Alfred
It is fast, the first time I used it felt like a jumpscare. Files are searched at “speed of type”. And it has a single-purchase license for the Pro version.
Arc
I don’t love where this company is going, but the app still works well enough for me to prefer it to Safari.
Bear
It’s surprisingly difficult to make a good markdown editor. Bear does it by focusing only on the Apple ecosystem, and it does it very, very well.
Bike
Everyone needs an outliner, Bike is the nicest one out there.
Bitwarden
Open-source password manager that just works.
Garageband
Someday I will learn to use an proper DAW, until then I will tap and swipe tracks in place on my iPad.
Klokki
The free version of the more powerful time-tracker Klokki, but with all the excellent design choices and good-enough core functionality.
Stats
Menu bar app for keeping an eye on system stats, is an open-source alternative to iStats.
Sublime Text
I work on all my static sites here, it’s just much nicer to be writing markup here than a full IDE.
Telegram
Easily the best-designed messaging app.
tldraw
The best infinite canvas app on the web.