Apple’s latest iOS update has brought a plethora of features and enhancements to the iPhone, but one of the more surprising additions is the new native Journal app. As someone who relies heavily on jotting down thoughts and keeping track of daily activities, the anticipation for an Apple-designed journaling solution was high. However, after spending some time with it, it’s clear that the Journal app isn’t quite what many of us expected.

In a move that deviates from traditional journal apps, Apple’s Journal seems to focus heavily on integration with already existing apps and features within the iOS ecosystem. The app ties in closely with Photos, Reminders, and even Safari, pulling in data to create what feels more like a daily digest rather than a private space for reflection.

The interface, while sleek and quintessentially Apple in its design simplicity, appears to prioritize media and location tagging over text entries. Users can easily add photos from their day or links to articles they’ve read, but when it comes to writing lengthy passages, the tools feel somewhat limited. This emphasis on brevity might appeal to those who prefer visual or bullet-point styles of record-keeping but could alienate users seeking more traditional journaling functions.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected features of the Journal app is its “Shared Journals” component. Apple has introduced a collaborative twist to journaling with this update, allowing family members or friends within your network to contribute to joint journals. While this could be a novel way for loved ones or close friends to stay connected through shared experiences and memories, it does raise questions about privacy and whether shared journaling will resonate with users who view journaling as a deeply personal practice.

Moreover, AI suggestions play a big role in this new app — prompting you with questions and topics based on your location, calendar events, or recent photos. It aims to spur creativity and reduce writer’s block by integrating these prompts seamlessly into your Journal flow.

Interestingly enough, Apple has decided not to include support for their own Pencil hardware at launch. This omission feels like a missed opportunity for those who prefer handwriting their entries — something that competitors have capitalized on with varying degrees of success.

In conclusion, while iOS 17.2 has definitely expanded the iPhone’s capabilities with its new Journal app, it presents a vision of digital journaling that may not align with everyone’s expectations. The high-level integration with other apps and social features marks a departure from the introspective nature traditionally associated with journaling. Only time will tell if users will embrace this new take or stick with third-party apps that offer more familiar experiences.