With Apple App Store recently passing it’s billionth download, we thought it’d be a good idea to look back on what we’ve loved, pick out the cream of the crop, and tell you what’s worth purchasing; or even better – worth downloading for no cost, on the App Store. Read on! Don’t forget, just click on the name of any of the apps to be transported to the app’s page on the iTunes Store. And don’t be daunted by the use of the word Store. Many of these are free.

You require iTunes to open these links. Unfortunately, Apple has no easier way of viewing App Store apps without installing their software, so give it a whirl.

10 – Remote (Free)
Remote is the App Store’s awesome freebie – turning your iDevice into a remote control for your media library, enabling you to wirelessly control your iTunes library – just like playing music on the iPod – except, you have access to all the music on your PC and you’re playing it over your computer’s speakers and not the tinny iPod ones. A must have – remarkably easy to set up, too!

9 – Facebook (Free)
Let’s face it – Facebook is the new MySpace, except so much better and without the annoying flashy backgrounds. And with almost everyone you know using it these days, this a no-brainer for everyone with an account. Very intuitive, perfectly integrated into the iPhone’s UI, and free.

8 – Evernote (Free)
One of my favourite desktop applications, now on iPhone and iPod (it’s not as useful on the latter, be warned) – you can add text, snap a picture, record a memo, or upload a photo and it’ll be available for you later to organize, search or tag on the app and on any other PC or device you have Evernote installed on. Evernote is note taking, only better.

7 – Need for Speed Undercover ($6.99 – On Sale)
With quite possibly the best 3D graphics on the iPhone, this mobile of the EA franchise is even better than the console versions. With a myriad of vehicles, excellent menus, great soundtrack, ability to customize, a variety of race modes, and outstanding graphics, this is the one game on the App Store no one will regret after purchase. Did I mention the depth in the gameplay is ridiculous? Buy this game, seriously. Keep an eye on the battery level, though.

6 – Tweetie ($2.99)
It’s that social revolution, on your iDevice. Edging out the previous favourite Twitterific (which has a stunning UI but not as many features), Tweetie comes packed with all the features you could imagine and then some, an incredible, polished UI that has been noticeable tweaked and refined to perfection, and some imaginative thinking to make your experience intuitive. If you’re a Twitter user, this is worth the money. Really. (If you’re “cheap”, check out the free TwitterFon as an alternative.)

5 – Pandora Radio (Free, US Only)
Pandora is a free service that in a nutshell, is online radio. But then, it’s so much more – it’ll analyse artists and songs you like and create “radio stations” for you that play full songs that are similar to those you already like. It’s a fantastic way to find new music, which can then be bought or *otherwise acquired*. This app is fully featured, free, but here’s the kicker – it works in the US only. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for support in other countries. Don’t like it? Check out it’s alternative, Slacker. Still, a free must have for music lovers.

3 – Beejive IM ($9.99)
It’s had a price cut but it’s still pretty darn expensive, but oh boy, it’s worth it. It has features no other iPhone app for IM comes close to rivalling, supports the new iPhone OS 3.0 push features, and has a plethora of other features that will leave no one wanting. It also connects to a massive range of networks, and has a great, polished UI that’s a pleasure to use. If you don’t feel like shelling out 10 bucks for it, try the cheaper alternative IM+, which has many of the same features, or even better, the free Nimbuzz app.

2 – NYTimes (Free)
This is something almost everyone here holds an interest in – the latest news from around the world. With the previously excellent AP Mobile starting to deteriorate in quality, the NYTimes does a good job of keeping you up to date on the go. While there’s a small, relatively harmless ad hampering the experience, it is, after all, free, and the excellent interface, fast loading times, and uncluttered, simple interface make this a pretty nice news app. Those living in the US should check out the even better, but more niche USA Today app.

1 – The ones which didn’t make it (Various)
Everyone has different tastes, so it’s really hard to get a comprehensive list of just 10 apps that everyone will like. Instead of having a number 1 app, these are simply the apps that simply didn’t make the list – not for lack of greatness, but for lack of space up there. Many of the games were left out, so I implore you to check out the excellent FlightControl, Tap Tap Revenge 2, Peggle, iFighter, and Fieldrunners. I’d also take a look at the excellent FML app, which is the mobile app for the time wasting haven that is the FMyLife website. The outstanding WifiTrak will help you find free wireless hotspots as you travel, the fantastic Classics app has a range of classic books for you to read with a delightful UI. Wiki Mobile lets you view Wikipedia on your iDevice in a way more suited to the device. Lastly, give the iTunes App Store a visit. You’re bound to find “just the thing” for your iDevice.

Well, that completes GeekSmack’s round up of the best iPhone apps in the iTunes Store today. These are our personal favourites, have some of your own you’d like to share? Don’t forget to tell us about them in the forum.

Note – The opinions expressed here do not necessarily express those of GeekSmack and all its individual staff members. In addition, we have tried our best to make the prices as accurate as possible as time of posting. If you notice a discrepancy or a broken link, don’t hesitate to report it.