Apple unveiled a range of significant design and feature updates for its operating systems at WWDC 2025. As is customary, the tech giant incorporated features that were previously offered by third-party apps, a practice known in the Apple world as 'Sherlocking'.

The Origins of 'Sherlocking'

In the late '90s, Apple introduced a search app called Sherlock for macOS 8, enabling users to search the web and local files. This move impacted Karelia Software, the creator of the $29 search app Watson, which had similar functionalities. Apple's release of Sherlock 3 in 2002, mirroring Watson's features, led to the eventual shutdown of Karelia's app. Since then, 'Sherlocking' has been used to describe Apple's replication of existing third-party app features.

Notable 'Sherlocked' Features

Here are some of the new features introduced at WWDC 2025 that 'Sherlock' functionalities previously offered by various apps:

• The new Spotlight app on macOS: This feature resembles Raycast and Launchbar, offering suggested apps and commands, along with 'Actions' for various tasks like calendar events and GIF creation.
• Flight tracking via Live Activities: Apple's update to Wallet now includes flight status sharing, similar to Flighty.
• AI model integration with XCode: ChatGPT is now the default assistant for Xcode, akin to Alex for Xcode.
• Record podcasts locally: The iPad's Local Capture feature allows users to record videos, a function previously offered by Riverside.
• Notes for Apple Watch: The addition of the official Notes app to Apple Watch mirrors existing apps with similar functionality.
• Call screening: iOS 26's Call Assist feature competes with apps like Robokiller and Truecaller, offering call screening and response options.
• Parcel tracking: Wallet now includes order tracking, a feature available in various package tracking apps.

Future Implications

Apple's tendency to incorporate third-party app features poses challenges for developers offering specialized functionalities. While Apple's implementations may introduce users to certain capabilities, many opt for third-party apps for a more tailored experience. Notably, previously 'Sherlocked' apps like Bezel and Unite have evolved with enhanced features to cater to specific user needs.