WWDC 2025: Apple's 'Sherlocked' Features - What Was Copied?

Apple's WWDC 2025 Announcements and the "Sherlocking" Phenomenon

During WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled significant updates to its operating systems, encompassing both design enhancements and new functionalities. As has become a recurring pattern, the company integrated features previously offered by independent, third-party applications.

This practice, within the Apple ecosystem, is commonly referred to as “Sherlocking.”

The Origins of "Sherlocking"

The term originates from the late 1990s when Apple introduced Sherlock, a search application for Mac OS 8. This tool enabled users to search both the internet and files stored on their local computers.

Prior to Sherlock, Karelia Software had developed and marketed Watson, a $29 search application with extensible plug-ins for improved web searching.

In 2002, Apple released Sherlock 3, which incorporated functionalities closely resembling those of Watson. This ultimately led to the discontinuation of Karelia’s application.

The Evolution of the Term

Since the initial incident, “Sherlocking” has become industry jargon. It describes instances where Apple implements a new feature that replicates the functionality of an already existing third-party app.

Recent Instances of "Sherlocking" at WWDC 2025

The following are new features announced at WWDC 2025 that mirror capabilities previously found in other applications:

• Details regarding specific features and the apps they emulate will be provided in subsequent reports.
• The trend of Apple integrating third-party functionality continues with these latest updates.
• This practice highlights Apple’s strategy of consolidating features within its own ecosystem.

macOS Spotlight's New Capabilities

Raycast and LaunchBar are often referred to as “Sherlocked apps” in the macOS ecosystem.

While Raycast offers extensive functionality beyond simple shortcut management, including a robust developer platform, the unveiling of the redesigned Spotlight search on Mac during Monday’s keynote inevitably drew comparisons.

Upon launching Raycast, users are presented with recommended applications and commands. This functionality mirrors the new Spotlight feature, which will now offer similar suggestions for files, applications, and shortcuts.

A key element of the update is Apple’s introduction of “Actions.” These Actions enable users to perform tasks such as scheduling calendar events, generating GIFs, or establishing new folders – capabilities already present within Raycast.

The updated Spotlight now provides access to menu items from currently active windows. Furthermore, users can assign concise strings to trigger specific actions; for instance, “newr” could be configured to create a new reminder.

Developers will also benefit from Spotlight’s enhanced support for the Intents API, allowing them to integrate actions directly from their own applications.

Raycast’s reach expanded last year with releases for Windows and iOS, incorporating a range of features powered by artificial intelligence.

Tracking Flights with Live Activities

Flighty is an application that has been recognized for its design, having previously received an Apple Design Award.

The app allows users to monitor their own flights, as well as those of others, and also facilitates the management of check-in procedures.

With the release of iOS 26, Apple is enhancing the Wallet application to provide users with the capability to view and share flight statuses directly through Live Activities.

This update brings a new level of convenience to flight monitoring for Apple users.

Enhanced Airport Navigation

Beyond flight status updates, Apple’s Maps application is receiving improvements focused on airport navigation.

Users will now be able to navigate within airports, accessing crucial information regarding gate locations, security checkpoints, retail outlets, baggage claim areas, dining options, and restroom facilities.

These features mirror functionalities already offered by Flighty, providing a comprehensive airport experience.

Feature Overlap

It’s worth noting that Flighty already incorporates many of the features Apple is now integrating into its native apps.

This includes both real-time flight tracking and detailed airport maps with points of interest.

The addition of these capabilities to Apple’s Wallet and Maps apps demonstrates a trend of Apple incorporating popular third-party features directly into its own ecosystem.

Integrating AI Models into XCode Development

The phenomenon of sherlocked apps is exemplified by Alex for Xcode.

Apple has announced that ChatGPT will be the standard integrated assistant within the Xcode 26 coding environment.

Furthermore, developers are now empowered to connect alternative AI models through the utilization of API keys.

The Impact on Existing Tools

This development directly impacts applications like Alex for Xcode, a Y Combinator-supported tool designed to enhance developer workflows.

Alex for Xcode provides a comprehensive suite of features, enabling developers to conduct web-based research, resolve coding errors, and execute terminal commands.

• It facilitates searching within codebases.
• Local AI models can be leveraged.
• Inline code replacement is supported.
• A range of additional functionalities are available.

The inclusion of native AI assistance within Xcode represents a significant shift in Apple’s development ecosystem.

By opening up the platform to API key integration, Apple allows developers greater flexibility in choosing and utilizing the AI tools that best suit their needs.

This move is expected to streamline the coding process and boost developer productivity.

Local Podcast Recording Capabilities

Applications like Sherlocked apps, specifically Riverside, are enabling new workflows for content creators.

A recent update to the iPad introduces a feature called Local Capture. This allows users to record video content directly within any video conferencing application and subsequently share those recordings.

Riverside has long offered similar functionality, empowering users to record and collaborate on projects for an extended period.

Furthermore, Riverside provides a comprehensive editing suite for post-production work.

The extent to which Apple’s integrated editing tools will match the capabilities of dedicated software like Riverside, particularly for podcast recording and editing, remains to be seen.

Comparing Apple's Feature to Riverside

While Apple’s Local Capture offers a convenient recording option, its editing features are currently of unknown efficacy.

Riverside distinguishes itself by offering a complete solution, encompassing both recording and a robust editing environment.

Creators can leverage Riverside’s tools to refine their audio and video content with greater precision.

Apple Watch Notes Application

Sherlocked apps refer to third-party applications that have lost functionality due to a similar feature being integrated into an Apple-developed app.

With the release of WatchOS 26, Apple has introduced its native Notes application to the Apple Watch platform.

Impact on Existing Note-Taking Apps

The arrival of the official Notes app on Apple Watch effectively “Sherlocks” a number of previously available applications.

These apps provided users with the capability to create and manage notes directly from their wrists.

The integration of this functionality into Apple’s own app diminishes the unique value proposition of these third-party alternatives.

Consequently, developers of these Sherlocked apps may face challenges in maintaining user engagement and market share.

Call Screening Capabilities

Several applications, including Sherlocked apps such as Robokiller and Truecaller, provide call screening services.

According to Apple, the forthcoming iOS 26 will introduce Call Assist. This feature will allow incoming calls from unidentified numbers to be answered automatically and discreetly.

Call Assist will record the caller’s identity and the stated purpose of their call.

This information will then be presented to the user, enabling them to decide whether to answer or decline the call.

Furthermore, users will have the option to compose and send a text-based response to the caller, requesting additional information.

Both Robokiller and Truecaller currently offer similar functionalities.

Beyond call screening, these platforms also provide protection against unwanted SMS messages and spam.

Feature Comparison

• Apple’s Call Assist (iOS 26): Silent call answering, caller identification, reason for calling display, and text response capability.
• Robokiller: Call screening, SMS spam blocking, and additional features.
• Truecaller: Call screening, SMS spam blocking, and caller ID services.

The core function of identifying and managing unknown callers is now available through multiple avenues.

Parcel Tracking

Sherlocked apps refer to package tracking applications.

The Wallet application now incorporates order tracking functionality. This is achieved through Apple Intelligence, which analyzes emails originating from retailers and delivery companies.

The system effectively monitors and provides summaries of order statuses.

This new capability directly impacts numerous existing apps. These apps specialize in tracking packages using provided tracking numbers.

How the Feature Works

Apple Intelligence intelligently scans your email inbox.

It identifies emails containing shipping confirmations and updates.

The system then extracts relevant information, such as tracking numbers and estimated delivery dates.

Impact on Third-Party Apps

The introduction of this feature is often referred to as "Sherlocking" within the developer community.

This term describes Apple adding functionality to its native apps that duplicates features offered by third-party applications.

Consequently, developers of dedicated package tracking apps may experience reduced user demand.

Key Benefits

• Convenience: Track packages directly within the Wallet app.
• Automation: No need to manually enter tracking numbers.
• Centralization: Consolidate order information in one location.

The integration of parcel tracking into Apple Wallet streamlines the process for users.

It offers a more integrated and automated experience compared to relying on separate tracking applications.

Future Outlook

Considering Apple's established pattern of integrating functionalities initially popularized by independent applications, those apps offering limited scope may face challenges. Nevertheless, developers have observed that Apple’s inclusion of specific features frequently introduces users to those possibilities.

Many users then demonstrate a preference for third-party applications, seeking a more tailored and personalized user experience. Instances of this phenomenon can be seen with apps previously impacted by “Sherlocking.”

Examples of Adaptation

Following Apple’s integration of similar features, both Bezel, designed for iPhone mirroring, and Unite, which enabled web apps on Mac, have been updated.

These updates focused on delivering expanded functionality geared towards highly specialized applications and use cases, allowing them to continue serving a niche audience.

This demonstrates a resilience within the third-party developer community, adapting to Apple’s ecosystem rather than being entirely displaced by it.

• Developers are finding ways to differentiate their offerings.
• Users are seeking more customization than Apple provides natively.
• “Sherlocked” apps can survive by focusing on specialized features.