Apple Journal
Apple's free built-in journaling app for iPhone, iPad and Mac with suggestions from your day.
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- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
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- 0
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About Apple Journal
Journal is Apple's own journaling app, included free on iPhone and, more recently, on iPad and Mac. Its distinguishing feature is journaling suggestions: on-device intelligence surfaces moments from your photos, workouts, places visited, music and podcasts as prompts, so you can start an entry from something you actually did. Entries can include text, photos, video, audio recordings and locations, and multiple journals, streaks and reminders help build the habit. Entries can be locked with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode and sync between devices through iCloud, and you can print and export them. There is no subscription or premium tier. The catch is lock-in: it is Apple-only, export options are basic, and it has fewer templates, prompts and analytics than dedicated journals like Day One. For many Apple users, though, it is a simple, private place to start.
Best for: Apple users who want a free, private journal with prompts drawn from their day.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free and built into Apple devices
- Suggestions based on photos, workouts and places
- Lock with Face ID, Touch ID or passcode
Why people leave
- Apple devices only
- Basic export options
- Fewer templates and statistics than dedicated apps
Top Apple Journal alternatives
See all 4- 1
Day One66.5The deeper, cross-platform option with end-to-end encryption and printed books.
- 2
Stoic62.6Guided prompts, mood tracking and breathing exercises on Apple devices and web.
- 3
Journey59.6Works on Android, Windows and Linux too if you leave Apple.
- 4
Daylio57.2Quick mood and activity logging with detailed statistics.
Why people left Apple Journal
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Apple Journal: common questions
Is Apple Journal free?
Yes, Apple Journal is free to use.
Is Apple Journal open source?
No, Apple Journal is not open source.
What platforms does Apple Journal run on?
Apple Journal is available for iOS and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Apple Journal?
The highest-ranked Apple Journal alternatives right now are Day One, Stoic and Journey. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.