Apple Journal
Apple Journal: A polished free journal with rich attachments, privacy controls and Apple ecosystem integration. Ranked #4 of 35 in Journal Apps by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for apple users wanting a polished free journal.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forApple users wanting a polished free journal
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Media attachmentsYes
- Founded1977 · Cupertino, California, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Rich attachments for photos, video, audio, locations, drawings and music
- Search, calendar, Places views, filters and multiple journals
- Passcode, biometric and Mac password locks with iCloud sync
Where it doesn't
- Availability centers on iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Apple ecosystem integrations may limit cross-platform flexibility
- Export is limited to ZIP files and PDFs, plus printing
Our verdict on Apple Journal
Apple Journal is a free personal journaling app for recording everyday experiences and special events. It supports text entries, writing prompts and journaling suggestions, while allowing users to add photos, videos, audio recordings, locations, drawings, music and state-of-mind data. Multiple journals with custom names and icons make it suitable for people who want separate spaces for different themes, routines or periods of life. It is available on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Its strongest fit is the Apple ecosystem. Journal can sync entries across iPhone, iPad and Mac through iCloud, and it integrates with Apple services including Health, News, Music and Safari. The app also provides search, sorting and filtering, calendar browsing and Places views, so a growing archive can be explored by time, location or other entry details. Insights adds writing streaks, goals and statistics, while prompts and suggestions support users who want structure rather than a blank page.
Privacy and portability are central practical considerations. Journals can be locked with a device passcode, Face ID, Touch ID or a Mac login password, and the category specifications include end-to-end encryption. Entries can be exported as a ZIP file or PDFs and printed, giving users options for keeping copies outside the app. Apple users seeking a feature-rich journal without a paid plan should find the combination of attachments, organization, prompts and Apple integrations compelling. People who need broad availability beyond iOS and macOS, or a journal designed for a wider cross-platform ecosystem, should choose another app.
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Apple Journal pricing
Apple Journal fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Media attachments | Yes |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Privacy lock | Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | Yes |
| Export formats | Multiple |
| Platform coverage | Not verified |
| Search and filters | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Phone, Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: iCloud, Health, News, Music, Safari |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | apple.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Apple Journal integrations
Apple Journal lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud
- Health
- News
- Music
- Safari
Alternatives to Apple Journal
- Day OneA broad, privacy-focused journal with a strong free tier and richer paid features.9.4
- DiariumDiarium combines rich journaling, contextual views, offline access and flexible storage options.9.2
- JourneyA flexible journal for private memories across desktop, mobile, and web.9.1
See all Apple Journal alternatives →
Apple Journal vs the competition
- Apple Journal vs Day One
- Apple Journal vs Diarium
- Apple Journal vs Journey
- Apple Journal vs Diarly
- Apple Journal vs Lugelo
- Apple Journal vs Stoic
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Also Ranked In
Apple Journal is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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