Pretty much since the dawn of the iPhone, developers have been making DJing apps – a task that, initially, Apple didn’t make very easy for them.
Concerned that we might enjoy our music outside of the warm but secure embrace of iTunes, the iOS overlords denied access to the music library (you know, the one you already owned) effectively crippling the early DJing apps from the outset. Workarounds were found, typically by importing tracks into the apps’ own quarantined folder, or by bundling music with the download, but it was impractical at best.
Eventually Apple relented, and access to the library was given. There was much rejoicing, and the iOS DJing app lurked out of stifled obscurity into the mainstream.
Some limitations do still remain, however, notably the lone audio output that makes pre-cueing nigh on impossible. Some apps get around this by piping one track down the left channel, and another down the right, but it means going mono, and you’ll need a cable splitter too.
Despite these limitations, there are now some very capable DJing apps available; we’ve scoured the App Store for the best offerings on the market, from straight up vinyl emulators to futuristic four-deck performance tools. Whether you’re looking for something to spice up a party, or a serious creative tool, there is an app for you here.
Best of all is that you don’t have to pay a premium for top features, with all of these apps weighing in at pocket friendly prices.