Apple Reminders is App of the Month
Issue 18
Tech Vitals
App of the Month - Apple Reminders
Are you feeling overwhelmed by complex task management apps? Constantly searching for the "perfect" solution, only to end up more stressed than when you started?
Before you download another app or sign up for another subscription, I want you to consider the tool that's already on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac: Apple Reminders.
This month, my app of the month video is all about why this free, built-in app might be the only to-do list manager you truly need.
Why Apple Reminders Just Works
Right off the bat, the best thing about Reminders is its accessibility. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, you already have it – no cost, no installation needed. Its clean interface and deep integration with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS are unmatched for a free app.
Think about truly useful features like location-based reminders ("Remind me to grab the mail when I get home"), seamless Siri integration for quick capture, or even getting a reminder when you're texting a specific person. These aren't just gimmicks; they're genuinely helpful ways to offload tasks from your brain.
Simple Setup, Powerful Use
While it's simple, you can tailor it. Easily reorder your lists, set a default "Inbox" for quick capture (especially via Siri!), and customize the view to suit your needs.
But where it really shines is in practical use. I rely on Reminders for everything from managing shared grocery lists (it even categorizes items automatically) to tracking my creative projects in a visual Kanban-style view using sections.
One of my favorite workflows involves linking tasks directly to relevant Apple Notes. This keeps all the context I need just a tap away – a simple yet powerful productivity hack.
Plus, I've built Shortcuts to automate tedious tasks, like adding standard sub-tasks to new video ideas instantly. You can even create list templates for things like packing lists.
Tags? Smart Lists? Not for Me (Mostly)
While features like Tags and Smart Lists exist for advanced filtering (working much like Smart Folders in Apple Notes), I've personally found that a simpler list-based system works better for my bird's eye view.
It's a reminder that you don't have to use every feature to be productive – find what works for YOU.
Acknowledging the Limits
Now, is it perfect? No.
As a free, core OS app, it lacks some of the power-user features found in dedicated paid apps. Natural language input can be a bit clunky compared to the best in class, and certain actions sometimes require more clicks than necessary.
Managing recurring tasks and sub-tasks natively can also feel less fluid than in some competitors, which is why Shortcuts become so valuable to me.
But when you weigh these minor gripes against the seamless integration, core features, potential for automation, and the unbeatable price (free!), Apple Reminders stands out as an incredibly capable task manager for most people.
Ready to Simplify Your To-Do List?
If you're tired of app hopping and yearn for a simpler, more integrated way to manage your tasks on your Apple devices, Apple Reminders is definitely worth a serious look.
Want to see my full workflow, exactly how I set it up, demonstrate the Shortcuts, and get the complete breakdown?
Check out the full video here: The Simple To-Do App That Will Make You MORE Productive!
Creator Heartbeat
New Episode of For Perspective!
The iPad Pro has become an amazing paperweight.
This M4 version is no doubt a powerful tablet, but the Macbook Pro has some specific advantages. So does the iPad still have a place in my lineup or will it be hitting the marketplace with a For Sale sign?
The Macbook has better battery life, a bigger screen, the wonderful nano texture coating and can run full MacOS software with no issues including pro video and photo editing apps.
I went on a work trip recently, a quick 48 hour round trip. It was a no brainer for me to take the Mac….nope. Of course I took the iPad.
This was a work trip so I had my bulky windows laptop with me and wanted to travel light for the short time away. The iPad fit better in my bag with the work laptop and was the perfect size for entertainment on the plane.
I downloaded a couple movies and really enjoyed using it to start the Lord of the Rings from the start.
When I got home though this had me thinking more about my Apple Ecosystem and how each device fills a specific role for me.
You can check out more in this week’s upcoming episode of For Perspective, live Monday morning, May 12th.
Content Radar
I’ve still been testing the Snipd podcast app and as such I’ve been listening to some of the most snipd episodes, including Diary of a CEO, with Morgan Housel.
They briefly talk about AI during this epidsode in the context of how big new technologies can be. I’m pretty optimistic about AI, but of course I have no idea where it goes from here and how it will actually change the world.
You can check out the episode here.
Pulse Check
What’s coming up
M4 Pro Macbook Pro Review
iPhone 16 Pro 6 month review
New short form series for Apple tips and tricks
Connect and Engage