App report: Kicking my World Cup withdrawal

Kickabout, a soccer (or football, depending on your location) simulation app, brings the excitement of World Cup matches back to your iOS device. The game lets you control an 8-player team, each with specific movement areas, and aims to score goals within a 2-minute match. Goals and shots off the post earn you points, which can be used to acquire various national teams, from the U.S. to Spain, the recent world champions.

The app also features single-player and dual-player modes, although the latter may feel cramped on smaller screens like the iPhone 17. Kickabout is free to download, and a $3 in-app purchase removes ads.

Undolly, a photo organization tool, helps manage your iOS device's photo library by eliminating duplicate images, identifying large videos, and highlighting other space-consuming content like RAW, timelapse, and animated images. The app's features will depend on your usage habits, but it can be particularly helpful for those who frequently take screenshots for articles. Undolly starts as a free download, with a subscription offering full access to its features for $4 per month or $15 annually.

VWLSS, a daily word puzzle app, offers a fresh take on Wordle by presenting eight words each tied to a specific category, with all vowels omitted. Players can guess the words either by typing the answer or using the speech feature. VWLSS stands out with its unique iPhone-specific elements, making it a valuable addition to your daily gameplay rotation. The app is free to download, and users can take advantage of a free three-day trial before committing to a subscription, which costs $4 monthly or $40 for a lifetime payment.