Apple Notes in 2025: A True GoodNotes Replacement?

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Apple Notes has been my preferred notes app for nearly a year now. Previously, I subscribed to multiple note-taking services because I’m one of those recovering addicts who struggles to switch productivity apps. However, I’m currently in a phase of streamlining my tools and realizing that it’s not about the tools themselves, but rather the systems I have in place. Can Apple Notes effectively replace Goodnotes 6 and reduce the number of tools in my productivity arsenal?

Let me explain my perspective.

Table of contents:
1. Handwritten Notes: Why it matters to me?
2. How I use Goodnotes 6: A Bag of Notebooks
3. Why I switched to Apple Notes for anything handwritten
4. Goodnotes Feature I miss on Apple Notes
5. Final thoughts

Handwritten Notes: Why it matters to me?

I prefer handwriting my notes over typing them. Numerous studies have shown that students retain more information by handwritten notes compared to typing.

This debate may be old, but it remains relevant today, especially with digital tools often becoming distractions. Handwriting creates a stronger connection in my brain than simply typing words on a keyboard.

Writing by hand requires time and thoughtful consideration. It’s slower than typing…