Flashlight by Flashlight+ 4.1

Here’s one flashlight app that you might keep on your iPhone for more than just a day or two. Created by a developer who sells many apps on iTunes and always changes its name in accordance with the app (for one reason or another), Flashlight’ (with an apostrophe) is quite the utility.

While it’s packed to the brim with ads and nag screens, Flashlight’ has one ace up its sleeve that might just make you keep it, with all its downsides.

A regular flashlight app with a surprise bonus

Flashlight’ doesn’t start off with a description of its features, or even a user guide. Instead, it displays an ad. You can dismiss it and start using its features, such as turning the flashlight on and off, using strobe mode and SOS, adjusting the intensity, etc.

But there’s one button there that pops out a really nice surprise: a text-to-morse converter that lets you input whole sentences and have them converted to Morse Code. You may not think much of this feature, but if you’re ever stranded somewhere and the only way to communicate your status to your saviors is Morse Code, you’ll be patting yourself on the shoulder for keeping this app on your iPhone.

A reel at the bottom lets you adjust the speed of the light signals, and you can go inside the converter and start typing your next sentence as the current one is being played out.

Built in compass, annoying extras

The built-in compass in the middle of the UI is a nice addition, but there are various other controls - like the “i” button and the “+” that only serve as more ways for the developer to monetize on this so-called “free” app.

Also worth noting is that it wants to send you push notifications. For what, it doesn’t say. And we said no to that prompt. But we have a hunch it’s for the ads.

Add to watchlist:

OutdoorFlashlight

• EasyMeasure 12.6
• Alarm Clock Free for iOS 8 - Best Alarm Clocks with Wake Up Music 2.7
• Ultra Utilities! + QR Scanner 6.2
• FlashLight LED HD 1.51