Apple WWDC 2025 Sherlocks Popular Third-Party Apps with New Features

Every year, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) brings a wave of new features to its operating systems. In 2025, Apple continued its longstanding tradition of 'Sherlocking'—integrating capabilities that were once exclusive to third-party apps directly into its platforms. This practice, named after Apple’s Sherlock search app from the late ’90s, often reshapes the app ecosystem by offering native alternatives to popular external tools.

Spotlight’s New Power Echoes Raycast

The revamped Spotlight app on macOS now offers suggested apps, commands, and a robust 'Actions' feature that lets users create calendar events, GIFs, and folders—much like the third-party launcher Raycast. Spotlight also supports custom shortcuts and developer integrations via the Intents API, blurring the lines between native and third-party productivity tools.

• Suggested apps and commands for quick access
• Customizable action shortcuts like creating reminders
• Developer support through Intents API for app integrations

Flight Tracking and Airport Navigation Join Wallet

Apple’s Wallet app now supports flight status tracking via Live Activities, a feature reminiscent of the award-winning Flighty app. Beyond just tracking flights, Apple Maps enhances airport navigation with real-time info on gates, security lines, shops, and amenities, streamlining the traveler’s experience.

AI Integration in Xcode Empowers Developers

Xcode 26 now includes ChatGPT as the default coding assistant and allows developers to connect other AI models via API keys. This move parallels the functionality of Alex for Xcode, a third-party assistant that enhances coding workflows with web searches, terminal commands, and codebase navigation.

New Recording Features on iPad and Notes on Apple Watch

The iPad’s Local Capture feature enables creators to record videos from any video calling app, similar to Riverside’s podcast recording tools. Meanwhile, the official Notes app finally arrives on Apple Watch, replacing multiple third-party note-taking apps with native convenience.

Call Screening and Parcel Tracking Go Native

iOS 26 introduces Call Assist, which screens unknown calls silently, identifies callers, and allows users to respond with typed messages. This feature mirrors capabilities offered by apps like Robokiller and Truecaller. Additionally, Wallet now tracks parcels by analyzing merchant emails, competing with dedicated package tracking apps.

Apple’s Sherlocking strategy often leads to native features that increase user awareness and convenience. However, third-party developers continue to thrive by offering specialized, customizable experiences that go beyond Apple’s broad implementations. This dynamic encourages innovation and pushes the ecosystem forward.