Temporarily free premium Android and IOS apps

This column is published twice a week to help you save time on research, but if you are taking a break this weekend, you might want to check if there is anything new on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. More importantly, is it free? Well, sometimes apps are made available for free for a limited time.

All of the apps that we have included below are generally paid for, but their makers have temporarily made them available for free. We have gone through each app and made sure that it has at least 3.5 stars and has little to no microtransactions.

Note that these are time-limited promotions as per the terms and conditions of the individual app creators. If you come across an app that is on the list but has since gone back to being a paid download, please let us know so we can adjust the story appropriately.

Useful tip: When you find an app that you want to have but do not need right now, download and install it first. It will be regarded as “purchased” and will stay in your app library indefinitely—even if you immediately remove it from your smartphone.

Android apps that are free for a short time

Android apps for productivity and lifestyle

• Simple Quote Widget ($0.99): Want an inspirational quote to perk up your day? Get boosted with this app.
• One Swipe Notes ($0.99): While there are many note apps out there, this is one of the more interesting ones, allowing you to take down notes just a swipe away even if you are playing games or doing something else.
• Alfacast x screen mirror ($9.99): Older TVs might not have that kind of interconnectivity with your phone, which is why this screen mirroring app breathes new life into old TVs.
• Bass Booster & Equalizer Pro ($2.99): Give your bass a boost on your phone’s speakers. Works better if you have stereo speakers!

Android games

• Surface Trimino ($0.99): Do you have what it takes to increase the surface area of the same color to hit the target? A puzzler to while your weekend away.
• Infinity Highway ($0.99): Pick a car, race against other cars, win, and earn money for upgrades… if only life were that simple.
• Train Simulator ($0.49): Sheldon from Big Bang Theory would not want to miss this. Be a train driver and ferry your passengers to safety, work across the globe, and build subway stations!
• Word Connect Pro 2023 ($2.99): How many words can you form from a few given letters? Time to get that brain working!
• AceSpeeder3 ($0.49): A futuristic racing game that is sure to set your pulse racing!

iOS apps that are free for a short time

iOS apps for productivity and lifestyle

• Ring Sizer Converter ($1.99): Are you all primed up to pop the question to your beloved? Make sure you get the ring size right first!
• Video Compressor ($1.99): Living up to its name, this app helps you save space by compressing video without losing too much quality in the process.
• HibiDo Pro ($2.99): A task, reminder, and planner app all rolled into one. How much more convenient can it get?
• Unlimited Math Problems ($2.99): Love math? Try this app out, it is sure to keep you occupied for hours on end.

Free games for iPhone and iPad

• Jumpy Horse ($0.99): Breed horses, participate in competitions such as racing and jumping, and have fun while you’re at it! At least there is no need to scoop up poop.
• Dirt Trackin’ 2 ($3.99): A rally racer that features pretty realistic mechanics as you tear up the track to achieve the fastest times possible.
• Street Kart #1 ($1.99): Touted as the “best kart racing mobile sim ever made”, the graphics are amazing and it requires both strategy and skill to emerge the winner.
• Shiny Ski Resort ($4.99): Ever wanted to live the dream of owning a ski resort? Live out that dream by building your own ski resort and keeping guests happy.
• Portal Dogs ($2.99): A platformer where you need to locate all your loyal subjects throughout the numerous levels.