2 answers
Apps aren't really essential, but I get why people download them. The thing is, it really depends on where you fish and what kind of fish you're after. If you're already familiar with the spots you fish, an app mainly helps you track weather conditions, water temperature, and moon phases - data that's actually useful. The problem is that a lot of free apps have outdated or inaccurate maps, and if you want access to really good information you usually have to pay.
Personally, I find online communities specific to your fishing area more reliable: Reddit, local forums, Facebook groups. People who actually live there know where's best to go and when. Apps like Fishbrain or Navily can be decent support if you use them as a complement - maybe to log your catches and see the history - but I wouldn't rely only on those to find the best spots. If you want to spend money, it works better to get bathymetric maps for the GPS you already use; those give you much more concrete info.
Apps work if you use them as a starting point, but I'd always check user reviews for that specific area first - a lot of people upload old or wrong data, and you end up wasting time at spots that aren't worth it anymore.
Your answer
Log into answer.