Improve your APPS

Apple’s core Mac & iOS apps work well, but could they be better? We explore the other possibilities, should you wish to replace any

It is unlikely that you cannot find replacement apps for the core Apple offerings that work better for you

There are many advantages to using the core Apple apps on macOS and iOS, which include reliability, the best possible continuity with other apps and devices, and the knowledge that if there is a glitch it will be fixed quickly because so many people will be affected. However, both operating systems are a lot stronger because of the wide variety of third-party apps available, and for each of the core functions there are offerings that bring greater functionality and in many cases a completely different experience. Apple only allows apps to be installed through the official App Store for iOS so you can be sure of compatibility and privacy safeguards, etc, and because of this we are also highlighting macOS apps that are mostly available through the Mac App Store. You can of course choose any apps you wish to use. Taking the time to try as many as possible will eventually give you the best solutions for your particular needs. The vast majority can be tried for free or with a trial subscription.

Bear App: A cleaner macOS notes experience

Apple Notes has grown to be a complete note-taking system that includes the majority of the features anyone could need. The interface, however, is somewhat static and so you do have to work within a frame that Apple has created. You will either like it or want more customisations and this is where the competition has a role to play.

• App credit: Shiny Frog Ltd

Notebooks: Make iOS notes more customisable

Apple Notes fits perfectly within iOS but for a more advanced experience in terms of how complex your documents can be try the Notebooks – Write and Organize app. It works like a traditional solution, but it is very powerful.

• App credit: Alfons Schmid

1 Using Notebooks

The Notebooks – Write and Organize app lets you manage notes, documents and tasks all within a setup that works perfectly within iCloud. Each note is stored as a file.