Open-Source on iPhone: The Best Free Apps to Download Now

The iPhone App Store is filled with paid and subscription-based apps, but open-source alternatives are rising in popularity. These apps are community-driven, transparent, and free to use. They offer both security and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for users who want control over their digital experience. 

Take a look at these top 5 free open-source apps for iPhone worth installing in 2025.

1. VLC Media Player

Category: Media & Entertainment

Why it’s great: VLC is one of the most powerful open-source media players. It supports almost every video and audio format without requiring additional codecs.

Features:

  • Plays local files, network streams, and cloud storage content.
  • Supports subtitles and advanced playback controls.
  • Regularly updated by an active developer community.

2. Standard Notes

Category: Productivity

Why it’s great: A simple yet powerful note-taking app that prioritizes privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption to protect your notes.

Features:

  • Secure note storage with optional extensions for advanced editing.
  • Cross-platform syncing.
  • Focus on privacy with no ads or tracking.

3. Nextcloud

Category: Cloud Storage

Why it’s great: An open-source alternative to Google Drive and iCloud. Nextcloud gives complete control over your files and data.

Features:

  • Self-hosted cloud storage solution.
  • File sharing and syncing across devices.
  • Calendar, contacts, and collaboration tools included.

4. Proton Mail

Category: Email & Communication

Why it’s great: A highly secure, open-source email service. Proton Mail is built on Swiss privacy laws and offers end-to-end encryption for emails.

Features:

  • Zero-access encryption for messages.
  • Open-source codebase for transparency.
  • Easy-to-use mobile app with modern UI.

5. Bitwarden

Category:Security & Password Management

Why it’s great: Managing passwords is essential, and Bitwarden is one of the best open-source solutions. It’s free, secure, and cross-platform.

Features:

  • Stores and auto-fills passwords securely.
  • End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge policy.
  • Cloud sync or self-hosted options.

Conclusion

Open-source apps are not only free but also empower users with transparency, security, and community-driven improvements. Apps like VLC, Standard Notes, Nextcloud, Proton Mail, and Bitwarden showcase the strength of open-source development and are must-haves for iPhone users in 2025. If you’re looking for apps that respect privacy while offering premium functionality, these free open-source options are the perfect place to start.