The year 2021 saw a significant rise in mobile applications promising users ways to earn extra income. For iOS users, navigating this landscape requires caution and knowledge. This guide explores legitimate free apps from 2021 that utilized "mining" or reward-based models to help you earn, while highlighting crucial safety information.

It is vital to understand that true cryptocurrency mining, which involves complex computations, is incredibly resource-intensive and not feasible for iPhones due to hardware limitations and battery impact. Apple's strict App Store policies have historically prohibited apps that directly mine cryptocurrency. Therefore, most legitimate "mining" apps on iOS are actually reward platforms. They simulate mining or offer rewards for completing simple tasks, which can then be exchanged for money or cryptocurrency.

Several types of apps gained popularity in 2021. Survey and reward apps like Swagbucks and Google Opinion Rewards pay users for answering surveys, watching videos, or testing new products. Cashback apps such as Rakuten and Honey provide rebates on online shopping. Some apps, like Pi Network, introduced a novel approach by allowing users to "mine" a new cryptocurrency by simply pressing a button daily, requiring no actual phone resource drain. However, its future value remains speculative.

When considering any money-making app, security is paramount. Only download apps from the official Apple App Store. Be extremely wary of any app requesting excessive permissions or promising unrealistic returns. Read recent user reviews to check for payment issues. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Never invest money into these platforms expecting guaranteed returns.

The landscape of these apps is constantly evolving. An app that was popular and reliable in 2021 may have changed its model or ceased operations today. Therefore, it is essential to research the current status of any app before investing significant time. Look for recent payment proofs and community feedback from 2023 or later to assess its present legitimacy.

While genuine get-rich-quick schemes from a single iOS app are virtually non-existent, using a combination of legitimate reward apps can help you generate small amounts of supplemental income or gift cards over time. The key is to manage expectations, prioritize your privacy and security, and treat these tools as a minor side activity rather than a primary income source. Always conduct thorough research based on the most current information available.