As we enter a new year, many individuals are focusing on forming new habits. Here’s why the latest updates to the Journal and Fitness apps make it worthwhile to revisit Apple’s offerings.
Significant Upgrades for the Underutilized Fitness and Journal Apps
While Apple doesn’t disclose usage statistics, it’s likely that the Journal and Fitness apps are among the least utilized default applications on the iPhone.
However, these apps provide valuable features, especially for those aiming to develop healthier habits in the new year.
Just a few months back with the release of iOS 18, Apple enhanced both apps with a range of impressive upgrades.
Here’s a summary of the new features, as outlined in Apple’s release notes and my personal observations.
New Features in the Journal App
The Journal app debuted in iOS 17.2 with several significant limitations, but it saw substantial enhancements with iOS 18.
New features include:
- State of Mind: Record your State of Mind directly within Journal, with emotions or moods logged in the Health app contributing to Journaling Suggestions.
- Insights: Displays your writing streaks, a calendar, and other engaging statistics to help you monitor your journaling targets.
- Search: Find previous entries effortlessly, with options to sort them in your preferred arrangement.
- Widgets: Available for your Home Screen and Lock Screen, Journal can showcase your current streak or changing writing prompts throughout the day for on-the-spot reflection.
- Rich text: Enhanced text formatting options now include a variety of text colors, lists (bulleted, dashed, or numbered), and block quotes.
- Transcripts: Transcriptions for audio recordings saved in the app are now accessible.
- Sort: A new sorting option allows you to organize entries by chronological moment instead of the date written.
- Print: You can now export your journal entries as a PDF formatted for printing.
Personally, I prefer using a physical keyboard for journaling, so I’m eagerly awaiting an iPad version before fully committing to the Journal app. Nevertheless, these enhancements have significantly increased its appeal.
Redesign and Enhancements to Apple’s Fitness App
The Fitness app underwent a significant redesign in iOS 18, enhancing its customizability and significantly expanding Fitness+ features and navigation.
In line with the broader customization trend in iOS 18, the Fitness summary screen now allows users to add, remove, and rearrange a variety of content cards to suit their preferences.
To customize your view, scroll to the bottom and select ‘Edit Summary.’ You can add new cards by clicking the ’Add’ button or modify the existing ones. This simplicity makes the Fitness app a central hub for your activities.
Fitness+ now has improved navigation options with four distinct tabs:
- For You
- Explore
- Library
- Search
These tabs can be accessed within the single Fitness+ tab on the iPhone; on the iPad, they form part of your main tab bar options.
Through these new screens, users can find personalized recommendations, motivating award reminders, and much more with greater ease.
Since its initial launch as part of Apple One, I’ve used Fitness+ extensively and find it to be exceptionally well-designed. If you’re looking to establish new fitness routines, now is a fantastic time to explore it.
Do you frequently use the Journal or Fitness apps? Which updates have you enjoyed the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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