Q: I changed from Android where Google apps were and now I'm using an iPhone 6 Plus. I liked Google+ but since the update it blows. So, my question is, please name apps that will replace Google for me on my iPhone 6 Plus. Sincerely, Kay
Some people want to switch to iPhone but only for the hardware, not the services. For them Google apps for iOS make it ridiculously easy to log in and keep right on going. Others, like Kay, want to switch to away from Google's services and apps as well. Luckily for them, Apple, Microsoft, and others offer alternatives.
If you want to switch completely away from Google Services, you'll need an account with a different provider. A free iCloud account comes with your new iPhone, so you can easily try that and see how you like it. Otherwise, a free Microsoft account gives you access to a wide range of services as well. None of them have the scope of Google, nor the online excellence, but if you don't want Google, they along with a few others like Dropbox, can absolutely get the job done.
On the other hand, Google hasn't been as great about updating and providing truly native fit and finish on iOS, so you can get a better, more integrated experience with Apple's built-in apps, and just as good as Google, if not better, with Microsoft and others.
Here's a quick reference for Google services and apps, and their alternatives.
| Apple | Microsoft | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Account | iCloud Account | Outlook Account | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
| Gmail | Outlook | Spark | |
| Google Calendar | Calendar | Sunrise* | Fantastical |
| Google Maps | Maps | Row 3 - Cell 2 | Here |
| Chrome | Safari | Row 4 - Cell 2 | Opera |
| Drive | iCloud Drive | OneDrive | Dropbox |
| Sheets | Numbers | Excel | Row 6 - Cell 3 |
| Docs | Pages | Word | Row 7 - Cell 3 |
| Slides | Keynote | PowerPoint | Row 8 - Cell 3 |
| Google+ | Row 9 - Cell 1 | Row 9 - Cell 2 | |
| Hangouts | Messages FaceTime | Skype | Row 10 - Cell 3 |
| Google Photos | Photos | Row 11 - Cell 2 | Flickr |
| Google Now | Siri** | Cortana | Row 12 - Cell 3 |
| Google Wallet | Wallet | Row 13 - Cell 2 | Row 13 - Cell 3 |
| Google Authenticator | Row 14 - Cell 1 | Row 14 - Cell 2 | Authy |
| Google Keep | Notes | OneNote | Evernote |
| Google Search | Spotlight** | Bing | Row 16 - Cell 3 |
*Sunrise is being discontinued and its features integrated into Outlook for iOS.
**Siri and Spotlight might source search results, in part, from Google.
Again, you can absolute switch to the iPhone and keep on using all the Google apps and services you're used to. The iPhone, it turns out, is a good Google phone as well. If you want something different, though, if you want an alternative, Apple, Microsoft, and others can provide it.
Apple even provides a Move to iOS app to get your started!
