Do you remember when Apple came out with the smartphone, and they had that famous line, “There’s an app for that!” Well, they were not lying, and here at Play With Me, we have toys with their own apps too. And we’re here to tell you it’s more than a gimmick. These are fabulous toys, but we get it. Do you really need an app for that? Well, maybe you do, and Carmen and team are right here to show you how to get your buzz on from across the room. Or across the world.
App-enabled toys promise control and connection through clever tech, but they also raise a fair question: do they actually improve pleasure, or just add another screen to the bedroom? Here’s what they do well, where they fall short, and who they’re really for.
What “App-Enabled” Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)
“App-enabled” sounds like a cheap trick until you strip it down. It just means a toy connects to your phone, allowing you (or your partner) to change patterns, intensity, and rhythm without touching the toy itself.
What it does not mean is that you’re required to fiddle with your phone mid-moment, or that pleasure becomes clinical or robotic. You don’t need to tap the phone when there are many more interesting things to tap!
The app is a layer, not the point. For some toys, it replaces a basic remote. For others, it opens up long-distance control and a wider range of customisable options. Whether that’s actually useful depends entirely on how you play.
Where App-Enabled Toys Genuinely Shine
The biggest win is control at a distance. That can be literal long-distance relationships, or something as simple as one partner handing control to the other while staying hands-free. Or hands tied. We don’t judge; we encourage. It adds anticipation and surprise, a bit of playful power exchange. Or a lot of playful power exchange.
Mainstream media has picked this up, too. Even Cosmopolitan highlighted how app-controlled toys have become a practical way for couples to stay intimate when they’re apart, rather than a novelty feature that wears off after a week.
The other advantage is precision. Apps allow saved patterns and fine-tuning that most physical buttons simply can’t manage. For people who enjoy experimentation, that’s not fluff, it’s control!
But there are so many to choose from! Relax, darlings. We will never leave you in the dark. Unless that’s your thing. We stock a wide variety of toys, but the big brands in the app-controlled department are Lovense, We-vibe and Satisfyer. Let’s dive deeper. Because that’s what we like to do!
Lovense: When Tech Takes the Lead
If you want to see what app-first design looks like, the Lovense range is the clearest example. These toys are built around the app rather than bolting it on as an afterthought.
The Lovense range covers a wide spectrum of toys from wearable toys to powerful solo options and even male-focused devices. What ties them together — and we so love tying things together — is depth of control. The app is stable, customisable, and designed for remote play. For people in long-distance relationships, or anyone who enjoys handing over control completely, this is where app-enabled toys are genuinely justified.
That said, Lovense tends to work for people who are comfortable with tech. If you enjoy settings, syncing, and exploring features, it’s a strong fit. If you want something simpler, it can feel like more than you need.
We-Vibe: When Connection Comes First
The We-Vibe category takes a different approach. These toys are designed around bodies first and technology second. The emphasis is on comfort, shared sensation, and toys that stay in place during partnered sex.
App control is there, but it’s not mandatory. Many We-Vibe toys work perfectly well with a physical remote, making them less intimidating for couples who want the option of tech without committing to it. The design philosophy is clear: the toy should blend into intimacy, not demand attention.
For couples who are curious but cautious, this approach often feels more natural.
The We-Vibe Chorus as the Middle Ground
The We-Vibe Chorus app-enabled couples vibrator sits neatly between those two worlds. It’s wearable, designed for use during sex, and focused on stimulating both partners at once. You can use the app, hand control to your partner, or stick with the remote and forget your phone entirely.
This is where app-enabled toys stop feeling like gadgets and start getting practical. The technology supports the experience instead of driving it. For couples wondering whether app control adds anything meaningful, the Chorus is often the answer.
So, Are App-Enabled Toys Worth It?
The honest answer is: sometimes, absolutely maybe..
They’re worth it if distance, shared control, or hands-free play matter to you. They’re worth it if you enjoy fine-tuning sensation or letting a partner take the lead. They’re probably not worth it if you want something grab-and-go with zero setup. This is an adventure, not a quick fix.
And remember: app-enabled toys aren’t about replacing intimacy with technology. At their best, they extend it. When chosen for the right reasons, they don’t complicate pleasure but make it more intentional.
And if that does not float your boat, we have many other goodies and gadgets galore, both in store and available online. So come around and take a look. There’s something for everyone, and the Play With Me team are always willing to help.
Play With Me is a trusted South African adult store with over 8 years experience and discreet delivery nationwide. Visit us in-store at Play With Me, Shop C5, The Gantry, Cnr Witkoppen & Straight Ave, Lonehill, Sandton or enjoy 10% off your first online order.