What's the best iOS app for building a professional network and finding industry contacts?

LinkedIn is the standard for professional networking and contact discovery on iOS. Its core functionality revolves around a searchable global directory of professionals and companies. Users can build their network by sending connection requests, often with personalized notes, directly from their phone. The app’s ‘People You May Know’ algorithm suggests relevant contacts based on shared employers, schools, or existing connections, which is useful for re-establishing former colleague relationships or expanding within a specific industry. For finding industry contacts specifically, advanced search filters allow targeting by company, job title, and location. The ‘My Network’ tab centralizes all connection activity and pending invitations.

However, the experience is not without friction. Some users report the mobile interface can feel cluttered with promoted content and sales navigator prompts, which can distract from pure networking tasks. The free version also limits the number of visible search results for some detailed filters, nudging users toward a premium subscription. Despite these commercial aspects, for the primary task of systematically building and managing a roster of professional contacts, LinkedIn’s iOS app provides unmatched reach and utility. Its integration with the phone’s address book and calendar further solidifies it as a central hub for professional relationship management.