Apple’s New OS Features: The Latest wave of sherlocked Innovations

During WWDC 2025, Apple introduced a suite of meaningful updates across its operating systems, embedding native features that replicate functionalities once exclusive to third-party applications. This recurring trend within the Apple ecosystem is widely recognized as “Sherlocking.”

The Evolution and Meaning of Sherlocking

In the late 1990s, apple launched Sherlock, a search tool for macOS 8 designed to help users locate files both locally and online. Around the same period, Karelia Software developed Watson-a $29 application offering advanced internet search plug-ins. When Apple released Sherlock 3 in 2002 with capabilities similar to Watson’s, Karelia eventually discontinued their product.

Since than, “sherlocking” has become industry slang describing Apple’s practise of integrating features into its platforms that directly compete with existing third-party apps.

Spotlight Reimagined: A Robust Search Experience on macOS

Sherlocked competitors: Raycast, Launchbar

The revamped Spotlight on macOS now incorporates many functions popularized by productivity tools like Raycast. While Raycast boasts over one million active users globally and offers an extensive developer platform with complex shortcut integrations across Windows and iOS ecosystems, Spotlight introduces comparable smart suggestions for apps, files, and shortcuts.

A notable enhancement is Apple’s new “Actions” feature that allows users to perform tasks such as creating calendar events or generating GIFs directly from Spotlight-similar to Raycast’s command palette functionality. additionally, Spotlight can access menu items within active windows and supports custom trigger phrases (for example typing “newr” to add a reminder). With integration through the Intents API, developers can embed their own app actions seamlessly into this system-wide tool.

Real-Time Flight Tracking enhanced by live Activities

Sherlocked competitor: Flighty

The Wallet app now includes live flight tracking powered by Live Activities in iOS 26. This update enables travelers to monitor flights in real time while effortlessly sharing status updates-a feature Flighty pioneered and which earned it an Apple Design Award.

Moreover, Maps has been upgraded with complete airport navigation details such as gate information, security checkpoints, retail stores inside terminals, baggage claim areas, dining options including local favorites like Shake Shack or Pret A Manger at major hubs like JFK Airport-and restroom locations. These enhancements closely mirror Flighty’s all-encompassing airport assistance tools used worldwide during peak travel periods.

Xcode Integrates AI Models Natively for Developers’ Benefit

Sherlocked competitor: Alex for Xcode

Xcode 26 now comes equipped with chatgpt as its default coding assistant while also allowing developers to connect other AI models via API keys. This mirrors Alex for Xcode-a Y Combinator-backed tool providing code searches across repositories; inline fixes; terminal command execution; local model usage; plus web-based queries-all designed to streamline programming workflows efficiently.

Create High-Quality Podcasts Directly on iPad With Local Recording Tools

Sherlocked competitor: Riverside.fm

A new local capture feature lets creators using any video conferencing software on iPad record high-fidelity videos locally before sharing externally.Riverside.fm has long specialized in multi-track recording combined with powerful editing suites favored by podcasters producing over two million episodes annually worldwide.

The full scope of Apple’s built-in editing capabilities remains unclear but represents a crucial step toward empowering content creators without relying solely on external platforms or services.

An Official Notes Application Debuts on Apple Watch

Sherlocked competitors: Various note-taking apps tailored specifically for watchOS

The launch of an official Notes app within watchOS 26 addresses a longstanding gap by enabling fast note-taking directly from the wrist-previously only possible through independant apps catering specifically to smartwatch users who need lightweight jotting solutions during workouts or meetings.

Evolving Call Screening With Intelligent Call assist Feature

• Sherlocked competitors: Robokiller & Truecaller

The newly introduced Call Assist silently screens incoming calls from unknown numbers by automatically verifying caller identities along with reasons provided before notifying recipients-allowing them informed choices about answering or rejecting calls without interruption. Users may also respond via preset text prompts requesting additional information if desired.
This functionality overlaps considerably with services offered by Robokiller and Truecaller which combine call blocking alongside SMS spam filtering trusted daily by tens of millions worldwide.

Simplified Parcel tracking Now Built Into Wallet App  

• Sherlocked competitors: Widely used package tracking utilities available across multiple platforms

An intelligent parcel tracking system embedded within Wallet leverages machine learning algorithms analyzing merchant emails related to shipments-automatically summarizing order statuses without requiring manual input from customers.This innovation competes head-to-head against dedicated package tracker applications heavily relied upon during holiday shopping seasons when timely delivery updates are critical.