Five Productivity Apps to Kick-Start the New Year - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Five Productivity Apps to Kick-Start the New Year

Apps can play a pivotal role in helping to reach new goals, form habits, or simply improve personal productivity – here's five you should consider adopting going into 2024.

iOS App Store General Feature Sqaure Complement
Each app we've chosen for this list has a unique ability to aid Apple device users in various aspects of personal and professional development. From sophisticated task management to habit formation, these apps offer a wide range of functionalities tailored to meet the diverse needs of users seeking to make the most out of the upcoming year.

  • Things 3 ($9.99 for iPhone and Apple Watch, $19.99 for iPad, and $49.99 for Mac): Things 3 is a popular task manager designed for Apple devices, offering a more robust feature set compared to Apple's default Reminders app. It stands out for its elegant and user-friendly interface and powerful features like project planning, deadlines, Markdown support, and more. These capabilities make it an outstanding tool for anyone looking to bring more structure to the tasks in their personal and professional life at the start of the new year.
  • Obsidian (free): Obsidian is a versatile Markdown note-taking application that surpasses the capabilities of Apple Notes with its distinctive approach to personal knowledge management and plug-ins. Unlike most note-taking apps, Obsidian specializes in linking thoughts and ideas through a network of interconnected notes, creating a personal knowledge base that grows and evolves over time. Obsidian's ability to map out and visually connect goals, plans, and ideas could be incredibly valuable going into the new year.
  • Streaks ($4.99): Streaks is a habit-forming app designed to help users establish and maintain good habits by leveraging the psychological power of "streaks" or consecutive days of completing a specific task. What sets Streaks apart is its focus on consistency and incremental progress, encouraging users to build small, daily habits of their choosing that lead to significant long-term changes in behavior – perfect for sticking to those tricky New Year's resolutions.
  • Fantastical (free, "Premium" subscription available): Fantastical is a calendar application known for its superior functionality and user-friendly interface, distinguishing it from the default Calendar app. It offers a range of features that enhance scheduling and time management, such as natural language parsing and a highly customizable view that integrates tasks and reminders alongside calendar events. This makes Fantastical a perfect tool for anyone seeking to start the new year with better time management.
  • ChatGPT (free, "Plus" subscription available): ChatGPT is a conversational AI tool that offers users an interactive platform for various tasks and queries. It can provide assistance across a wide range of areas, such as generating creative ideas, offering productivity tips, helping with language learning, or even providing motivation and mental wellness advice. ChatGPT's capacity to provide instant, informed responses on a diverse range of topics makes it an excellent tool for anyone seeking a reliable and intelligent digital assistant to enhance their daily productivity or learning.

Are there any other productivity apps that you'd recommend to start the new year? Let us know in the comments.

Popular Stories

Apple TV Sans Remote Feature

New Apple TV 4K Leaked

Friday September 25, 2026 8:16 am PDT by
MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris has uncovered an image file from Apple for an unreleased Apple TV 4K, suggesting that a new model will finally be released soon. The image is specifically for an "Apple TV 4K (4th generation)" model. Apple TV 4K (4th generation) image (on a gradient) The image reveals that the Apple TV will have the same external design as the current model, with all of its...
HomePod minis Apple TV and iPad mini Leak Feature

iPad Mini With A20 Pro, New HomePod Mini Colors, and New Apple TV 4K All Just Leaked

Friday September 25, 2026 8:18 am PDT by
The next iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K models have all leaked, just a few weeks before the devices are expected to be announced. Specifically, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered a few of Apple's official images of the devices, confirming their existence and some new features that are planned. The most notable iPad mini details revealed in today's leak include an A20 Pro ...
HomePod minis on gradient feature 1 1

Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors

Friday September 25, 2026 8:17 am PDT by
Apple's new HomePod mini will share the same design as the original model and come in five colors, MacRumors has found. The information originates from Apple's own code (spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris) and shows clear product images of the new models in all of their colors. The above image contains Apple's own icons, which specifically refer to a "HomePod mini 2." The new...

Top Rated Comments

36 months ago

ChatGPT's capacity to provide instant, informed responses on a diverse range of topics makes it an excellent tool for anyone seeking a reliable and intelligent digital assistant to enhance their daily productivity or learning
That’s an interesting way to spell “hit-or-miss.”
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
36 months ago
I used to have Fantastical, until they moved all of the most interesting features to the premium subscription. I have no problem paying for premium, and do for many apps. But the price for the Fantastical premium subscription was too high (for me) given the benefits.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
36 months ago

The article really shouldn't claim that ChatGPT is reliable.
ChatGPT wrote it most likely, after all...
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
36 months ago
Am I the only one that uses the Apple Reminders and Apple Calendars? I used Fantastical in the past, but they turned into a subscription based app despite having paid for the full version already. I don't trust 3rd party apps anymore.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
36 months ago
I really miss the Fantastical calendar on my phone and watch. Ever since their debacle with moving to sub, I stopped using them.

Streaks is simlple but works. I don't care for their orange layout.

MR, you should have mentioned Calendar 366. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/calendar-366-events-tasks/id1265892516
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shasterball Avatar
36 months ago
The article really shouldn't claim that ChatGPT is reliable.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Banks and Credit Unions to Team Up Against Apple Pay Fees
Banks and Credit Unions to Team Up Against Apple Pay Fees
12 hours ago
Apple Finally Shares tvOS 27 Release Notes With List of New Features
Apple Finally Shares tvOS 27 Release Notes With List of New Features
12 hours ago
Amazon's $199 Discount on Apple Watch Ultra 3 Returns to Help Clear Stock
Amazon's $199 Discount on Apple Watch Ultra 3 Returns to Help Clear Stock
13 hours ago
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Ultra 4 From Lululook
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Ultra 4 From Lululook
13 hours ago
Apple Code Confirms iPad 12 Specs: A19, 8GB RAM, N1, C1X Modem
Apple Code Confirms iPad 12 Specs: A19, 8GB RAM, N1, C1X Modem
14 hours ago
Some iPhone 18 Pro Max Users Experiencing AT&T Cellular Issues
Some iPhone 18 Pro Max Users Experiencing AT&T Cellular Issues
14 hours ago
Launch Week Deals Hit Latest Macs, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and Apple Accessories
Launch Week Deals Hit Latest Macs, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and Apple Accessories
14 hours ago
The MacRumors Show: Tyler Stalman Talks iPhone 18 Pro's Camera
The MacRumors Show: Tyler Stalman Talks iPhone 18 Pro's Camera
15 hours ago
iPad Mini With A20 Pro, New HomePod Mini Colors, and New Apple TV 4K All Just Leaked
iPad Mini With A20 Pro, New HomePod Mini Colors, and New Apple TV 4K All Just Leaked
16 hours ago
iPad Mini 8 Leaked: A20 Pro Chip, Landscape Camera, and More
iPad Mini 8 Leaked: A20 Pro Chip, Landscape Camera, and More
16 hours ago
Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors
Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors
16 hours ago
New Apple TV 4K Leaked
New Apple TV 4K Leaked
16 hours ago
Create a Custom Pass in the Wallet App on iPhone
Create a Custom Pass in the Wallet App on iPhone
20 hours ago
How to Check Your Mac's Manufacture Date in macOS 27
How to Check Your Mac's Manufacture Date in macOS 27
1 day ago
What's Gone in macOS Golden Gate and What's Next in macOS 28
What's Gone in macOS Golden Gate and What's Next in macOS 28
1 day ago
TestFlight App Gets New iOS 27 Features
TestFlight App Gets New iOS 27 Features
1 day ago
Google Photos Wardrobe Feature Comes to iOS
Google Photos Wardrobe Feature Comes to iOS
1 day ago
Apple Music to Host Free Head Trip Festival Livestream
Apple Music to Host Free Head Trip Festival Livestream
1 day ago
watchOS 27.2 Code Hints at iPhone-Style Screenshot Previews
watchOS 27.2 Code Hints at iPhone-Style Screenshot Previews
2 days ago
Beats 360 Headphones Now Available in Apple Stores
Beats 360 Headphones Now Available in Apple Stores
2 days ago
Apple Shares New Video Promoting iOS 27 Parental Controls
Apple Shares New Video Promoting iOS 27 Parental Controls
2 days ago
Apple Has Announced 12 New Products in the Past Month
Apple Has Announced 12 New Products in the Past Month
2 days ago
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?
2 days ago
Here's When Apple TV is Airing Free 'Peanuts' Holiday Specials This Year
Here's When Apple TV is Airing Free 'Peanuts' Holiday Specials This Year
2 days ago
Square Announces Apple Business Integration
Square Announces Apple Business Integration
2 days ago
AirPods Pro 3 on Sale for $199 This Week on Amazon
AirPods Pro 3 on Sale for $199 This Week on Amazon
2 days ago
Qualcomm Announces Renewed Agreement With Apple
Qualcomm Announces Renewed Agreement With Apple
2 days ago
Apple Confirms iPhone 18 Pro Bug Fix Update is Coming Next Week
Apple Confirms iPhone 18 Pro Bug Fix Update is Coming Next Week
2 days ago
Full iPhone 4 'Antennagate' Q&A Video Surfaces After 16 Years
Full iPhone 4 'Antennagate' Q&A Video Surfaces After 16 Years
2 days ago
Meta Did a 'One More Thing' and It's an AI Tamagotchi
Meta Did a 'One More Thing' and It's an AI Tamagotchi
2 days ago