From Lyft to Spotify: 12 essential apps you should download to your smartphone now

LOS ANGELES – It's been two years since a new smash hit app has taken over the nation – remember Pokemon Go? But meanwhile, some of our favorite apps have gotten better, stronger and more essential to our lives. Perhaps you have a new phone, or it's been awhile since you updated your app roster. I've put a list together looking at the landscape of free and essential apps that everyone would want on their phones, from email assistants, to best mapping, ride-hailing and photo sharing. Here's the Talking Tech guide to the 12 app categories you want to have represented on your phone, and our multiple choices for downloading.