WWDC 2025: Everything that Apple ‘Sherlocked’ this time

At the WWDC 2025 event, Apple introduced a range of significant design and functionality enhancements across all its operating systems. In a familiar pattern, Apple has integrated features that were once the domain of third-party applications, a practice known in the tech community as "Sherlocking." The term originated in the late 1990s with the launch of Sherlock, a search application for macOS 8. This move came in response to Karelia Software's Watson app, which was a $29 search tool featuring plugins for enhanced internet searches. When Apple released Sherlock 3 in 2002, it included similar capabilities, leading to the eventual discontinuation of Watson. Since then, the term “Sherlocking” has been used to describe Apple’s tendency to implement features that replicate existing third-party apps. This year, several notable apps have been affected by Apple's new features. For instance, the enhanced Spotlight search on Mac draws comparisons to Raycast, which goes beyond just shortcut integration by offering a developer platform. The new Spotlight allows users to access files, applications, and shortcuts, while Apple’s innovative “Actions” feature enables users to perform various tasks like scheduling calendar events or creating GIFs, echoing Raycast's functionalities. In a further nod to user convenience, Spotlight now supports the Intents API, giving developers the ability to incorporate actions from their applications. Following its expansion to Windows and iOS with AI-driven features last year, Raycast faces stiff competition from Apple's revamped search capabilities. Another app feeling the impact is Flighty, renowned for its flight tracking features. With the introduction of iOS 26, Apple’s Wallet app will now allow users to view and share flight statuses via Live Activities. Additionally, Maps will provide detailed airport navigation information, including gate locations and amenities, similar to what Flighty has offered. Apple is also integrating AI into its developer tools with ChatGPT becoming the default assistant for Xcode 26, challenging the functionalities offered by the Y-Combinator-backed Alex for Xcode. The latter allows developers to perform a variety of tasks, from web searches to fixing code issues and executing terminal commands. On the iPad, a new Local Capture feature enables users to record videos across different video calling applications, an area where Riverside has traditionally excelled. While Apple’s editing capabilities remain to be fully evaluated, this feature may reshape how creators produce content. In a significant enhancement for the Apple Watch, the official Notes app is now available, which could potentially overshadow several third-party note-taking applications designed for the device. Furthermore, iOS 26 introduces the Call Assist feature, capable of silently managing calls from unknown numbers by noting the caller's identity and purpose, mirroring services offered by apps like Robokiller and Truecaller. Lastly, Wallet has expanded its capabilities to include order tracking by utilizing Apple Intelligence to analyze merchant emails, further encroaching on the territory of existing tracking applications. Historically, when Apple integrates popular third-party features, those apps often struggle to maintain relevance. However, many developers have found that Apple's version of these tools raises awareness among users, who may still opt for third-party solutions to enjoy a more tailored experience. Noteworthy previously Sherlocked apps, such as Bezel and Unite, have since rolled out updates to enhance their unique offerings.