Apple’s Journal app has caught on with users who aren’t typically into journaling, but many are confused about one thing: why is it only on the iPhone? Oddly, Apple hasn’t released a version for iPad or Mac. This decision is surprising, especially since the iPad—with its larger screen, keyboard support, and Apple Pencil—seems like a natural fit for journaling.
Why Apple Journal Isn’t on iPad Yet?
Apple’s Journal app has gained popularity for its simplicity and helpful writing suggestions, but many users are puzzled by its absence on the iPad. So far, Apple hasn’t given an official reason for this limitation but some logical possibilities exist.
One of Journal’s standout features is its personalized suggestions, which are created based on what you do throughout the day. This includes data like your photos, travel locations, workouts, and even music choices. These insights are processed securely on your iPhone, without being shared externally, and are used to prompt journaling ideas.
The iPhone naturally gathers more of this kind of context since it’s almost always with you, unlike an iPad, which tends to stay at home or work. Because of this, the iPhone is better suited for generating rich, moment-based suggestions—which may explain why the app hasn’t expanded to other Apple devices like the iPad or Mac just yet.
Why the iPad and Apple Journal Should Go Hand in Hand
The iPad seems like the ideal place for a dedicated journaling experience. With its spacious display, Apple Pencil compatibility, and comfortable typing options, it offers everything needed for mindful writing. While the iPhone is useful for quick thoughts and spontaneous entries—especially with built-in suggestions—the iPad could provide a calmer, distraction-free environment for deeper reflection. It’s surprising Apple hasn’t expanded the Journal app to a platform that’s practically built for it.
However, journaling often goes beyond capturing quick thoughts. It can be a tool for deeper introspection something that benefits from a more spacious and flexible platform. That’s where the iPad shines. With support for tools like the Apple Pencil and external keyboards, it offers a richer, more immersive environment for extended writing, making it an ideal device for thoughtful journaling sessions.
Apple might be using its typical gradual release strategy for the Journal app, similar to what we’ve seen with other apps like Calculator, Health, and Weather, which took years to make their way to the iPad. It’s possible the Journal app will eventually arrive on the iPad, but let’s hope it doesn’t take as long as the 14 years it took for the Calculator app to reach the platform.
If the journaling prompts are the main obstacle to bringing the Journal app to iPad, perhaps not every device needs to rely on them. It would still be great to have the ability to create new entries or build upon existing ones directly on the iPad, especially since journal entries are already synced to the cloud.
