Journal

We’ve been hearing about Apple’s new journaling app since May, a few weeks before Apple unveiled it as part of iOS 17 during its June Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

From the beginning, Apple made it clear that Journal would not be making the cut for iOS 17.0 but would instead come “later this year.” While it wasn’t clear back then whether Apple would release Journal as a standalone app from the App Store or build it into an iOS release, it turns out it’s done the latter by bundling it in iOS 17.2.

That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it — you can still remove it like most other first-party Apple apps. If you do that, you can also download it again from the App Store if you later decide you want it back. However, it does require iOS 17.2 or later, so you won’t be able to install it without updating your iPhone to today’s release.

As the name suggests, Apple’s Journal app lets you record your thoughts and reflect on your day, either in simple prose or by adding photos, videos, locations, and even audio clips. It also includes suggested moments from your daily activities and other prompts to inspire you to get started.

While it’s not nearly as full-featured as the collection of third-party journalling apps you’ll find on the App Store, we think that’s rather the point. Apple has chosen to keep it simple here, and it’s an excellent built-in — and free — option for those who just want to jot down their thoughts without going all the way to creating a “life blog.”