# Why You May Want to Reevaluate Apple’s Journal and Fitness Applications This New Year
As we enter a new year, many people are eager to find ways to cultivate healthier habits. If you’re one of those aiming to improve your wellness, it may be an opportune moment to revisit Apple’s Journal and Fitness apps. Although these apps come pre-installed on iPhones, they have frequently gone unnoticed. Nevertheless, the latest enhancements in iOS 18 have made them much more appealing and functional.
## Underappreciated Journal and Fitness Apps Received Major Apple Enhancements
While Apple doesn’t provide precise usage data, it’s fair to speculate that the Journal and Fitness apps are among the least frequently used pre-installed apps on iPhones. However, both applications boast valuable features that can assist users in forming healthier habits, particularly as we welcome a new year filled with aspirations.
### Journal App’s Enhanced Features
Released in iOS 17.2, the Journal app faced several constraints at first. However, the upgrades introduced in iOS 18 have transformed it into a more powerful resource for self-exploration and mental health. Here are some notable features:
– **State of Mind**: Users can now document their emotional state directly within the Journal app. Furthermore, emotions logged in the Health app are included in Journaling Suggestions, promoting a more cohesive experience.
– **Insights**: The app now offers insights into your journaling practices, encompassing writing streaks, a calendar view, and other metrics to help you monitor your journaling aspirations.
– **Search Functionality**: Retrieving past entries is now simpler than ever, with a search function that enables users to organize entries in their preferred manner.
– **Widgets**: The Journal app provides widgets for both the Home Screen and Lock Screen, showcasing your current writing streak or rotating writing prompts throughout the day to inspire reflection.
– **Rich Text Formatting**: Users can now take advantage of enhanced text formatting choices, including color options, bulleted lists, and block quotes, making the journaling experience more visually lovely.
– **Transcripts**: Audio recordings saved within the app can now be transcribed, so users can review their thoughts in written format.
– **Chronological Sorting**: A new sorting feature lets users view entries by the order of events rather than just the date they were penned.
– **Print Options**: Users can now export their journal entries as a PDF, simplifying the process of printing and sharing their insights.
While I personally prefer using a physical keyboard for journaling, these updates have transformed the Journal app into a more appealing choice for those wishing to record their reflections and emotions.
### Redesigned and Enhanced Apple Fitness App
The Fitness app has also experienced a substantial redesign in iOS 18, enhancing usability and expanding Fitness+ features. The new interface not only makes the app more adaptable but also streamlines navigation. Here are some of the main upgrades:
– **Customizable Summary Screen**: The Fitness summary screen now features various content cards that users can add, remove, or rearrange based on their preferences. To tailor your view, simply scroll to the bottom and select ‘Edit Summary.’
– **Improved Fitness+ Navigation**: The Fitness+ section has been simplified into four dedicated tabs:
– **For You**
– **Explore**
– **Library**
– **Search**
These tabs facilitate the discovery of personalized recommendations and motivational nudges, making it easier to stay committed to your fitness goals.
As a long-term user of Fitness+, I can vouch for its efficacy in aiding individuals to establish and sustain fitness routines. If you’re eager to embark on your fitness journey this year, now is a fantastic time to see what Fitness+ has in store.
## Conclusion
With the new year underway, it’s an ideal time to re-evaluate your habits and investigate fresh tools that can aid in achieving your goals. The recent improvements to Apple’s Journal and Fitness apps offer compelling reasons to consider them once again. Whether you’re aiming to boost your mental wellness through journaling or to develop a steady fitness routine, these apps are now better prepared to support you on your path.
Have you tried the Journal or Fitness apps? What features have you found most advantageous? Share your thoughts in the comments below!