Reflections on WWDC 2025: A Glimpse into Apple’s Future
WWDC 2025 has come and gone, marking another significant chapter in Apple’s evolution. Although the company strategically bypassed a wider roll-out of its Apple Intelligence upgrades, there was still much to celebrate. The introduction of true window management for the iPad was a much-anticipated enhancement, and the new design language across all platforms hints at an exciting shift as we approach September’s product launches. Yet, amidst these substantial advancements, one feature slipped under the radar but caught my attention: the impending enhancements to the Reminders app. This development might just be the catalyst that convinces me to transition from my long-time companion, Things 3.
The Great Debate: Things 3 vs. Apple Reminders
For anyone immersed in the world of digital task management, Cultured Code’s Things app is practically a legend. Users frequently laud its impeccable UI design, which is seemingly tailored to perfection. It has served as my primary organizational tool across various Apple devices, including my Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even my Apple Watch, where I can conveniently jot down tasks using Action Button shortcuts. Over the years, Things 3 has been my reliable companion, providing the satisfaction of checking off tasks and maintaining order amidst life’s chaos.
However, my loyalty to Things 3 has begun to wane—not because it has diminished in quality, but because numerous competitors are starting to match, if not exceed, its offerings. Things 3 still excels when it comes to the straightforward process of task input, organizing them into categories, and providing that gratifying moment when a task is completed. Nevertheless, it is increasingly apparent that it’s lacking crucial features that its rivals now boast.
One significant drawback lies in its lack of shared reminder lists. My wife should be able to effortlessly add tasks for me, but Things 3 doesn’t support that functionality. Additionally, the absence of a web version is a considerable constraint for those, like myself, who occasionally find themselves reliant on a Windows setup. The app’s Siri integration also leaves much to be desired; I find myself frequently inputting tasks into Apple Reminders just so I can utilize Siri’s dictation capability.
This raises an interesting question: what if I simply used Apple Reminders to manage my tasks rather than relying on Things 3? It’s an intriguing possibility that opens up a new avenue to explore.
Rethinking Task Management: The Role of Integration
I rely heavily on Notion as a comprehensive database for my professional life. However, my daily tasks still take precedence in Things 3. Each night, I meticulously plan my upcoming day by inputting various tasks. This habitual approach helps me kickstart my mornings with clarity and direction. Yet, the limitations I face begin to surface when I need to incorporate tasks from external sources, like when my wife asks me to pick something up from the store or when I want to use CarPlay to add an item to my daily list.
Apple has put a considerable amount of effort into improving Reminders over the past few years. However, what’s compelling me to consider this switch now is not merely the existing functionality but also the upcoming advancements slated for integration. Apple has announced that with the release of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Reminders will harness elements of Apple Intelligence.
Imagine a system that can automatically outline your next tasks based on your activities. For example, acknowledging when one of my freelance articles gets published could prompt an automatic task to send an invoice—eliminating manual entry. Having the capability to take notes during a meeting, with the system intelligently suggesting where those notes should go, is also an exciting prospect. The promise of a more intuitive task management experience is genuinely enticing.
Navigating the Future of Task Management
I may be getting ahead of myself, especially since I’m uncertain whether any AI features are present in the current betas. However, I still contend that Things 3—or its anticipated successor—must adapt to remain competitive.
What Could ‘Things 4’ Bring to the Table?
If Cultured Code is listening, there are aspects I believe could significantly enhance the user experience.
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Time Slot Management: It would be revolutionary to introduce distinct time slots for Morning, Afternoon, and Evening tasks. Presently, the app offers only day and evening divisions. This granularity in task scheduling could vastly improve how I organize my day and prioritize what must be accomplished at specific times.
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A Web App: The lack of a web application has become an increasing pain point. Many of us use multiple operating systems throughout our workflows, and having a web version would allow seamless access regardless of the device being used.
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Collaborative Features: Small business owners—and even families—would benefit immensely from collaborative lists. Adding the ability for multiple users to contribute to a task list would streamline the process of managing joint responsibilities.
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A Kanban View: Including a Kanban-style board would significantly enhance my workflow. Currently, I often move tasks from Notion into Things 3. By integrating a Kanban view, I could streamline my process and eliminate the need for data entry redundancy.
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Enhanced Siri Integration: Given that Siri has become a staple digital assistant for many, improving its integration with task management would be a massive win. A more seamless interaction where tasks can be added or modified would eliminate friction in task management.
The Challenge of Migration
Considering a switch from Things 3 to Apple Reminders—or a different task management app altogether—invites its own set of challenges. The thought of migrating all my data, habits, and musings from a system I have grown accustomed to is daunting. Comfort and familiarity play significant roles in productivity, and a sudden change can feel like stepping into the unknown.
Moreover, let’s not underestimate the emotional attachment that has developed over years of using Things 3. There’s a certain level of satisfaction derived from using a tool that has effectively catered to my personal and professional needs. It’s this lingering affection that adds to the complexity of even considering a switch.
The Power of Community Feedback
In this rapidly evolving landscape of productivity apps, feedback from the community can act as a guiding force for future developments. As users share experiences, insights, and aspirations for what they would like to see in apps such as Things 3, developers can learn and adapt. Cultured Code, for example, has built a loyal user base that values how their needs are met through updates and feature enhancements. Engaging the community in these discussions can lead to game-changing innovations that benefit everyone involved.
Conclusion: The Quest for the Perfect Task Manager
In the end, the quest for the ideal task management tool is a personal journey influenced by individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. At WWDC 2025, Apple has shown that it has plenty of innovations in store, including enhancements to Reminders that might push me to reconsider my allegiance to Things 3.
As we look ahead to the future of task management, the integrated capabilities promised by Apple Intelligence possess the potential to redefine the landscape. Yet, the enduring quality of established apps, like Things 3, should not be overlooked, as their development teams strive to adapt to changing user preferences and technological advancements.
We all want to live more organized, productive lives. Whether it’s sticking with what we know or bravely venturing into the realm of new tools, the ultimate goal is to find a system that empowers us to make the most of our time. In this evolving digital ecosystem, there’s bound to be something that works for everyone. Whether it’s Apple Reminders, Things 3, or some yet-to-be-released solution, the journey continues as we strive for optimal organization in our everyday lives.
