4 functions to improve journaling

After introducing the Journal app in iOS 17, Apple continued to improve it with new features. While there’s no indication of macOS or iPadOS development, Apple previewed some of the upcoming Journal app features in iOS 18 during WWDC.

Journaling for well-being: One of the reasons we keep journals is for mental health. In iOS 18, you can record your state of mind in the app. Apple says you can also automatically add time spent journaling as mindfulness minutes in the Health app.

Track your goals in the stats view: View your writing streaks, a calendar of existing entries, and other stats to help you stay on top of your journaling goals, such as how long you’ve been journaling, how many restaurants you’ve visited, and even how many words you’ve written so far.

Image credit: José Adorno for BGR

Sort and search past entries: You can easily find previous entries by sorting your Journal and using the search feature to find exactly what you’re looking for by entering keywords or using the list of categories offered by Apple, such as workouts, music, podcasts, photos, etc.

Home screen or lock screen widgets: In iOS 18, you can take the Journal app to the next level by adding a widget to your home or lock screen with writing prompts that change throughout the day. You can also add a widget to track your current streak.

We’re still in the early stages of releasing the iOS 18 beta, so Apple may add even more features to the Journal app in the future. We will tell you about them as soon as they appear.

To learn even more about iOS 18, like all-new Messages features, the upcoming version of Mail, and all the AirPods Pro improvements coming later this year, check out our guide below.