Rediscovering Apple’s Default Apps: A Week of Surprising Insights
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Chapter 1: A Return to Apple’s Ecosystem
Having spent two years away from the Apple ecosystem, I was astonished to rediscover the quality of the default Apple applications. The likes of Reminders, Apple Notes, Calendar, and Safari are often overlooked in a world filled with countless app options.
To reacquaint myself, I decided to dedicate a week to using these default apps exclusively and share my findings. Additionally, it's been a month since I transitioned from Windows and Android to MacOS and iOS, during which I've explored numerous applications to determine which ones suit my needs best. Interestingly, the apps I find most useful now differ from those I relied on before switching to Android.
Section 1.1: Reminders - A Simple Yet Effective Tool
Among the apps I tested, Reminders left the most significant impression on me. Previously, I often praised Things 3 as my favorite to-do list app, but it seems to have lost its appeal for me lately.
Productivity apps should enhance your efficiency, and if one isn't meeting your needs, it's wise to explore alternatives. What I appreciate most about Reminders is its straightforwardness. I can create folders and organize tasks within them. Tasks due today automatically populate the “Today” section, a feature I believe Google Tasks should adopt for a more streamlined user experience.
I also love that I can set reminders using Siri. For instance, typing “complete blog post today at 19:00” is easily understood by the app, which is a fantastic feature! The overall design is clean and direct, significantly enhancing usability.
Section 1.2: Apple Notes - My Go-To Note-Taking App
Next on my list is Apple Notes. While using Android and Windows, I lacked a default note-taking app, primarily relying on Google Keep for quick notes and Microsoft OneNote for more extensive projects.
Now, I’ve embraced Apple Notes for all my note-taking needs, and it's been an excellent experience. Its clean layout and user-friendly interface work exceptionally well for me. One drawback is that I can't annotate or highlight text with my Apple Pencil on my iPad, which would elevate my experience.
I still occasionally use Microsoft OneNote for more complex projects, such as studying for an AWS exam, where annotations are crucial. However, Apple Notes has become my primary note-taking application due to its efficiency.
Section 1.3: Calendar - A Reliable Scheduling Tool
Previously, I was an avid user of Fantastical, a stellar calendar app. However, I've noticed improvements in the default Calendar app, prompting me to stick with it. It integrates seamlessly across my Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
While I still find Notion Calendar appealing due to its syncing capabilities, which enhance my planning and time management, the default app remains effective and free. I've been testing Cron (now Notion Calendar) but find myself wishing for a version compatible with my Apple Watch.
Section 1.4: Safari - A Browser Worth Considering
I’ve always been indecisive about web browsers, frequently switching but ultimately returning to Google Chrome. I also enjoy using Microsoft Edge on my Mac, but I decided to give Safari a chance as my primary browser this week.
Having used Safari on my iPhone and iPad, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance on desktop. The minimalistic interface and features, such as the Reading List, enhance the browsing experience. However, I’m still acclimating to it on my Mac, so any tips from experienced users would be appreciated!
Chapter 2: Concluding Thoughts on Apple’s Default Apps
Overall, my week spent using Apple’s default applications was enlightening. Each app made a positive impression, and I also utilize the Mail app for managing emails from my Home Lab and newsletters. It excels at organizing and archiving emails for future reference.
I’m committed to using Apple Notes as my primary note-taking tool and Reminders for task management. As for Safari and Calendar, I plan to devote more time to them before making a final decision, but I am tempted to transition to Notion Calendar and Microsoft Edge.
Do you use Apple’s default apps? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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