Apple Unveils New Features for its Devices at Worldwide Developer Conference
Apple has been on a spree of late, announcing a host of new features for its various devices earlier this week at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC).
But a lot of those features were already available to some extent on Apple devices through third-party apps. So, just like the past few years, we will examine the ideas that Apple “Sherlocked” in this year’s updates. But what do we mean by “Sherlocking”?
In the late 90s, Apple launched a search app named Sherlock for macOS 8 that allowed users to search the web and files on local systems. However, a company called Karelia Software had already developed a similar app called Watson with more advanced features, such as plugins for better internet search. When Apple released Sherlock 3 with similar features to Watson, the latter app became redundant. Since then, the term “Sherlocking” has been used in tech circles to refer to a new feature from Apple that performs the same function as an existing third-party app.
Features: The “Sherlocked” Apps
Apple is launching a new standalone password manager for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, VisionOS, and Windows. This new app essentially does the same thing as third-party password managers, such as 1Password, LastPass, BitWarden, and Proton Pass. However, these third-party apps also offer integrations with other platforms and the ability to store additional information like addresses and credit cards.
Another feature introduced by Apple is call recording and transcription within the Phone app. Apps like TapeACall and Truecaller have offered this feature for a while now, but with Apple’s new update, users can activate it directly within the native Phone app. This was previously not possible as Apple did not allow third-party companies to access its calling stack.
In addition to call transcription, Apple is also offering voice transcription within apps like Notes in the upcoming updates. This function was previously occupied by third-party apps like Otter, AudioPen, and Voicenotes.com.
Moreover, users will now be able to mirror their iPhones on Macs, allowing them to control their phones remotely. This feature was previously only achievable through third-party apps like Bezel, which required users to plug in their devices using a cable.
Although this feature has now been incorporated by Apple, third-party apps may still retain their users by offering additional customization options such as different window sizes, shortcut rearrangement, and the ability to pin apps to the side.
Another upcoming feature is the ability to create custom emojis using prompts and AI-powered technology. This is similar to what apps like Newji offer.
As for custom maps, Apple is adding this feature to its Apple Maps app in iOS 18. This will allow U.S.-based users to explore national park trails, customize routes, and save them for offline use. While third-party apps like Alltrails offered this feature, it may still retain its users due to its already established community and availability of routes beyond national parks in other countries.
Looking Ahead
Apple has to strike a balance with its updates: it needs to keep up with competition from Google and Microsoft, but must also consider the fact that it earns money through the App Store. Therefore, it cannot simply add features that eliminate third-party apps altogether. However, some Sherlocked apps may survive by offering customized and enterprise solutions, while smaller indie apps may eventually lose users to Apple.
One interesting observation this time is the addition of Apple’s Writing Tools suite, powered by the company’s AI technology. With dozens of email and note-taking apps on the App Store that offer similar features, it raises questions about the future of these third-party apps. Even popular apps like Grammarly may now have competition from Apple’s proofreading features.
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Image Credits: Apple
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