Apple’s iOS 17 to Introduce a Mental Health Journaling App, ‘Jurassic,’ for Daily Tracking and Analysis

As we gear up for WWDC 2023, a new report has shed light on a potential new feature in iOS 17. The Wall Street Journal has revealed that Apple is considering introducing an iPhone journaling app as part of its Health initiatives, which is aimed at promoting mental health.

While a journaling app may not seem like a groundbreaking concept, it’s worth noting that Apple has already showcased Day One, an app that enables users to record and track their thoughts and activities. According to the report, this latest initiative is another step toward Apple’s expanding interest in mental health.

Dubbed “Jurassic,” the codename for the journaling app, it is designed to help users keep track of their daily lives. The app will analyze user behavior and determine what an average day looks like, including the amount of time spent at home versus elsewhere and whether anything out of the ordinary has occurred.

Moreover, Apple plans to suggest potential topics for users to write about and incorporate an “All Day People Discovery” feature that detects physical proximity to others, such as friends and colleagues.

While some may be concerned about privacy, the report states that the iOS 17 app will rely solely on on-device data and any journaling suggestions will be removed from the system after four weeks. Apple will not access this information.

By introducing this journaling app, Apple hopes to enable users to gain a better understanding of their emotional well-being throughout the day. With the help of the Apple Watch, individuals can already monitor their sleep and physical activity, while apps like Gentler Streak can provide insights on how they feel about working out based on their sleep data.