I learned a new word today — “sherlocking,” which is how some folks refer to Apple releasing a new feature that does the same thing as an existing third-party app. The term comes from a file search app called Sherlock, which Apple released more than 20 years ago, making a similar app called Watson redundant. (Not subtle!)
To be clear, an app isn’t doomed just because it’s sherlocked. For example, Apple Music has been available for several years, but I still use Spotify, and so do millions of other people. But it’s probably not a great day for app developers when they realize they’re about to be competing with Apple’s resources and built-in advantage.
So who’s on the list this year? Let’s start with password manager apps like LastPass and 1Password — Apple already offered the ability to store your passwords without one of those apps, but it was kind of hidden away. With iOS 18 and other new operating systems, Apple will be offering a real stand-alone Passwords app.
There are also recording apps like TapeACall and TrueCaller, which could be in trouble now that Apple is offering call recording within the Phone app, and Apple’s call and voice transcription could compete with services like Otter.
Hit play to learn about other sherlocked apps, and then let us know what you think in the comments!
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