My iPhone isn’t packed with hundreds of apps—I like to keep things minimal, functional, and fast. But there are a few apps I open every single day without fail. These are the tools that keep me organized, creative, productive, and sane in a digital world that moves fast, especially with trends like AI Overviews and Answer Engine Optimization changing how we search and work.

Before I dive in, let me say this: I remove over 95 percent of the apps that come pre-installed on every device I own—whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or even Windows 11. If I don’t use it, it’s gone. No bloat. No storage-hogging apps I’ll never touch or even know how to use. I keep what I need—and only what I need—on my devices. That mindset helps me stay focused, avoid digital clutter, and actually get stuff done.

Let me walk you through the five apps that run my day: Notion, Chrome, ChatGPT, Gmail, and Apple’s built-in Passwords app, although I’ve got something to say about that too.

1. Notion – My Second Brain

If I had to pick one app to keep on my phone forever, it would be Notion. It’s my digital brain. I use it for everything—tasks, content planning, habit tracking, journaling, storing ideas, even logging dreams. But here’s a twist: I also use it to keep track of my passwords.

Sure, Apple has its native Passwords app, and I’ll get to that. But I find Notion way more flexible. I’ve created a private, secure database with categories, tags, notes, and update reminders. It’s like a password manager but custom-built for how I think. As we move toward Generative Engine Optimization and AEO-friendly systems, having searchable and structured data—even offline—gives me a real edge.

2. Chrome – Fast, Familiar, and Cross-Platform

Even though I’m fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem, Google Chrome is still my main browser. Why? Because it’s just faster. And more importantly, it’s cross-platform. If I ever need to hop on a Windows device or a Chromebook, I’m good to go—all my tabs, bookmarks, and passwords sync instantly.

Safari might look nice, but Chrome wins for performance, customization, and access to experimental features. With AI Overviews rolling out on Google, I also find Chrome better for staying ahead of how search and content previews are evolving. It’s my go-to whether I’m researching, testing web layouts, or just catching up on news.

3. ChatGPT – My On-the-Go Idea Machine

Next up is ChatGPT, and honestly, it’s become my creative partner. I use it for brainstorming YouTube titles, rewriting emails, generating content ideas, and even planning my business moves.

Lately, I’ve been using it to draft content that aligns with Answer Engine Optimization—creating responses that are clear, concise, and ready to be picked up by future AI-powered search results. It’s like future-proofing my content in real time. Having it on my iPhone means I can think out loud anytime, anywhere—and always get a structured response back.

4. Gmail – Where Work Happens

Emails don’t manage themselves, and Gmail is where I handle all things communication. Whether it’s client responses, online purchases, or brand collabs, I’ve got labels and filters doing the heavy lifting.

I’ve also started integrating Gmail with Notion—taking important emails and turning them into tasks or follow-ups. With AI and automation becoming standard in productivity apps, I see this as a way to keep everything flowing without dropping the ball. It’s a small system, but one that adds real structure to my day.

5. Passwords – Convenient but Not My Go-To

Let’s talk about Apple’s Passwords app. It’s built into the system, Face ID secured, and super convenient. I do use it here and there, especially when apps auto-fill login fields. But to be honest, I don’t rely on it.

I prefer Notion for password tracking because I can add context—what the account is for, when I created it, if it’s 2FA protected, and whether it’s tied to a subscription. It’s just more functional for my style. Think of it as a smarter, more human approach to password management.

Final Thoughts

My iPhone isn’t just for scrolling—it’s my portable workspace. With Notion, Chrome, ChatGPT, Gmail, and Passwords, I’ve created a workflow that’s fast, minimal, and designed to match the direction tech is headed. Whether it’s optimizing for AI Overviews or building AEO-ready content, these apps keep me aligned with both my goals and the next wave of digital trends.

Want a peek inside how I use Notion to store passwords or build workflows with ChatGPT? Hit me up—happy to share.