Apple Journal

Is Apple's new Journal app worth using?

With iOS 17.2, Apple released the new Journal app, which was announced at WWDC23. Over the past few weeks, I have been using this app as my primary journal to see what it is like. This review includes my thoughts on the app, a comparison to Day One, and finally a suggestion on whether or not you should use this app (if you are the journaling type).

If you have researched this app at all, you have probably heard it described as “bare bones.” Many reviewers say there aren’t many features included with this app and that it is pretty basic. While there is definitely truth to this claim, there are also some great features in this app. By far, the best part of the Journal app is how integrated it is throughout the Apple system. We know that Apple loves to integrate their devices, apps, and software throughout their ecosystem, and this app is no exception. How this is executed in this app is really cool! Since it is integrated throughout the system, you can add photos, videos, locations, voice recordings, workouts, music, podcasts, and more to your journal entries. When you start a new entry, the app gives you a number of suggestions based on recent photos, workouts, etc. This makes it really easy to find something to write about. If you don’t enjoy writing, you can also just add these to your journal without writing anything. You could also record a voice memo if you don’t like writing. Two other features I like are filters and being able to lock the journal with Face ID. Besides the integration, the app is very bare bones. While it does have the basics, it doesn’t have as many features as apps such as Day One have. You don’t get multiple journals, advanced editing/format options, streaks, search, and other great features offered by other apps.

Speaking of which, how does this app compare to Day One? I would say there isn’t a ton of competition here. Day One clearly has more features, even if it doesn’t integrate throughout the system as well as the Apple app does. Another positive of the Apple Journal app is that it is completely free! There is no charge to download it, no subscription, no ads, or any other payment plan. At the same time, though, you don’t have to pay for Day One, unless you want pro features. Both apps have their pros and cons, but I would argue that overall Day One is the better journaling app.

While I like Apple’s journal app, I think there is so much more that Apple could do with it. Right now, it just feels very basic, and I would love to see them expand the features found in this app to make it a full-fledged journaling app, like Day One. Knowing Apple, I do expect them to roll out more features in the future. Until more features come though, I will likely continue to use Day One. Overall, I’m impressed with the new Apple Journal app, but I believe there is much more potential for this app.