The best new Android apps and games for September 2024

Many new Android apps are out there, but keeping track of them is tough. But we’re happy to do that hard work for you. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best new Android apps and new Android games available, focusing on titles that offer something different to the status quo. Be sure to visit our list of the best Android apps of all time, best Android games ever, and our selection of the best new Android apps released in 2023 for more.

Pixel Weather

The Google Pixel 9’s weather app can be yours (if you have a modern phone).

• Price: Free
• Developer: Google

The Google Pixel 9 series launched with a new weather app, Pixel Weather. It makes several changes to Google’s original weather app design, including relocating the iconic frog and introducing a movable widget-like card system. More importantly, for Pixel 9 users, the app also includes AI weather summaries.

While you won’t be able to take advantage of the latter feature if you’re using another device, you can install the app if your phone is running Android 14. The app itself is also well worth it, even if there are arguably better weather apps.

Nevertheless, grab the app below if you want to get a taste of what Pixel 9 users are getting served.

Book’s Story

A simple e-book reader with a pleasing Material design.

• Price: Free
• Developer: Acclorite

I don’t change my e-book reader app often, but Book’s Story gave me pause this month. I stumbled across the app on Reddit’s FOSSDroid subreddit, installed it, and found a surprisingly rich e-book experience shrouded in Google’s Material aesthetics.

It supports seven file formats, including PDFs and ePUBs, and offers a great theming system. Yes, the app itself is still pretty young, and I did go back to a more feature-rich alternative, but Book’s Story will be one to watch.

ElevenLabs Reader

An AI-fueled app that turns boring text into celeb-narrated audiobooks.

• Price: Free
• Developer: Eleven Labs

AI is playing an increasingly significant role in how smartphones and their apps function, and ElevenLab’s Reader is a great example of how this change is hugely beneficial. The app can read various text-based file formats, effectively turning any document into an audiobook. This is great for absorbing dense PDFs for research or listening to longer articles.

There are several AI voices to choose from, rather oddly from deceased celebrities like James Dean. These voices can sound strange, especially if you’re used to listening to human-voiced podcasts. Nevertheless, it’s a cool trick.

While the app is free, the company is planning a premium version in the near future.

Ouros

Join points by manipulating a colorful line in this calming, math-based puzzle game.

• Price: $2.99
• Developer: Michael Kamm

Ours is a mathematical puzzle game that challenges users to connect a series of points on a map by manipulating a line. Players can push and pull the line, which can loop or cross over itself.

The game’s core and mechanics are simple, but it’s surprisingly relaxing like less demanding games of its ilk. It also offers more than 120 puzzles for those with plenty of time.

It’s worth noting that Ouros will demand a small fee, but I think it’s well worth it.

K-Pop Academy

Create your own K-Pop army with this idol simulator.

• Price: Free / In-app purchases from $0.99 to $9.99 per item
• Developer: Hyperbeard

If you ever wanted to create a K-Pop group, here’s your chance. This simulator, aptly named K-Pop Academy, allows you to create your idols, each with unique personalities and styles. Players can also create homes for their group, cook for them, rehearse routines, and eventually perform. Think Animal Crossing but with a K-Pop twist.

The game is free to play but features in-app purchases. It’s also fairly buggy at present, but these minor problems don’t trouble gameplay at all.

Auto Pirates: Captains Cup

Think Mario Kart or CTR, but Disney characters and Asphalt mechanics.

• Price: Free / In-app purchases from $12.99 to $26.99 per item
• Developer: Featherweight

Finally, let’s talk about an auto battler game. I don’t delve into these often, but Auto Pirates is particularly cute. The game lets you build a crew to battle other users in a series of turn-based online combat rounds. As you progress, you can upgrade your crew with the loot you earn, improving your chances in battle. However, strategy does play an important part in every skirmish.

The visuals are adorable, while the game’s mechanics get more familiar as you progress. There is a learning curve, but I rarely play auto battlers, and I got the hang of it pretty quickly.

The title’s free to play, but in-app purchases are available.