Apple apps

The following Apple apps have been approved to support learning & teaching in Edinburgh schools.

For more information on how to use these apps to support learning and teaching please visit the Apple Education Community where you can find information on how to use these apps creatively to enhance the learning experience. There is a link to the official Apple guide for each app in the description.

NB: for any item of software where accounts needed to be created, schools should ensure they are following the protocols outlined in the User Account Management Guide.

App	More Info
Books	Apple Books is an e-book and audiobook application that offers a seamless reading and listening experience across Apple devices. Key features include a vast library of books and audiobooks, customizable reading options such as font styles and sizes, and an integrated audiobook player. The app also supports personalized recommendations, syncing across devices through iCloud, and the ability to organize your library with collections and tags. Users can easily purchase or download free content directly within the app. For more information, you can visit the Apple Books page.
Calendar	Apple Calendar is a built-in calendar application available on all Apple devices, designed to help users manage their schedules efficiently. Key features include seamless integration with iCloud, allowing events, appointments, and reminders to sync across all devices. Users can create and share multiple calendars, set event alerts and notifications, and invite others to events with ease. The app also supports natural language input for creating events and offers different views, such as day, week, month, and year, to help users stay organized. Additionally, it integrates with other apps like Maps and Contacts for enhanced functionality. For more information, you can visit the Apple Calendar page.
Camera	The iPad Camera app is a versatile tool that allows users to capture high-quality photos and videos with ease. Key features include multiple shooting modes, such as panorama, time-lapse, and slow-motion, alongside standard photo and video modes. The app offers advanced controls like exposure adjustment, focus locking, and grid overlays to help users take professional-looking shots. It also supports Portrait mode on compatible iPads, enabling depth-of-field effects. Users can quickly edit their captures with built-in tools and share them directly from the app. The Camera app integrates seamlessly with other apps for easy access to photos and videos. For more information, you can visit the Apple iPad Camera page.
Classroom	Apple Classroom is a powerful teaching assistant app designed to help educators manage their classrooms and guide student learning using Apple devices. Key features include the ability to launch specific apps, websites, or books on student devices, view student screens in real-time, and lock devices into a single app to keep students focused. Teachers can also share documents and assignments, manage student devices remotely, and create group activities or discussions. The app integrates seamlessly with Apple School Manager and supports personalized learning by allowing teachers to assign different tasks to different groups of students. For more information, you can visit the Apple Classroom page.
Clips	Clips is a video editing app from Apple that makes it easy to create fun and engaging videos on iPhone and iPad. The app offers a variety of features, including the ability to record video directly within the app or import from your library, and then add text, music, and filters in real-time. Clips also includes Live Titles, a feature that allows you to create animated captions by simply speaking while recording. Users can apply a range of effects, stickers, and emojis to personalize their videos, as well as use AR Spaces on compatible devices to add immersive backgrounds. Once your video is complete, sharing it on social media or with friends is seamless, with direct integration to popular platforms. For more information, you can visit the Apple Clips page.
Clock	The iPad Clock app is a multifunctional time management tool that comes pre-installed on all iPads. It offers several features, including a world clock that allows users to track the time in multiple cities around the globe, an alarm function with customizable settings, a stopwatch for timing events, and a countdown timer. The app is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring an intuitive interface that makes it easy to set alarms, start timers, or check the time in different locations. The alarms can be tailored with various sounds, and the app integrates seamlessly with the iPad’s Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring you won’t be disturbed when you need uninterrupted time. For more information, you can visit the Apple iPad Clock page.
Files	The Files app on iPad is a powerful file management tool that allows users to organize, access, and manage their documents and files across different locations, including iCloud Drive, local storage, and third-party cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Key features include the ability to browse files in a streamlined interface, drag and drop files between folders or apps, and organize documents with tags, folders, and subfolders. The app also supports advanced search capabilities, Quick Look for previewing files without opening them, and seamless integration with other apps for easy file sharing and collaboration. Additionally, the Files app allows for offline access to files and offers robust security features with options for file encryption and secure storage. For more information, you can visit the Apple Files app page.
Freeform	The Freeform app by Apple is a versatile digital whiteboard designed for collaborative brainstorming and creative work. Available on iPad, iPhone, and Mac, it allows users to gather ideas, sketch out concepts, and work together in real-time. Key features include a flexible canvas where users can add text, shapes, drawings, photos, videos, links, and even documents. The app supports Apple Pencil for precise drawing and annotation, making it ideal for creative projects. Multiple users can collaborate on the same board simultaneously, and changes are updated instantly across all devices via iCloud. Freeform also integrates with other Apple apps, allowing easy sharing and importing of content. For more information, you can visit the Apple Freeform page.
Garageband	GarageBand is a powerful music creation app from Apple, designed to turn your iPhone, iPad, or Mac into a complete recording studio. The app offers a wide range of features, including a variety of virtual instruments like keyboards, drums, and guitars, which can be played using the touch screen or connected MIDI devices. It also includes built-in loops and samples to help users create music effortlessly, even without extensive musical experience. For recording, GarageBand supports multiple tracks, allowing users to layer instruments and vocals. The app also includes tools for editing and mixing tracks, adding effects, and fine-tuning your music. Once a project is complete, users can easily share their creations or continue editing on other Apple devices through iCloud. For more information, you can visit the Apple GarageBand page.
iMovie	iMovie is a user-friendly video editing app from Apple that allows users to create professional-looking movies and trailers on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The app offers a range of features, including easy-to-use editing tools that let you trim, cut, and arrange video clips on a timeline. Users can add titles, transitions, and effects, as well as incorporate music and sound effects from the built-in library or their own collections. iMovie also includes templates for creating Hollywood-style trailers with customizable credits. The app supports 4K video, and projects can be shared directly to social media or exported in various formats. iMovie’s intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners, while still offering powerful features for more experienced editors. For more information, you can visit the Apple iMovie page.
Keynote	Keynote is Apple’s powerful presentation software, designed to help users create stunning and dynamic presentations on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The app offers a wide range of customizable themes, slide layouts, and text styles, allowing users to craft visually engaging presentations with ease. Key features include the ability to add animations, transitions, and interactive elements like hyperlinks and audio. The app also supports collaborative editing, enabling multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously through iCloud. Keynote integrates seamlessly with other Apple apps, allowing for easy incorporation of photos, videos, and charts. Presentations can be shared or presented directly from the app, with options to export in various formats, including PowerPoint and PDF. For more information, you can visit the Apple Keynote page.
Mail	The Apple Mail app is a versatile email client built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to help users efficiently manage their email communications. It supports multiple email accounts from various providers, such as iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, all within a single interface. Key features include threaded conversations for easy tracking of email chains, customizable swipe gestures for quick actions like archiving or deleting, and powerful search capabilities to find specific emails quickly. The app also allows for easy attachment of files, integration with Contacts and Calendar for streamlined scheduling and communication, and supports rich formatting options for composing emails. With iCloud, your email, drafts, and settings sync across all your Apple devices. For more information, you can visit the Apple Mail page.
Magnifier	The Magnifier app on iPhone and iPad is an accessibility tool designed to help users see objects more clearly by turning their device into a digital magnifying glass. Key features include the ability to zoom in on small text or details using the device’s camera, adjust brightness and contrast to improve visibility, and apply filters to enhance readability. The app also supports multi-frame capture, allowing users to freeze a frame for closer examination. Additionally, the Magnifier app can use the device’s flashlight to illuminate the subject, making it easier to see in low-light conditions. With its intuitive interface, the app is a handy tool for anyone needing a closer look at the world around them. For more information, you can visit the Apple Magnifier page.
Maps	The Apple Maps app is a comprehensive navigation and mapping tool available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It offers detailed maps with real-time traffic information, turn-by-turn navigation, and transit directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation. Key features include the ability to explore cities in 3D with Flyover mode, indoor maps for major airports and shopping centers, and interactive guides that highlight local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The app also integrates with Siri for hands-free navigation and supports personalized suggestions based on your habits and preferences. Apple Maps ensures privacy by not associating your location data with your Apple ID, making it a secure option for navigation. For more information, you can visit the Apple Maps page.
Measure	The Measure app on iPhone and iPad is a handy tool that uses augmented reality (AR) to help users measure real-world objects and spaces with their device’s camera. It allows you to quickly measure the dimensions of items like furniture, rooms, or even the height of a person. Key features include the ability to automatically detect the edges of objects for accurate measurements, a level tool for ensuring surfaces are straight, and the option to save and share your measurements as screenshots. The app also supports adding multiple measurements to the same object, making it easy to capture all necessary dimensions. The Measure app is particularly useful for tasks like home improvement, interior design, and DIY projects. For more information, you can visit the Apple Measure page.
Notes	The Apple Notes app is a versatile note-taking tool available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to help users capture and organize their thoughts, ideas, and important information. It offers a range of features, including the ability to create text notes, checklists, sketches, and scanned documents. Notes can be organized into folders and subfolders, and tagged for easy searching. The app supports rich text formatting, adding photos and videos, and even embedding links and attachments. With iCloud integration, your notes sync seamlessly across all your Apple devices. Collaboration is also a breeze, allowing multiple users to share and edit notes in real-time. Additionally, Notes offers secure options like locking notes with a password or Face ID for privacy. For more information, you can visit the Apple Notes page.
Numbers	Numbers is Apple’s powerful spreadsheet application, available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed for creating visually appealing and highly functional spreadsheets. Unlike traditional spreadsheet apps, Numbers offers a flexible canvas where users can freely arrange tables, charts, text, and images, allowing for a more customized and creative approach to data management. Key features include a wide range of templates, intuitive tools for data entry and calculation, and the ability to create interactive charts and graphs. The app also supports collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously via iCloud. Numbers is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel, allowing users to import and export files easily. For more information, you can visit the Apple Numbers page.
Pages	Pages is Apple’s powerful word processing app available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to help users create beautiful and professional-looking documents with ease. The app offers a wide variety of customizable templates for different types of documents, including reports, resumes, newsletters, and more. Users can easily add text, images, shapes, and tables, and take advantage of advanced formatting tools to fine-tune their content. Pages also supports collaboration, allowing multiple people to work on a document simultaneously through iCloud. It integrates seamlessly with other Apple apps and supports exporting documents in various formats, including PDF and Microsoft Word, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use. For more information, you can visit the Apple Pages page.
Photos	The Apple Photos app is a comprehensive tool for managing, editing, and sharing photos and videos on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It automatically organizes your media into albums, moments, and collections, making it easy to find and relive memories. The app includes powerful editing features that allow users to enhance their photos with tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, color, and more. Users can also apply filters, crop, rotate, and remove unwanted elements with a touch. The app’s Memories feature automatically creates curated collections of photos and videos, complete with music and transitions. Photos integrates seamlessly with iCloud, ensuring that your media is securely backed up and accessible across all your Apple devices. Additionally, the app offers advanced search capabilities, enabling you to find specific photos by person, location, or object. For more information, you can visit the Apple Photos page.
Podcasts	The Apple Podcasts app is a feature-rich platform for discovering, subscribing to, and listening to a wide variety of podcasts on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It offers a vast library of free audio and video podcasts across diverse genres, including news, comedy, education, and entertainment. Key features include the ability to subscribe to your favorite shows, receive automatic updates when new episodes are released, and download episodes for offline listening. The app supports personalized recommendations based on your listening habits, curated collections, and the ability to create custom playlists. With seamless integration across Apple devices via iCloud, you can start listening on one device and continue on another without missing a beat. The app also supports AirPlay, allowing you to stream podcasts to compatible devices. For more information, you can visit the Apple Podcasts page.
Reality Composer	Reality Composer is an intuitive augmented reality (AR) creation tool by Apple, available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It allows users to build and prototype AR experiences without needing extensive coding knowledge. The app offers a range of ready-to-use 3D objects, animations, and behaviors that can be easily dragged and dropped into your scene. Users can place objects in a real-world environment, adjust their position, scale, and rotation, and add interactive elements such as triggers and animations. Reality Composer also integrates seamlessly with other Apple development tools, like Xcode and ARKit, making it easy to incorporate AR scenes into apps. Projects can be previewed in real time, and the finished AR experiences can be shared or embedded in other apps. For more information, you can visit the Apple Reality Composer page.
Reminders	The Apple Reminders app is a versatile task management tool available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, designed to help users stay organized and on top of their to-do lists. It allows users to create and manage reminders with due dates, times, locations, and priority levels. You can organize tasks into custom lists, add subtasks, and include notes or attachments for additional details. The app supports natural language input, making it easy to create reminders using simple phrases like “Remind me to call John tomorrow at 10 AM.” With iCloud integration, your reminders sync across all your Apple devices, ensuring you have access to your tasks wherever you go. The app also supports collaboration, allowing you to share lists with others and work together on tasks. For more information, you can visit the Apple Reminders page.
Shortcuts	The Apple Shortcuts app is a powerful automation tool available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to help users streamline tasks and increase productivity. With Shortcuts, you can create custom workflows that combine multiple actions from different apps into a single tap or voice command using Siri. The app comes with a gallery of pre-made shortcuts for common tasks, such as sending a message, getting directions, or creating reminders, which you can customize to fit your needs. You can also build your own shortcuts from scratch, combining actions from a wide range of apps and services. These shortcuts can be triggered in various ways, including through the app, Siri, widgets, or automation triggers like time of day, location, or connecting to a specific device. The app integrates seamlessly with iOS and macOS, allowing for deep system automation and making repetitive tasks faster and more efficient. For more information, you can visit the Apple Shortcuts page.
Swift Playgrounds	Swift Playgrounds is an educational app developed by Apple, designed to teach users the fundamentals of coding through interactive and fun lessons. Available on iPad and Mac, the app focuses on Swift, Apple’s powerful and easy-to-learn programming language used to create apps for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more. Swift Playgrounds offers a series of guided lessons where users solve puzzles and challenges by writing real code, making it an engaging way for beginners to learn programming concepts. The app also allows users to explore their creativity by building their own apps and experiments, with instant feedback on their code. Swift Playgrounds supports the integration of real-world devices, such as robots and drones, which can be programmed directly from the app, adding a hands-on aspect to the learning experience. For more information, you can visit the Apple Swift Playgrounds page.
Voice Memos	The Apple Voice Memos app is a simple yet powerful tool for recording audio on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It allows users to capture high-quality voice recordings for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, recording lectures, interviews, meetings, or personal memos. The app features easy-to-use controls for recording, pausing, and resuming, as well as options for trimming and editing your recordings directly within the app. With iCloud integration, your recordings are automatically synced across all your Apple devices, making them accessible wherever you are. Additionally, Voice Memos supports sharing recordings via email, messages, or AirDrop, and you can organize your recordings into folders for easy access. For more information, you can visit the Apple Voice Memos page.
Translate	The Apple Translate app is a powerful language translation tool available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to facilitate communication across different languages. It supports text and voice translations between multiple languages, allowing users to have conversations in real-time with someone who speaks a different language. Key features include the ability to translate text or spoken words, save favorite phrases for quick access, and access offline translation for selected languages, making it convenient for travel or situations where internet access is limited. The app also offers a conversation mode, where two people can speak into the device, and the app will translate each person’s speech, displaying the translated text and playing the audio out loud. Additionally, translations can be shown in full-screen mode for easier reading and sharing. For more information, you can visit the Apple Translate page.
Weather	The Apple Weather app is a comprehensive and visually appealing tool available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, designed to provide users with detailed and up-to-date weather information. The app offers real-time weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation, along with a 10-day forecast for planning ahead. It also includes features like hourly forecasts, severe weather alerts, and a radar map that shows precipitation patterns in your area. The app’s dynamic backgrounds reflect the current weather conditions, providing a visually immersive experience. Users can also track weather conditions in multiple locations, making it easy to stay informed about the weather wherever they are or plan to be. For more information, you can visit the Apple Weather page.

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