The apps
Camera
- For more information, see Camera.
The Camera app is available from the start of the game, right after the tutorial. It can be used to take screenshots, as it gives you more control of the camera and access to various filters and frames.
Nook Miles
- For more information, see Nook Miles.
The Nook Miles app is essentially an achievement system in this game. It keeps track of your accomplished milestones and gives you a reward in the form of a new currency, Nook Miles. It is available from the start of the game. After you pay off your initial debt, it will be upgraded to Nook Miles+, which gives you repeating tasks that reward you with Nook Miles.
Critterpedia
You will receive this app after donating the first critter to Tom Nook. It shows all caught critters with images and their availability. Use the 
R and 
L button to see the bug tab or the fish tab. When you have a cursor on a critter, it will show Blathers' face next to it, if it has been already donated to the museum. The app will show notification every time you catch a new critter.
DIY Recipes
- For more information, see DIY Recipes
A new feature in game is taught the first day during Tom Nook's workshop. After completing this workshop, this app will be installed on your NookPhone. It keeps track of all learnt DIY Recipes including info about needed materials and it will show you which items you can currently craft with items on hand. You will find checking this often!
Island Designer
- For more information, see Island Designer
This app is unlocked whenever you obtaining the Island Designer Construction Permit, that is after K.K. Slider comes to your 3 star island. Thanks to this app you can do landscaping - add paths, cliffs or water structures.
Nook Shopping
Nook Shopping is initially available only using the Nook Stop, but if you find it using often and order 100 items from there, it will become available on your phone, making ordering things easier.
Custom Designs
- For more information, see Custom Designs
Use this custom design maker app to create patterns to your liking. This app is available from the start' in it's most basic form. To unlock the Pro version, purchase it using the Redeem Nook Miles option at the Nook Stop. It costs 800 Nook Miles.
Map
Use the map to help you navigate the way around your new island. The app is available from the start and will highligh all the houses and stores. It will also highligh whenever a shady visitor appears. Press the 
X button to toggle the minimap while playing.
Chat Log and Best Friends List
These apps unlock the moment you engage in the multiplayer. The Chat log keeps track of all the text bubbles that have been exchanged that session. Best Friends List allows you to check if your Switch friends, that you have asked to be Best Friends in game, are online.
Passport
- For list of titles, see Passport titles
The passport holds all the important details about you and your island - your birthday, name, your island's name, it's native fruit, date of starting. It will note if your character is a resident representative. You can edit the passport - changing the photo will prompt the camera app to open. Taking the passport photo is slightly different from normal photos - your character can not move, only turn, and a frame will appear in the middle of the screen, at your character's face.
You can also make your own title combining two words. These words can be obtained by completing Nook Miles tasks.
Call Islander
The Call Islander app becomes available after a second playable character moves on the island. It is used to initiate the Party Mode, in which four residents can play together.
! Rescue Service
This last app is available from the start. It will bring your character in front of your home. Use it, if you find yourself stuck in a place.