Unify Native iOS Utility Apps into a Single Modular AI-Enhanced App (Apple Assist)

Question

jlmaurity OP

Created 2w

Replies 3

Boosts 0

Participants 2

Hello Apple Developer Community,

I'd like to propose a system-wide enhancement for future versions of iOS: the integration of native utility apps — Calculator, Compass, Voice Memos, Magnifier, Measure, Weather, and Translate — into a single unified app, tentatively called Apple Assist.

The vision is to provide:

A modular interface where users can enable/disable tools as needed.
Smarter workflows with proactive suggestions based on context (time, location, task).
AI-powered interaction through voice and Apple Intelligence (Advanced Siri).

Benefits:

Reduces icon clutter on the Home Screen.
Simplifies the user experience with a single access point.
Creates opportunities for automation and accessibility.

Imagine saying:
“Hey Siri, record a quick note and measure the table” — and the app smartly loads those modules on demand.

Would love to hear feedback from the community — and whether Apple might consider something in this direction for iOS 19 or beyond.

Best regards,
Jose Luiz Horta Barbosa Maurity Cruz

Boost

Answer 1

jlmaurity OP

2w

Proposal: Unify Native Utility Apps into One Modular, AI-Enhanced App – Apple Assist

Hello Apple Developer Community,

I’m an independent developer and researcher, and I’d like to share a proposal that could enhance usability, accessibility, and UI/UX cohesion across iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.

🎯 Core Idea

Unify Apple’s native utility apps into a single modular and intelligent experience, provisionally titled Apple Assist. This includes:

Calculator
Compass
Voice Memos
Magnifier
Measure
Weather
Translate
Apple News

💡 Why Apple Assist?

Today, these apps are distributed separately and accessed individually. While functional, this segmentation may be unintuitive for multitasking, accessibility workflows, and contextual usage.

Apple Assist would act as a central hub, using a modular interface powered by Apple Intelligence, allowing:

Seamless access to key tools in a single space
Smart suggestions based on time, location, or context (e.g., auto-open Magnifier in low light)
Enhanced accessibility for elderly users and professionals on the go
Full integration with iOS and watchOS (reduced app switching, smoother Siri handoffs)

🧭 Long-term Vision

Apple Assist could be positioned as:

A built-in OS app with UI principles consistent across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
A potential evolution of Spotlight, Shortcuts, or Siri UI
A launchpad for Apple Intelligence-powered micro-modules
A candidate for showcasing on-device AI use cases

👤 As the concept originator...

I’m exploring ways to contribute this to Apple directly — ideally through developer preview channels, or internal feedback/testing teams.

If anyone in this community has suggestions, thoughts, or would like to collaborate, I’d love your input!

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Answer 2

darkpaw OP

2w

You're in the wrong place.

These are the Developer Forums, where developers of third-party apps for Apple's platforms ask each other for hints and tips on coding.

These forums are not where Apple's actual developers chat about new features.

If you have a suggestion, you should raise it at: https://feedbackassistant.apple.com/

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Answer 3

jlmaurity OP

2w

I’m fully aware of where I’m posting. Proposing ideas that impact the future of iOS is part of what developers do — not just coding tips. Innovation doesn’t happen by staying silent. If you’re not here to contribute constructively, please respect those who are trying to move things forward.

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