Apple Integrates Key Third-Party App Features in WWDC 2025 OS Updates

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled significant design and feature updates across its operating systems, continuing its trend of incorporating functions previously offered by third-party apps—a practice known as ‘Sherlocking.’ The term originates from the early 2000s, when Apple’s Sherlock search tool adopted features from Karelia Software’s Watson, leading to the latter’s demise. This year, Apple introduced several new features that mirror popular third-party apps:

– The new macOS Spotlight now offers app and file suggestions, shortcut actions, and developer extensibility, closely resembling Raycast and Launch Bar.
– iOS 26 enhances Wallet with live flight tracking and airport navigation, echoing features from the award-winning Flighty app.
– Xcode 26 integrates ChatGPT as the default assistant and supports other AI models, challenging tools like Alex for Xcode.
– iPad’s new Local Capture allows creators to record and share video calls, a function long provided by Riverside.
– The Notes app debuts on Apple Watch, replacing several note-taking apps.
– Call Assist in iOS 26 screens unknown calls and lets users respond via text, similar to Robokiller and Truecaller.
– Wallet can now track and summarize parcel deliveries using Apple Intelligence, competing with dedicated package tracking apps.

While Apple’s built-in solutions may threaten narrowly focused apps, developers often respond with specialized features, and users seeking customization may still prefer third-party options. The article highlights how Apple’s approach both challenges and inspires innovation in the app ecosystem.