Journal: what is this new native iOS app unveiled by Apple?

• Apple launches a new diary app automatically installed on iPhones equipped with iOS 17
• End-to-end encryption is included, and it is possible to add data from other apps (photos, music, geolocation, etc.)
• Writing down your thoughts regularly is considered good for your health

The new iOS application “Journal” will be available later this year. Created by Apple for all iPhones equipped with iOS 17, this platform presents itself as a sort of digital diary, where users can write down their thoughts and attach photos captured during the day. It is also possible to add music, audio recordings and geolocation.

According to several studies, writing regularly is considered good for your health and allows you toreduce anxiety. A promise of well-being that fits with Apple's ambitions in this area, the firm also offering features to stay in shape on Apple Watch connected watches. However, we do not know if the latter will also be able to benefit from Journal, for the moment.watchOS 10was indeed announced during theWWDC, but nothing about the new app on its side.

Journal opens to developers

Apple specifies that an API is available for third-party publishers, so that some of the data collected by their apps can also be recorded in Journal. Abetaof iOS 17 is already available to developers, but the final and public version will only arrive this fall.

Among other benefits of Journal, notifications can be activated by users to remind them each day that it is time to write down their daily thoughts. Of the "suggestions” are also there, based on the different apps used over the last twenty-four hours to propose certain additions to the current newspaper.

Safely

To reassure, Apple added that data saved in Journal isend-to-end encrypted. These are, moreover, processed directly on the iPhone and are therefore not managed from a server potentially more vulnerable to attacks. As an added bonus, a lock mode is included to ensure that no one, other than the owner, can access the notebook's contents.