An estimated 61% of internet users in New Zealand stream videos on a daily basis as of 2018, in a report released by Statista. Streaming refers to watching a video or listening to music in real time instead of downloading the file. It comes as no surprise that streaming services feature among the top entertainment apps for New Zealanders.

With new apps being released daily, it can be hard to know what to download. Below we take a look at the top rated apps for the iPhone in the free to download, top grossing and paid categories.

Among the top free to download mobile entertainment apps for the iPhone are:

TikTok

This video-sharing social networking service is used to make a variety of short videos with a duration of 15 seconds to one minute. Last year New Zealand MPs and parliamentary staffers were advised to delete the app due to security concerns. Clare Winterbourn, head of Born and Bred Talent agency notes that TikTok has seen massive interest from brands and allowed for a new generation of content creators that show realness, personality and who aren’t perfect.

Sky Go – Companion App

Sky Go is a service for Sky domestic customers who have the minimum subscription package to watch selected channels on the go in New Zealand. Last month NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) announced the launch of Universal TV exclusively on Sky. Select box sets are available on Sky Go and Sky On Demand.

Netflix

This streaming service offers a wide variety of TV shows, movies, anime and documentaries. Shadow and Bone is among the more popular watches and follows the story of a war-torn world. Another must-watch, The Irregulars, is set in Victorian London and follows the exploits of a gang of street kids who are tasked with solving crimes with a supernatural twist.

Disney+

This versatile app can be used with Android TVs. Disney+ allows up to four devices to stream at once. With the likes of The Mandalorian and Gravity Falls, Kiwi’s can experience the magic of Disney anytime.

TVNZ

Television New Zealand, commonly referred to as TVNZ, is a free-to-air public broadcasting network. The network is commercially funded even though it identifies as a national part-public broadcaster. TVNZ OnDemand is a service that is free to join and use. No financial details are needed. With shows like Normal People, The Royals and Gavin and Stacey there is bound to be something for everyone.

Top grossing entertainment apps for the iPhone unsurprisingly includes Disney+ and Netflix. In a survey by Stuff it was found that 72% of respondents subscribed to Netflix. As of February, Disney beefed up their viewing options with movies from ABC, FX, 20th Century Studios and 20th Television. Over 35 first run series are set to premiere as Star Originals, giving Australian viewers a lot to look forward to. Some confirmed Star Originals include Big Sky, Helstrom, Solar Opposites and Love, Victor.

Animelab

This anime streaming service is only available in New Zealand and Australia and is ranked as the third highest grossing entertainment app by Similarweb. The app allows viewers to enjoy their favourite anime series and simulcasts direct from Japan in both dubbed and subbed versions.

Amazon Prime Video

Currently Amazon’s streaming service has more than 12,000 movies and 1,300 TV shows, providing Kiwi’s with entertainment since 2018. Amazon Prime can be enjoyed on certain smart TVs, Amazon devices, Xbox One and Playstation 4, iOS and Android devices and some Blu-Ray players. The main appeal is Prime members enjoy fast and free delivery on many purchases and are privy to exclusive early access deals and offers.

Crunchyroll

AnimeMotivation touts the most watched shows on Crunchyroll in Australia as Boruto, Tower of God (a Crunchyroll Original), Black Clover and Jujutsu Kaisen. Crunchyroll is an anime streaming service with more than a 1000 titles available, including Crunchyroll Originals. Tower of God is a dark fantasy action series and centres on the exploits of a young man as he fights his way through a mysterious Tower. The series is based on a comic book series of the same name.

Top paid apps for the iPhone includes

Duck Calls – High Quality Hunting Sounds

This one is for the hunters! Perching at the top of the list of top paid apps this lightweight app features 95+ sounds, alarm settings as well as the option to record your own sounds. Duck hunting season in New Zealand runs from May through to July traditionally.

Enigma Toolbox

A surprising entry occupying the second spot of current top paid apps, the developer clearly states that this app is for entertainment purposes only. Reviews regarding this app are mixed, but lean more toward the undesirable.

Ombi

A self-hosted web application that automatically gives Plex, Emby or Jellyfin users the ability to request content. Ombi can be linked to Movie DVR tools and strives to create a seamless end-to-end experience for users.

Blaze: Obstacle Course

Edutainment has a new champion! The game is designed to expose preschoolers to STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math) and encourages exploration as the players drive, swim and fly through different locations. Kids can earn trophies and collect flags with the help of their favorite Nickelodeon Junior characters and progress through 20 course levels of varying difficulty.

Elytra & Wings Addon Creator for Minecraft PC

In Minecraft the elytra is an item that cannot be made with a crafting table or furnace, but can be found inside the End Ship in the End City. This unofficial app allows the user to customize their elytra, creating unique wings. It features six editing tools and provides templates for an easy start to customizing elytra.

As is evidenced by this list, streaming apps account for the lion’s share of entertainment options and this is unlikely to change. Research found that as of August 2020, a stunning 99.1% of Netflix streaming via Fibre Max connections was in Ultra HD, clearly indicating that Australians and New Zealanders place value on having quality entertainment and streaming services available.

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