Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is often a showcase of innovation, bringing to light a suite of features for Apple devices. However, many features introduced at the recent WWDC have a familiar ring to them, as they mirror functionalities of existing third-party apps. Here, we delve into how Apple has integrated similar concepts into its native updates—a phenomenon known in tech jargon as “Sherlocking.”
Understanding “Sherlocking”
The term “Sherlocking” references an event from the late ’90s when Apple integrated a search tool named Sherlock into macOS 8, significantly resembling the capabilities of an already established $29 app called Watson by Karelia Software. Sherlocking now defines instances when Apple’s new features overlap with those provided by third-party applications.
New Features and Their Sherlocked Counterparts
Apple’s Integrated Password Manager
Upcoming iterations of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and even Windows will see a native password manager introduced by Apple, challenging existing third-party options like 1Password, LastPass, BitWarden, and Proton Pass. While Apple’s built-in solution will cater to many users’ basic needs, many may still opt for the broader platform support and additional features such as storing addresses and credit card information that third-party managers provide.
Native Call Recording and Transcription
The native capability to record and transcribe calls in the Phone app eschews the need for third-party apps like TapeACall and Truecaller, which previously facilitated call recording but required a workaround involving calling another number. This integration could streamline the process, but it’s worth noting that access to Apple’s calling stack was previously off-limits to other companies.
Voice Transcription in Notes
Voice transcription will now be directly available in Apple’s Notes app, taking over territory occupied by apps such as Otter, AudioPen, and Voicenotes.com. However, specialized services offering transcriptions of meetings, video calls, AI-supported summaries, and advanced formatting will still be valued by users requiring more than the basic functionality Apple provides.
iPhone Mirroring on Macs
The ability to mirror your iPhone to a Mac establishes control remotely, something previously only possible with the Bezel app, which needed a physical connection. With Apple’s wireless solution, users will benefit from increased convenience, but the announcement has left Bezel’s developers reconsidering their strategy.
Window Tiling on Mac
Macs will now support window tiling—a standard feature in Windows and Linux systems—which users had to rely on third-party applications like Magnet or Rectangle to accomplish. Despite Apple’s native solution, these apps might retain a competitive edge through more comprehensive customization and user interface options.
Creation of Custom Emojis
Apple’s AI engine will now allow users to create custom emojis with creative prompts, bringing in-house a feature that apps like Newji provided. The depth and complexity of the emoji customization Apple will offer compared to third-party solutions remains to be seen.
Custom Maps and Trail Features
Apple Maps enhancements include the exploration of national park trails and offline route saving, directly competing with the functionality of apps like Alltrails. While Alltrails possesses a robust user community and international reach, Apple Maps’ updates may suffice for casual users.
What the Future Holds for “Sherlocked” Apps
Apple walks a tightrope, balancing innovation against its profitable App Store ecosystem. While some Sherlocked apps may pivot towards niche or enterprise solutions, others, particularly smaller-scale indie apps, could struggle to retain users against Apple’s built-in alternatives. Moreover, the introduction of writing enhancement tools by Apple hints at a broader Sherlocking effect potentially impacting apps providing similar linguistic services.
As Apple continues to build out its integrated offerings, the extent to which third-party app developers can sustain their uniqueness and user base in an increasingly Sherlocking climate will be a compelling narrative to follow in the tech industry.
