‘Sherlocked’: The apps and features made obsolete by Apple at WWDC 2025
At Apple’s WWDC 2025, the tech giant introduced a wave of features that signal a transformative shift in how users interact with their devices. But beyond the applause and flashy demos lies a recurring theme that developers have come to anticipate—Sherlocking.
“Sherlocked” is a term born in the Apple ecosystem. It refers to when Apple integrates features into its operating systems that were previously offered by third-party apps, often rendering those apps obsolete. This year’s WWDC didn’t shy away from that practice. From productivity tools to developer utilities, many apps suddenly face tough competition from Apple’s native offerings.
Here’s a deep dive into the most notable apps and features that were Sherlocked at WWDC 2025.
Spotlight Supercharged: A Blow to Alfred and Raycast
Apple’s Spotlight has long served as a quick search tool, but with macOS Tahoe, it’s evolved into a full-fledged productivity hub. Now capable of executing system commands, running automations, searching deep within apps, and even keeping clipboard history, it mirrors what third-party utilities like Raycast, Alfred, and LaunchBar have offered for years.
For users, this change is revolutionary. Without installing any additional software, they can now perform advanced tasks like scheduling meetings, controlling smart home devices, and performing calculations—all from Spotlight. But for app developers who’ve spent years perfecting these features, it’s a harsh wake-up call.
Native Flight Tracking vs Flighty
Travelers love apps like Flighty for their real-time flight updates, gate information, and delay alerts. But now, Apple Wallet and Apple Maps offer a native experience that pulls flight details straight from your email and displays real-time status via Live Activities.
You can now check your gate, track your flight’s location, and receive delay alerts—without opening any app. While Flighty still offers in-depth features and premium plans, casual users may no longer feel the need for it.
Call Assist Hits Truecaller Hard
One of the biggest updates in iOS 18 was Call Assist, a new feature that automatically screens calls, transcribes voicemails in real time, and offers smart replies. Apps like Truecaller and Robokiller, which provide spam detection and call screening, suddenly have serious competition.
Apple’s Call Assist integrates directly with the Phone app, making it seamless for users. It not only identifies spam but allows users to decide whether to pick up, ignore, or reply with a quick message—all while keeping the experience privacy-focused.
Siri Intelligence and Package Tracking
Apple’s new Apple Intelligence system isn’t just about generative AI. It quietly powers smart summarization of emails, including package tracking. With data pulled from your inbox, Wallet can now display delivery times, shipping updates, and expected arrival dates.
This spells trouble for apps like Deliveries, Parcel, and AfterShip, which gained popularity for managing online orders. Now, Apple’s built-in system provides similar functionality for free, and without needing to grant access to third-party services.
Notes Comes to Apple Watch
For years, Apple Watch users relied on apps like Drafts, Bear, or Noted to take quick voice memos or jot down ideas. But watchOS 11 finally introduces a native Notes app for Apple Watch. It supports checklists, dictation, syncing with iPhone, and even smart summaries for quick reminders.
While this was a highly requested feature, it undercuts third-party developers who filled this gap in previous years. Their apps must now offer something significantly better to compete.
Local Podcast Recording on iPad
Podcasters and video creators often rely on apps like Riverside, Zoom, or Ecamm Live for local recording. But iPadOS 18 introduces Local Capture, a new feature that enables professional-quality recording of video calls directly on the iPad. It supports multiple participants, saves audio locally, and even isolates each track—mirroring features previously only available through paid apps.
With Apple building this into FaceTime and developer APIs, content creators have fewer reasons to seek external tools.
AI in Xcode: Alex Gets Competition
Apple’s integration of AI directly into Xcode 16 may be the most disruptive for developers. Built on Apple Intelligence, this new assistant helps write, refactor, and explain code. It can also generate entire functions, provide documentation, and offer suggestions—all without leaving your development environment.
This puts pressure on third-party tools like Alex for Xcode, Codeium, and even GitHub Copilot, especially for developers working exclusively within Apple’s ecosystem.
Is Sherlocking Unfair—or Inevitable?
The practice of Sherlocking has long stirred debate. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s a win—native apps are faster, more secure, and free. But for indie developers and small software companies, it’s devastating. Years of innovation can be swept away in a single keynote announcement.
Yet Apple argues it’s simply listening to user feedback and fulfilling needs that were previously outsourced. In some cases, Sherlocking can even introduce users to features they didn’t know they needed, potentially driving them toward premium third-party solutions later.
Final Thoughts
WWDC 2025 showcased Apple’s commitment to seamless integration and intelligent design. But for app developers, it also served as a stark reminder of the risks of building a business around filling the gaps in Apple’s ecosystem. When those gaps are filled natively, survival depends on innovation, differentiation, and often, moving faster than Apple itself.
Whether you’re a user excited by the new features or a developer worried about the next update, one thing is clear: Apple’s version of progress doesn’t always leave room for everyone.
