Apple has recently rolled out its much-awaited Journal app in the iOS 17.2 Developer Beta, and like many tech enthusiasts, I took the first opportunity to dive into it. But did it live up to the hype? Well, let’s just say it didn’t hit the mark for me—at least, not yet.

First Impressions: More Diary, Less Utility

The Apple Journal appears to be, at first glance, just a glorified diary. It nudges you with prompts like, “Who is the most creative person you know? Write about their creativity,” or “What could you do to make someone’s day better this week?” While introspective journaling might be compelling for some, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The app seems to cater to a niche rather than offering a universally appealing interface.

The Real Potential: An Automated Life-Story

Here’s the twist: Apple Journal might be on the brink of becoming incredibly impactful. My initial reaction could be attributed to the fact that the app is fundamentally designed to be operated via other apps, using its newly-released API. So far, no apps have integrated this feature, as far as I know.

Picture this: Your phone rings, a call from someone on your contact list. Once the call ends, Apple Journal nudges you to reflect on the conversation. It’s as if your phone asks, “You just spoke to Michael Phelps. What was the discussion about?” Forget the cumbersome Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems—there’s your seamless activity tracker.

Similarly, say you finish a run using the Nike Run Club app. Apple Journal could suggest a quick entry: “You just ran 3.1 miles. How did you feel? What was on your mind?” And it might even offer to share this entry with your social circle. So long, Strava.

The AI Factor: Apple’s Generative Capabilities

Now, throw in Apple’s likely future generative AI capabilities. While many companies might opt for existing solutions like ChatGPT for auto-generating text, not Apple. They will likely develop their in-house, on-device AI to augment the Apple Journal experience. Imagine your everyday app activities being automatically logged, coupled with AI-generated insightful questions—resulting in an evolving, automated life story you can revisit at any time.

The Crossroads: A Diary or a Digital Life Archive?

So, we’re at a fork in the road. Apple Journal could either remain a mere diary—which I suspect will engage only a tiny fraction of users—or it could revolutionize how we record and reflect on our daily activities, emerging as an indispensable app.

It’s hard to predict which direction Apple will take, but knowing their knack for long-term vision, I’m genuinely excited about the future of Apple Journal. I’m particularly interested to see the uptake of the Apple Journal API, and the creative applications developers will inevitably roll out.

The Apple Journal may not be a showstopper now, but it has really deep potential to be a core app for the iPhone.