The Essential Mac Apps You Should Install First

A curated guide to the must-have apps for productivity, creativity, and Mac utility—tailored for every user.

Every new Mac is a fresh opportunity—a blank slate ready to unlock your true productivity. While macOS sets a high bar for usability and power, it’s only the beginning. To elevate your experience and truly make your Mac your own, you need the right apps.

Whether you’re setting up a new MacBook Pro or breathing new life into a reliable Mac mini, the choices you make at the start shape your entire workflow. Here’s a curated guide to the software that deserves a place in every dock, from intelligent utilities to pro-grade creative tools.

Productivity Powerhouses

Great productivity apps don’t just help you get things done; they transform how you work. These tools remove friction, streamline repetitive tasks, and let you stay in the zone.

Fantastical

While the built-in Calendar app covers the basics, Fantastical takes scheduling to a new level. Its standout feature is natural language parsing—type “Lunch with Sarah at 1 PM on Friday at Blue Bottle,” and your new event appears instantly, perfect…