12 School and Study Apps for iPhone and iPad

Listings and provider information reviewed November 3, 2026. U.S. App Store; iPhone and iPad.

School apps serve different jobs: keeping track of assignments, taking notes, reviewing facts, practising a subject and checking a calculation. This guide compares twelve options across those tasks, including what their free or paid plans provide and where the mobile apps have limits.

The selections below are grouped by use, based on current App Store listings and official provider documentation. Suggested study routines are AppShifted editorial examples. For Apple’s changing download charts, see the U.S. Education charts. A chart position measures popularity in that chart; choose tools that fit the course and the device you already use.

School and study apps at a glance

All twelve listings support iPhone and iPad. Minimum versions below apply to the current app release and were checked on the review date. Check the linked listing on your own device before downloading. Free downloads can include subscriptions, advertising or usage limits.

Scroll horizontally to see the full comparison.

Sources: the individual App Store listings and provider plan/help pages linked in each section. Comparison and suggested uses: AppShifted. Purchase models, requirements and features can change.

Assignments, timetables and school accounts

1. Google Classroom: assigned work and teacher feedback

Google Classroom on the App Store brings class announcements, assignments, due dates and feedback to a phone or tablet. Students can open classwork, attach files and submit work through the app. It is useful when a teacher already uses Classroom to distribute assignments and return grades.

Cost and limits: The app is free. Sign in with the account connected to the class; school access may depend on administrator settings. Google lists Docs, Sheets and Slides as companion apps needed for all mobile features. Install and sign in to those before trying a document-based submission. See Google’s mobile app requirements and iPhone/iPad sign-in instructions.

Study use: Read the assignment instructions first, prepare the required file, then confirm its submission status. Return to the assignment after grading to read feedback and record any corrections.

2. My Study Life: rotating schedules and homework deadlines

My Study Life – School Planner on the App Store combines class timetables, homework, exams and reminders. Its support for weekly and rotating schedules suits schools whose class order changes across days or weeks. The app also lists focus timers, widgets and grade tracking, with access depending on the plan.

Cost and limits: The download is free with advertising and optional subscriptions. The current MSL+ comparison limits free use to five active homework/revision tasks; unlimited tasks, subtasks, recurring tasks and external calendar sync are paid features. Family Connect is a separate offering. Check those limits before entering a full term’s work.

Study use: Enter term dates and timetable rotations, then add each assignment with its actual due date. Review the following day’s tasks each evening and schedule work early enough to allow for questions or corrections.

Class notes, handwriting and PDF annotation

3. Goodnotes: handwritten notebooks and annotated slides

Goodnotes on the App Store combines handwriting, typed text and images with PDF annotation. Searchable handwriting can help locate an earlier definition or worked example. It also offers audio linked to notes and Study Sets for flashcard practice. An iPad with a compatible stylus gives more writing space; stylus support depends on the device.

Cost and limits: Goodnotes has a limited free plan, subscriptions and an Apple-only Special Edition one-time purchase where offered. The free plan currently allows three files; its help also lists import, export and recording limits. Special Edition excludes Goodnotes Cloud, so check the selected plan before relying on cross-platform synchronization. Compare current plans and compatibility and free-plan details.

Study use: Import the lecture slides before class, annotate the relevant page and mark questions beside the example. After class, create a small Study Set from selected definitions and export a copy of important notes.

4. Notability: notes with synchronized lecture audio

Notability on the App Store supports handwriting, typed notes, sketches, images and imported PDFs. Its audio recording follows the timing of written notes, making it possible to revisit the explanation associated with an annotated example. Folders and subjects organize material by class.

Cost and limits: The free Starter plan has five starter notes and a monthly editing allowance. Paid options differ: the Classic one-time purchase and subscriptions do not include the same study and transcription features. Read the subscription FAQ and Classic terms before choosing. The current App Store release requires iOS/iPadOS 18.

Study use: Keep a slide deck and its annotations together. Obtain permission before recording a class. During revision, replay the relevant explanation and write a short summary of the method in your own words.

5. Microsoft OneNote: notebooks for several subjects

Microsoft OneNote on the App Store arranges material into notebooks, sections and pages. It accepts typed notes, ink, images and task lists, and supports shared notebooks. This structure works for a course notebook with separate topics and dated lesson pages, especially when a school already uses Microsoft accounts.

Cost and limits: Core note-taking is free with a Microsoft or school/work account; optional purchases and advanced services have separate requirements. The current iPhone/iPad release requires OS 26. The mobile apps also have organization and template limits. Download needed attachments before working offline; Microsoft explains offline access and later synchronization.

Study use: Give each lesson a dated page with examples and a short question list. For shared notes, agree on section names and confirm whose account owns the notebook before adding the class’s work.

Flashcards and scheduled review

6. Quizlet: course flashcards and practice sessions

Quizlet: More than Flashcards on the App Store creates study sets from typed material or uploaded notes and provides flashcards, Learn sessions and practice tests. It suits terms, definitions, short explanations and other material that can be checked with a question and answer.

Cost and limits: Free access and optional Plus subscriptions have different allowances. Learn is primarily a paid feature, with an introductory free session and certain teacher-class exceptions; see Learn access. Sets are normally public by default, with different defaults for younger users. Review set visibility before uploading course notes.

Study use: Make a short set for one lesson and check every answer against the course material. Answer each card before revealing it, then revisit missed items. Check shared or automatically generated sets for errors before using them for revision.

7. AnkiMobile Flashcards: regular review of due cards

AnkiMobile Flashcards on the App Store schedules cards using Anki’s review algorithms and provides deck searches and study statistics. Downloaded card images and audio are stored locally for offline review. Optional AnkiWeb synchronization connects the mobile app with other devices.

Cost and limits: AnkiMobile is a one-time paid app. Desktop Anki is a separate free program and AnkiWeb sync is free. Some editing tasks require the computer program, and desktop add-ons do not run inside AnkiMobile. Check the exact app name and publisher when comparing similarly named apps. The AnkiMobile manual explains its relationship to desktop Anki.

Study use: Create one question per card and include a brief explanation where needed. Review due cards regularly. Set a manageable number of new cards so the next review session fits the time available.

Subject lessons, languages and math

8. Khan Academy: explanations and subject practice

Khan Academy on the App Store offers subject videos, articles, practice exercises and quizzes with hints and feedback. A free account synchronizes progress. It is a useful option when a student needs another explanation of a class topic or extra practice on a specific skill.

Cost and limits: The learning app is free. Downloaded videos can be watched offline, but that does not make every exercise or service available without a connection; see offline guidance. Teacher, parent and district tools use the website, and some programming and test-preparation material is outside the mobile app’s coverage.

Study use: Match the topic to the current lesson, watch the explanation and attempt related questions. Use hints to locate a missing step, then return to the class assignment. Download videos in advance when internet access will be limited.

9. Duolingo: short language-practice sessions

Duolingo: Learn Languages on the App Store provides reading, writing, listening and speaking exercises with progress tracking and practice reminders. Its short sessions can supplement a school’s language course. The app also lists math, music and chess courses; availability and lesson types vary.

Cost and limits: Courses have free access with ads, alongside Super, Max and other purchases. The free experience can limit practice through energy or hearts, depending on the account and rollout. Check Duolingo’s free and paid tier explanation and energy guidance. Course coverage and subscription features differ.

Study use: Complete a short lesson and write several original sentences using the vocabulary. Connect app practice with assigned reading, listening and conversation exercises. Use the course syllabus to decide which vocabulary needs extra attention.

10. Photomath: compare the steps in a math solution

Photomath on the App Store accepts camera input for supported printed or handwritten math and displays solution steps. The listing also includes alternative methods, a scientific calculator and interactive graphs. It can help identify where a worked solution diverges from an expected method.

Cost and limits: Core steps are free; Plus adds explanations and tutorials. Photomath requires a stable internet connection and processes scanned images in the cloud. Review its connection requirement and processing and plan explanation. Coverage varies by problem, and camera recognition should be checked against the original expression.

Study use: Attempt the problem first, scan it and verify every symbol. Compare the first step where the solutions differ, then solve a similar example independently. Follow the teacher’s rules on solution tools for assignments and assessments.

11. WolframAlpha Classic: calculations, units and interpreted queries

WolframAlpha Classic on the App Store computes answers from written queries, including calculations and unit conversions. It is useful for checking the numerical result or units after working through a problem. Read the displayed interpretation to confirm that the query represents the question you intended.

Cost and limits: This link opens the paid Classic app, with an optional recurring Pro subscription for additional steps, hints and input features. It is a separate listing from the newer free WolframAlpha app. Compare the exact listing and account terms before paying. Wolfram’s FAQ explains queries and Pro accounts.

Study use: Enter a calculation with explicit units, read the interpreted input and compare the result with your own working. Record the method and assumptions in your notes so the answer remains understandable when revising later.

Focused reading and revision

12. Forest: timed study with app restrictions

Forest: Focus for Productivity on the App Store uses a focus timer and a growing virtual tree to represent time spent on a task. It also offers Deep Focus app blocking, session records and group sessions. Core timer and local-record functions work offline.

Cost and limits: Forest currently has free core features with occasional ads and optional Plus purchases. For new users, custom app allowlists and expanded analytics require Plus; qualifying existing Pro users retain earlier benefits. Group sessions and account sync need internet access. The official feature and plan comparison lists the current differences.

Study use: Choose a specific task, such as reading one chapter or reviewing a short deck, and set a session length that fits it. Check that blocking settings leave required study tools accessible. Keep a separate list of questions to address when the session ends.

Build a study routine with a small set of apps

Start with the systems your school already uses. Classroom handles teacher-assigned work when the class uses it; a planner can combine deadlines from several classes. Choose a main notebook and a review tool, then add a subject app for a specific need. Compare the free limits before paying for overlapping features.

1. At the start of the week: Read assignment instructions and enter the actual deadlines and exam dates. Break larger work into sessions that fit around classes and other commitments.
2. After a lesson: Review the notes, identify unclear points and add a few questions or flashcards. Check imported or generated material against the teacher’s sources.
3. During practice: Attempt a question before opening a solution tool. Use an explanation to locate the missing step, then try another example using the same method.
4. Before class or travel: Download needed notes, attachments or videos and open them once without a connection. Offline support differs by app and feature.
5. At the end of the week: Check remaining tasks, export important notes where supported and review any subscription you no longer use.

Accounts, sharing and class material

Use the school-approved account for class submissions and shared notebooks. Check visibility before publishing a flashcard set or sharing notes. Obtain permission for lecture recordings and follow the course’s rules on uploaded material and solution tools. For younger students, check account requirements with a parent or school before signing up.

Apple’s App Privacy section describes data practices reported by the developer, including data linked to an account and data used for tracking. Read that section and the app’s own policy when choosing a tool for class notes, images or recordings. Apple’s guide to App Store privacy information explains the labels and their limits.

Source review: November 3, 2026. Features, costs and device requirements come from the linked App Store and provider pages; this comparison is based on documentation, without purchases or testing on student accounts. For more AppShifted coverage, see App Store categories and current Apple devices.