split into two camps: iPhone owners and everyone else. Part of the reason people switched was money. Apps like WhatsApp and Truphone let you send messages and make calls over data instead of paying for SMS and international calls, which could cut a phone bill noticeably. Others, like Dropbox and Yelp, showed that a phone could do jobs that used to need a computer.
The top 10 list, then and now
10. Dropbox
Dropbox made syncing simple: drop files in a folder on your computer and open them on your iPhone. It is still one of the best-known cloud storage services, with a free Basic plan and paid plans for more space. If you are on the free plan, see our guide to getting more free Dropbox space.
9. Truphone
Truphone offered cheap and free calls over the internet, including to Skype and Google Talk users. The Truphone app closed in November 2016, and the company’s business was later sold to 1GLOBAL in 2023. For free calls today, use WhatsApp, FaceTime or Signal.
8. Pandora Radio
Pandora built personal radio stations by learning from your thumbs up and thumbs down. Pandora still works this way, though it is aimed at listeners in the United States. Elsewhere, most people now use Spotify or Apple Music for the same kind of personal mixes.
7. Todo
Simple to-do apps helped forgetful users note appointments and tasks. You no longer need a separate app for basics: the built-in Reminders app on iPhone handles lists and alerts. For more features, Todoist is a popular choice.
6. Hipstamatic
Hipstamatic turned the iPhone screen into the back of a retro camera, with swappable lenses, flashes and films. It started the vintage photo filter craze that Instagram later made huge, and the app is still around.
5. Facebook
Facebook brought the news feed and notifications to your pocket, so you no longer had to wait until you got home to catch up with friends. The app has changed many times since its 2010 grid design, but it remains one of the most used apps in the world.
4. RunKeeper
Runkeeper used the iPhone’s GPS to map your runs and show pace and approximate calories. It is still available, and today it competes with Strava and the built-in Fitness app on iPhone and Apple Watch.
3. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp let you message friends over data, show when they were online and skip SMS charges. It went on to become one of the biggest messaging apps in the world and is now owned by Meta. Newer features like View Once photos and videos keep it useful.
2. PingChat!
PingChat offered group chat rooms with photos and videos, a bit like MSN on your phone. It faded away, and group chats are now built into WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram and Signal.
1. Yelp
Yelp used GPS to find the nearest restaurant, bank or pharmacy, with reviews from other users. It is still a popular local search app, especially in the US, alongside Google Maps and Apple Maps.
What to install in 2026 instead
- Messaging and calls: WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime or Signal (replaces Truphone and PingChat).
- Files: Dropbox or iCloud Drive.
- Music: Pandora (US), Spotify or Apple Music.
- Tasks: Reminders or Todoist.
- Running: Runkeeper, Strava or Apple Fitness.
- Local search: Yelp, Google Maps or Apple Maps.
FAQ
Which iPhone apps of 2010 are still available?
Dropbox, Pandora, Hipstamatic, Facebook, Runkeeper, WhatsApp and Yelp are all still available on the App Store.
What happened to Truphone?
The Truphone calling app shut down in November 2016. The company later sold its business to 1GLOBAL in 2023.
Was WhatsApp really around in 2010?
Yes. WhatsApp was already popular on the iPhone in 2010 as a way to avoid SMS charges, years before Facebook (now Meta) bought it.
Do I still need a separate to-do app on iPhone?
Not for simple lists. The built-in Reminders app covers lists, due dates and alerts. Apps like Todoist add projects and sharing.
Originally written by guest author Nicholas, who ran a men’s fashion blog and the gadget site Cool Quirks. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips. You can also write guest articles here.
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Whatsapp is best and Xender Too.
Some of my fav are missing… Let me add them:
Tweetdeck
Foursquare
Reeder
iAdsense
And thanks for mentioning Whatsapp.. I’m in love with this app.. Though they should also look forward to allow VOIP calls in future..
Hi Cool Stuff,
Please try to explain your problem in more detail, step-by-step, so I could help.
In the meanwhile, I have news!
I’m excited to announce that Viber 1.1 has just been released!
This new version focuses on the addition of small new features, and mainly – bug fixes.
For release notes and the full fix list, I invite you to visit Viber’s AppStore page and download Viber 1.1
In addition, I would like to draw your attention to our major updates in our Privacy Policy. We changed confusing clauses and made them much clearer, in accordance to users’ feedback.
We would like to thank you for that feedback in the past 2 months, that allowed us to improve and better our service noticeably.
If you have any questions, don’t hesistate to ask.
Thank you,
Viber Media.
What is the simplest way to transform a VCR to Digital video disc?
that’s really sweet, now its time to make a post about 2011 top 10 :)
I really like your writing style, great info , regards for posting
I always use TeamViewer, Facebook, twitter and other individual chat platforms like yahoo, msn, skype..After reading this I was thinking about using dropbox coz I use it in my laptop so I should check how this works in my iPhone..BTW how about games?
Dropbox is very useful if you use multiple computers. Worth a try.
I only use Facebook on my iphone.
For me Todo is the best application, because my memory is very weak and it helps me in reminding important thinks.
Specially in my blogging tasks i use todo to keep important details reminded.
Facebook is of course on the best and popular application. I don’t think so that a person having iphone will not be using it.
Thanks for sharing the other apps.
Hi,
This is a member of the Viber Development Team! :)
Thanks for putting Viber on your list. we are very happy that so many people worldwide are interested in our application.
Vincent – thank you for your kind words. we’re happy that you find it useful!
I would just like to add that Viber will soon be available also on other devices, and not only iPhone. the next one is Android, and it will happen in February-March. Viber will also allow to send Text Messages very soon.
If you have any question about Viber – please feel free to ask.
Thank you,
the Viber Team.
Thanks for dropping by. You really keep an active track of what people are saying about your brand.
hey man i have viber but i cant really make calls to my friends do you know why?
I would vote for Viber. It’s like Whatsapp for calls, no registration required, building your contacts based on the numbers you already have in your phone book.
Awesome List. WOuld like to see a similar list for Android as Well ;)
You are welcome to write a guest post on that.
How about if I write a guest post on that? :D