As I’ve been using Journal, Apple’s new journaling app, for a few days now, I’m confident in saying that it doesn’t pose an existential threat to Day One – at least not yet. However, this is no small feat, considering Apple has a well-documented history of "Sherlocking" new apps with feature updates.
A Decade-Long Head Start
Day One, the app Journal is trying to catch up with, has been around for over a decade. It’s worth noting that Apple has always been a fan of their work, having named Day One the ‘Mac App of the Year’ in 2014 and giving it an Apple Design Award two years later.
A Rising Tide Approach
When asked about Journal’s relationship with Day One, I was told that Apple is taking a rising tide approach. This means that they’re focusing on building a high-quality app that will eventually draw users away from the competition. While this approach may not be as flashy as some of Apple’s other announcements, it’s a tried-and-true method for gaining market share.
The Secret Sauce
One of the most interesting features of Journal is its use of suggestions based on algorithmically curated moments that span the company’s ecosystem. The app uses photos, workouts, and other media to provide users with prompts to write about. This feature is opt-in, but it will improve over time as you continue to use the app.
A Nice Feature for Those Who Struggle
The suggestions feature is a nice touch for those who struggle to fill up their virtual notebook every day. While I haven’t been using the app long enough to get the full benefit of this algorithmic boost, I can see how it would be helpful for users who are struggling to write.
Security Touches
Journal also includes some nice security touches, such as the ability to look at the app with a code. This means that someone who has access to your phone cannot read your personal musings without entering the correct code.
A Bit Barebones Compared to Veterans
Compared to more established journaling offerings, Journal is a bit barebones. However, depending on your preference, this can either be a negative or positive. Some users will love its simplicity, while others will lament its lack of customization options, folders, and tags.
Opportunity for Deeper Integration
There’s also a lot of opportunity for deeper integration with the existing ecosystem. For example, how about tying Journal to Apple’s new mental health offerings? This would allow users to track their mood and receive suggestions based on their emotional state.
Early Days Still
We’re still in the early days of Journal, and it’s only available as part of iOS 17.2’s public beta. As a passionate community of journalers, Apple will almost certainly be getting a lot of feedback – including from me, as I shout from the rooftops for a Mac version.
Conclusion
Journal is an interesting addition to the world of journaling apps, and it will be exciting to see how it develops over time. While it may not be as feature-rich as some of its competitors, it’s certainly worth checking out if you’re interested in trying something new.
Related Articles
- OpenAI is losing money on its pricey ChatGPT Pro plan, CEO Sam Altman says
- Samsung brings live translate to its TVs at CES 2025
- Samsung’s new TVs can find recipes for dishes in shows
Follow Us
Stay up-to-date with the latest tech news by following us on social media:
- Twitter: @TechCrunch
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TechCrunch
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/techcrunch