Getting a new Mac can be a lot of fun, especially when you get a sleek new 13-inch MacBook Air or a premium 16-inch MacBook Pro. But with so much to do, download updates, and try new apps, it can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to Mac. But don’t worry, help is on the way.
Whether you get your apps from the Mac App Store or directly from developers, you’ll never run out of options across all categories. Macs are known for creative software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, but their libraries are much deeper than that.
In fact, some apps are so important to setting up a good Mac experience that you’ll want to download them first before you start doing anything else. Don’t wait to edit your videos or create your next masterpiece. First, you’ll need some apps that will make the whole act of using your new MacBook more enjoyable, and maybe even more productive.
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Before we talk about which apps you should consider installing, it’s worth listing some of the best apps you already own. Your Mac already comes with some powerful features preinstalled and ready to use thanks to Apple’s ever-growing suite of software.
At the top of the list are productivity apps that used to fall under the iWork suite, but are now commonly known as Numbers, Pages, and Keynote. Spreadsheet editors, text editors, and presentation apps are similar to the Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint apps that some people are familiar with. But most importantly, they are free and you already have them.
Also, callouts should be sent to smaller apps like Podcasts, Notes, Calendar, and Reminders. All of these apps are free and sync with the apps of the same name on your iPhone or iPad. There are third-party alternatives that perform some aspects of the job better, but for those without specific needs, it’s a great place to start.
But while these apps are great, there are five third-party apps you should definitely consider getting.
Alfred — Spotlight alternative
Alfred has been the go-to app for Mac power users for years, and even with the Spotlight improvements in macOS Ventura, Alfred is still far ahead in terms of features.
At its most basic, Alfred does the same things Spotlight can do, like launch apps and search for files. But it goes far beyond that thanks to its calculations and ability to perform advanced web searches, and reaches a whole new level with advanced workflows and customization options.
You can learn more on Alfred’s website, but the list of things you can do with the app is frankly mind-boggling. We recommend finding the features you need, making extensive use of them, and ignoring the features you don’t. There are a lot of them, but good news if they become useful in the future.
The more apps you install, the more they add icons to your Mac’s menu bar (the bar at the top of the screen that shows time, date, etc.), and things tend to get a little cluttered. It’s less of an issue if you’re using a larger external monitor like a Studio Display or Pro Display XDR, but it can be a big issue on something like the 13-inch MacBook Air.
In such cases, Bartender is a must-have app that allows you to manipulate the menu bar and its many icons. This is accomplished by giving users control over which icons are displayed and in what order, while also hiding icons that don’t need to be visible all the time. These icons are easily accessible when you need them, so they’re not lost forever. There are also additional options to control how the menu bar appears based on the display in use at the time.
I’ve been using Bartender for years, and the notch at the top of the screen makes it essential on my 16-inch MacBook Pro. I don’t see how anyone would use a small display without it.
To learn more about Bartender, visit the app’s website.
VPN apps — security and privacy come first
This is not a recommendation for specific apps, but a group of them. There are a lot of great VPN services out there today, and you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Choose what’s best for you and keep an eye out for great deals.
The reason why a VPN is so important is very simple. This is especially true if you have a portable Mac that you take with you to public places. Connecting to an unknown Wi-Fi network can be a security nightmare, and it can be important to keep your browsing habits private even when you’re at home. For that you will need a VPN. First, let’s talk about the possibilities offered by a VPN, which allows you to appear as if you’re accessing a website or service from almost anywhere in the world.
An app that makes Bartender even more important, iStat Menus puts all sorts of useful information in the most easily accessible place. Its place is the menu bar, where you can see information like current CPU usage, network transfer speed, battery life, and more all at a glance.
Pairing your iStat menu with your bartender gives you control over what information appears and when. The app can also display weather forecasts and retrieve information from your Mac’s sensors for easy display. He doesn’t have to worry about how fast his laptop’s fan is spinning or how warm his SSD is.
The latest version of iStat Menus is the best yet and you can find out more on the Bjango website.
Setapp — Mac app subscriptions
Let me preface this by saying that not everyone likes paying for apps with a subscription, but in the case of Setapp, it seems like a no-brainer.
Get access to countless apps with a single subscription of $9.99 per month (billed annually). There are hundreds of them, including some of the apps mentioned here. What makes Setapp so convenient is that you don’t have to pay for new versions of these apps because your subscription covers everything.
There’s also a Mac + iOS subscription option for those who want to enjoy a similar setup on their iPhone or iPad. Subscriptions for multiple Mac owners and families can also be found on the Setapp website, along with a complete list of all currently available apps.