These are the mobile apps that Brits can't live without

A study of 2,000 adults found 41 per cent have been using their smartphone apps more than ever since the start of the lockdown. As many are now relying on technology to communicate with friends and loved ones, 31 per cent admitted they couldn’t stand the thought of being without their social media apps. More than one in five would struggle without their music apps while another 21 per cent couldn’t imagine not having access to finances and money information on their phone. News apps are also considered key by 18 per cent of those polled while one in six see entertainment apps as a necessity. Shopping, gaming and search apps, such as Google or Wikipedia, are also among those people would hate to be without. Iqbal V. Gandham, managing director of eToro UK, which commissioned the research, said: “This insight reinforces just how vital apps are to our daily lives. “Ease of use and quick access to the information we want is key to the success of any app. “We’re confident apps can play a part in people’s daily life now more than ever, including everything from ordering food deliveries to making investing feel more accessible.” The apps that Brits use the most. The study also found the average adult has 36 apps on their phone, with WhatsApp, Facebook and Facebook messenger among most used. YouTube, Instagram and Google Search were also highly used by respondents. But 82 per cent also find comfort in apps that keep them up to date on all aspects of their life from their social connections to their finances, with nearly a quarter more inclined to invest money if it could easily be done via an app. What do your apps say about you? The study also revealed 44 per cent believe you can learn a lot about someone based on how their phone is organised. And psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos said the apps you have on your phone can show if you are stressed, carefree and even how tidy your home is. She believes having apps ordered into neat folders means you are unlikely to have piles of dirty washing, mounting layers of dust or grimy surfaces in your home. Tidy apps also mean you are more likely to be someone who seeks out order and is comforted by clear rules and goals, with those aged 34 and under most likely to organise their phone programmes. On the other hand, a chaotic mishmash of both work and leisure apps may mean you are feeling the pressure and struggling to separate your home life from your career. A messy phone could also indicate you’re more carefree in nature, possibly more creative and that you have a higher tolerance for uncertainty. Women were found to be the most carefree, with 46 per cent admitting they don’t arrange their apps at all, along with 62 per cent of those aged over 55. Dr Linda said: “eToro’s research provides a fascinating insight into the behaviours people have around their phones. "Many see their phones as a reflection of themselves through how they use their phones and also their app choices. “Phones are now so much more than a communication device and have become crucial in our daily lives. “So much can be done from your phone, so it’s interesting to analyse the value of what you’re doing with the time spent on your phone.” To find out more, head to https://www.etoro.com/ Top 10 apps Brits would struggle to live without