A tight shortlist. Apps that have survived years of evaluation across many workflows. One-line pitches; pick based on the friction you actually have.

The essentials

1. Things 3 — the best-designed task manager on iOS. Opinionated, fast.
2. Notion — your second brain. Wiki + tasks + docs in one surface.
3. Fantastical — natural-language calendar. The feature creep has been earned.
4. 1Password — credentials; the autofill on iOS is seamless.
5. Fastmail or HEY — a better email client changes how you feel about email.

For writing & reading

6. Drafts — where text starts; route it anywhere.
7. Ulysses or iA Writer — serious writing on iPad.
8. Readwise Reader — all-in-one read-later + highlights.
9. Obsidian — if you want your notes in plain text files you control.

For focus & habits

10. ScreenZen — delay-before-opening pattern breaks reflex app launches.
11. Freedom — scheduled full blocks.
12. Streaks — simple habit tracker.
13. Forest — Pomodoro with a visual reward loop.

For iPad specifically

14. GoodNotes or Notability — handwritten notes with Apple Pencil.
15. Procreate — if you do any visual work.
16. Split View and Stage Manager — built-in, use them properly.

The honest rule for iPad

iPad productivity isn't about apps — it's about workflow. If you can't write long-form on iPad, no app fixes that; a keyboard case and Apple Pencil do. If your primary computer is still a Mac, the iPad shines as a capture device, a reading surface, and a second-screen calendar viewer more than as a primary work machine. Pick apps that match how you'll actually use the hardware.