Remember when you had to leave the house to do almost everything? Go to the bank, call a taxi, order food, pay a bill, rent a movie, or even make a doctor's appointment… Today, all of this can be done via cell phone.
With just a few taps on the screen, applications have replaced several traditional services that previously took up time, space, and even money. They not only made life easier, but they completely changed the way we interact with companies and professionals.
In this post, you will learn about the 6 best apps that are here to stay — and which made many old habits unnecessary.
If you're still stuck with certain in-person services, it might be time to pivot and adopt simpler solutions.
1# Nubank – replacing the traditional bank
Previously, opening an account meant going to a branch, signing paperwork, and waiting days. Today, with Nubank (and other digital banks), you can do everything right on your phone.
With Nubank, you can:
- Open a free account
- Receive salary and make Pix
- Pay bills and invoices
- Use credit or debit card
- Invest, save money and track expenses
The app replaces the manager, the teller, and even the calculator. The interface is simple and intuitive, and perfect for those who want banking freedom without lines or fees.
Other digital banks like Inter, C6, and Neon also offer this experience. But Nubank stood out for popularizing the concept in Brazil.
2# iFood – replacing the phone (and the paper menu)
You've probably been there: calling to order pizza, repeating the address three times, and hoping for the right one. Today, with iFood, this process has become digital, fast, and transparent.
iFood allows you to:
- Choose nearby restaurants based on location
- See photos and reviews of the dishes
- Track your order in real time
- Pay with card, Pix or app balance
- Schedule deliveries
The app eliminated the phone, the physical menu, and even the wallet. It became a complete food service for everyday life, from breakfast to dinner.
And the best part: with coupons, promotions, and convenience—something the old model couldn't deliver.
3# Netflix – replacing the video store
Going to the rental store, choosing a DVD, remembering to return it on time… all of that is a thing of the past. Netflix has transformed the way we consume movies and TV shows.
Now you can:
- Watch what you want, when you want
- Create custom profiles
- Binge-watch series without ads
- Use on multiple devices
- Download content to watch offline
Netflix didn't just replace the video store. It created a new consumption pattern: streaming on demand.
And the movement didn't stop there. Today we have Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Globoplay, HBO Max, and other platforms—but it was Netflix that paved the way.
4# 99 – replacing the street taxi
Before, taking a taxi could be a challenge. You had to get to a stop, wait, negotiate a price, or hope the driver accepted credit cards. Today, with 99, everything is done through the app.
The service offers:
- Fixed price races
- Payment by Pix, card or cash
- Driver evaluation
- Frequent promotions
- Options for more economical or more comfortable running
99 and other platforms like Uber have completely changed people's relationship with urban transportation. They brought security, practicality and control for an experience that was previously unpredictable.
5# Canva – replacing printers and designers for the basics
Need to create a beautiful business card, invitation, Instagram post, or resume? Previously, you'd have to hire a designer or go to a print shop. With Canva, you can do it all yourself—and for free.
The app allows you to:
- Create art with ready-made templates
- Use free fonts, icons, and images
- Edit with ease (even without design knowledge)
- Save as PDF, PNG, or JPG
- Share directly on social media
Canva is not a substitute for professional designers on complex projects. But for simple and quick tasks, it's a perfect solution. It's like having a mini agency on your phone.
6# Doctoralia – replacing paper diaries and phone calls to schedule appointments
Booking doctor appointments over the phone is a thing of the past. With Doctoralia, you can find a doctor, see available appointment times, book directly from the app, and receive automatic reminders.
The platform allows:
- Filter by specialty, health plan or location
- See reviews from other patients
- Receive appointment confirmation and reminder
- Cancel or reschedule without bureaucracy
It connects doctors and patients quickly, eliminating endless calls and waiting for appointments.
It is also very useful for those who are in another city or want telemedicine care.
What do these transformations have in common?
These apps have changed the game because eliminated intermediaries, simplified processes and gave control to the user.
Before, you depended on someone to schedule, answer, explain, and sell. Now, you choose, play, pay, and receive—in your own time.
It's more autonomy, less stress. More results, less hassle.
But is it safe to trust these apps?
Yes, as long as you follow some basic precautions:
- Download only official apps from your mobile stores
- Enable two-step verification (when possible)
- Do not share passwords or personal data with strangers.
- Avoid clicking on links outside of apps for payments or promotions.
These apps invest heavily in security. And, in case of problems, most have fast and effective support channels.
Are you going to stop there?
No. What we've seen so far is just the beginning. The trend is that more and more traditional services are replaced or digitized.
Soon, you may be resolving issues with the government, signing contracts, accessing quality education, and even participate in votes directly from your cell phone, safely and conveniently.
Those who adapt to these changes more quickly save time, money and peace of mind.
What if I don't adapt?
That's okay. The transition doesn't have to be radical. You can test gradually, maintain traditional options in parallel, and migrate at your own pace.
But it's worth remembering: Those who learn to use technology wisely have more freedom. And today, freedom also means being able to resolve things with just a few clicks.
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March 22, 2025
Graduated in Portuguese/English Literature from the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), with postgraduate degrees in Art in Education (FAPI) and School Psychopedagogy (FAPI), creator and owner of the website. Successful Writer, has experience writing for blogs in general and works as a writer and editor of the content for 11 APP.