Apple rolled out exciting design and feature updates across all its operating systems at WWDC 2025, and as usual, some of these enhancements resemble existing third-party app functionalities—a practice known as “Sherlocking.”
The term “Sherlocking” dates back to the late ’90s. Apple launched a search app called Sherlock for macOS 8, which let users search the web and local files. Karelia Software had a similar $29 app called Watson, offering enhanced internet search through plug-ins. In 2002, Apple introduced Sherlock 3, mimicking Watson’s features, eventually sidelining Karelia’s product.
Today, “Sherlocking” refers to Apple developing new features that replicate existing app functionalities. Here’s a glimpse of the latest features inspired by third-party apps:
The revamped Spotlight app on macOS takes cues from apps like Raycast and Launchbar. While Raycast offers more than just shortcuts, providing a developer platform as well, the new Spotlight search on Mac now suggests apps and commands similarly. Apple’s “Actions” feature lets users create calendar events, make GIFs, or build folders, much like Raycast.
Spotlight also allows menu access from any active windows and introduces the ability to define a short string for specific actions. The Intents API support means developers can now add actions from their own apps. Notably, Raycast had already expanded to Windows and iOS with AI-powered features last year.
For flight tracking, Live Activities in iOS 26 is stepping into the shoes of Flighty. The updated Wallet now lets users track and share flight statuses. Plus, Maps provides airport navigation with information on gates, shops, and more, reminiscent of features in Flighty, an Apple Design Award winner.
In terms of AI integration, Apple’s Xcode 26 now defaults to ChatGPT as an assistant, allowing developers to connect other AI models through API keys. This mirrors functionalities in the Y-Combinator-backed app Alex for Xcode, which aids developers in searches, bug fixes, and more.
On the iPad, a new Local Capture feature enables podcast creators to record videos via any calling app, a nod to Riverside, which also offers robust editing tools.
The Notes app has made its way to Apple Watch with WatchOS 26, echoing several third-party note-taking apps that have catered to this need before.
Call screening gets a boost with iOS 26’s Call Assist, which manages unknown calls by gathering caller details before letting you decide whether to accept. This feature is akin to what Robokiller and Truecaller offer, including SMS spam protection.
Finally, parcel tracking comes to Wallet, using Apple Intelligence to analyze emails from merchants for order updates. This mirrors the capabilities of existing package tracking apps.
Looking ahead, while Apple continues to integrate popular app features into its ecosystem, developers often enhance their apps for more specialized use cases, offering users tailored experiences beyond what Apple’s native solutions provide. This ongoing cycle ensures innovation remains at the core of app development.
