Apps 18 October 2025 - 1 February 2026

Apple removed the viral check-in app “Are You Dead?” from its mainland China App Store early Friday after backlash over its blunt name. The app, now rebranded as “Demumu” and charging 8 yuan, reached No. 2 on China’s paid-app chart. Developers said the takedown was abrupt. The app targets people living alone, alerting contacts if users miss daily check-ins.

Phictly, a new social app for iOS and Android, launched globally on November 22, 2025, offering 20-person clubs focused on single books, TV shows, or movies with spoiler-safe features. Tech media worldwide reported on the app, created by Nyleena Aiken to address frustrations with traditional book clubs.

On 17 November, Gearnews published a buyer’s guide highlighting top MIDI controller apps for iOS, including TouchOSC, which enables iPhones and iPads to function as customizable control surfaces for music studios. Developers such as FAC and NovoNotes are releasing advanced modulation and MPE-ready controllers. iOS 18 adds deeper customization and integration for music workflows.

HappenArt and Joconde apps are driving gallery discovery worldwide as of November 14, 2025, with major media coverage and new features. The National Gallery Singapore opened its “Into the Modern” Impressionist exhibition today, expecting most visitors to find it via influencer apps and social feeds rather than traditional listings. TechRadar praised Joconde for its art-history tools. HappenArt updated its geolocation and news aggregation features.

Google Wallet will soon support an Express Transit Card, allowing users to pay for public transport without unlocking their phones. Riders can set a dedicated transit card separate from their default payment method. The feature matches Apple and Samsung’s tap-and-go options and aims to streamline commutes for Android users. No launch date announced.