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My Top 7 iOS Productivity Apps for 2023

What a year it’s been in the tech world, especially with the AI revolution reshaping our digital landscape! The app store is brimming with innovative productivity tools, constantly evolving to meet our needs. In this whirlwind of technological advancement, I’ve curated a list of apps that have become my daily allies in work and organization.

1 - Browser - Arc from The Browser Company

For years, my browser journey oscillated between Safari and Chrome, each serving its purpose until recent updates made Safari my go-to choice. Then whispers of a new player started echoing in the tech corridors: Arc from The Browser Company. I'm usually not one to switch gears unless absolutely necessary, so Arc was added to my 'check-it-out-eventually' list. Yet, it kept surfacing in articles and tech feeds, igniting my curiosity. When I finally decided to take the plunge, the experience was nothing short of a revelation. Here's a testimonial that encapsulates my experience with Arc, possibly even better than I could.

2 - E-Mail - Spark 

Next up, let's talk about Spark - the email app that's as speedy as it is customizable. Its adaptability to my changing preferences is a game-changer. Sometimes, I opt for the 'classic' view, mirroring the familiar layout of most email apps. But on other occasions, I switch to the 'smart' view. This nifty feature lets me breeze past emails that don't require immediate attention, allowing me to focus on the ones that do. Plus, it's incredibly savvy at tagging emails from new senders, giving me the choice to either welcome them into my inbox or block them. It’s these small, thoughtful features that make Spark an integral part of my daily email routine.

3 - Todo List - Apple Reminders App

Moving onto the world of to-do lists, I've recently transitioned from being a decade-long Todoist user to giving Apple's Reminders app a try. With the rollout of iOS 17 and the Sonoma update, the app got a fresh coat of features and a UI facelift. What really drew me in was the seamless integration with Siri – the convenience of saying 'Hey Siri, remind me to' is undeniably appealing. However, I'll be candid: I'm still on the fence about this switch. I've encountered a bug or two, and some UI choices leave me scratching my head. There's a chance I might find my way back to Todoist's familiar territory.

4 - Music - Brain.fm or Apple Music

When it comes to music, my needs vary with the nature of my work. For those intense deep-work sessions, Brain.fm is my go-to. The impact it has on my focus is remarkable – it's like a turbo boost for my brain. On the other hand, when the tasks are lighter, and I'm in a more relaxed mode, I turn to Apple Music. There's something about diving into my 90s alternative playlists or some lo-fi tunes that just sets the perfect work vibe. 🎶 It's all about matching the rhythm to the task at hand!

5 - Calendar - Fantastical

As for managing my schedule, Fantastical has been my trusted companion for quite some time. Its ability to seamlessly integrate multiple calendars and provide me with exactly the views I need is unparalleled. Sure, there's a buzz surrounding some of the newer calendar apps on the block, but when something works as well as Fantastical does for me, I see no reason to switch. It's about sticking with a tool that consistently meets and exceeds your needs.

6 - Project Management - Notion 

Turning our focus to project management, let's talk about Notion. Chances are, if you're a part of this email community, you've come across my musings about Notion. For those who haven't, I've put together a handy guide to get you up to speed. 🙂

What really stands out for me with Notion is its integrated AI assistant. This feature has revolutionized the way I use the platform, streamlining my workflow and bringing a level of efficiency that's hard to match. It's not just a project management tool; it's like having a smart assistant by your side, tailor-made for the way you work.

As a token of appreciation for being such an integral part of this community, I have a special gift for you. Over time, I've crafted several Notion templates that have garnered positive feedback. I'm excited to share these with you — completely free of charge. Consider it a thank you for your continued support and engagement. Feel free to download them and integrate them into your workflow.

• Notion Bullet Journal

• SMART Goal System for Notion

• Ivy Lee Task Manager for Notion

On the checkout page, enter OPTIMIZE for 100% off these Notion templates.

Have questions about integrating Notion into your daily routine? I'm here to help. Just drop me an email 📧 and let's get you set up for success with Notion. Whether it's about optimizing your workflow, understanding features, or anything else, I'm just an email away. Your journey to productivity with Notion starts with a simple query!

Lastly, #7

In a 2023 top app list, it would be remiss not to mention an AI app, wouldn't it? The iOS store is teeming with AI apps serving various purposes. Many are essentially user interfaces layered over the major AI models. My preference? Keeping it straightforward with the official OpenAI ChatGPT app. A word of caution: there are quite a few imitators out there, masquerading under similar branding. To ensure you're getting the genuine experience, I've linked to the verified official app right here.

And that brings us to the end of my 2023 favorite iOS app roundup. It's been quite a journey exploring these tools that have made a significant impact on my productivity and workflow. But now, I'm turning the spotlight over to you. What are your go-to apps this year? Are there any hidden gems you've discovered? I'm always on the lookout for new tools to try, and who better to recommend them than you, our savvy community members?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,

Zach

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