14 Best Task Management Apps for iOS in 2026 (iPhone & iPad)
Looking for a truly native iOS task manager? These are the best options for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch users.
iOS users deserve task managers that feel like Apple made them.
If you’ve downloaded task managers that feel clunky, look out of place, or don’t leverage iOS features you love—widgets, Shortcuts, Apple Watch, handoff between devices—you know the frustration. These are cross-platform apps treating iOS as an afterthought, porting Android interfaces that don’t feel right on your iPhone.
iOS-native task management is different. Apps built specifically for Apple’s ecosystem integrate deeply with iOS features, follow Apple’s design language, sync seamlessly across your devices via iCloud, and leverage platform capabilities that cross-platform tools simply can’t match.
This isn’t about platform wars—it’s about quality. When you’ve invested in iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, you want apps that respect that ecosystem and make your devices work together beautifully. You want task managers that feel as polished as Apple’s own apps, leveraging Shortcuts automation, home screen widgets, Focus mode integration, and Apple Health data.
This guide covers 14 task management apps for iOS—some built exclusively for Apple platforms, others with exceptional iOS implementations. All respect that iOS users value native experiences, thoughtful design, and deep ecosystem integration.
What Makes a Great iOS Task Management App
Not all iOS apps are created equal. Here’s what separates truly great iOS task managers from mediocre ports:
1. Design Language That Feels Native
Great iOS apps follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines—not slavishly, but respectfully. They use SF Symbols for iconography, implement iOS navigation patterns naturally, and feel at home alongside Apple’s own apps.
What this looks like: Animations that match iOS’s physics, typography that respects Dynamic Type, interfaces that work equally well one-handed on iPhone or with a keyboard on iPad.
2. Widget Support Across iOS
Widgets are fundamental to iOS productivity. The best task managers provide:
Home screen widgets in multiple sizes (small, medium, large)
Lock screen widgets (iOS 16+) for glanceable task viewing
Today widgets for quick access from any screen
StandBy mode optimization (iOS 17+) for nightstand/desk displays
What this looks like: Your next three tasks visible on your lock screen. A medium widget showing today’s schedule on your home screen. Your current task in StandBy mode on your bedside table.
3. Apple Watch Integration That Works
Apple Watch isn’t just for notifications—it’s a productivity device. Exceptional iOS task managers offer:
Complications for all watch faces showing task counts, next tasks, or progress
Dictation support for quick task capture via Siri
Independent watch app that works without iPhone nearby
Haptic feedback for completion satisfaction
What this looks like: Glancing at your watch face to see three tasks remaining. Dictating “Add task: Email Sarah about project” while walking. Completing tasks from your wrist during meetings.
4. iCloud Sync Done Right
True iOS-native apps use iCloud for sync—not proprietary services requiring accounts. This means:
Instant sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac
Privacy-focused (your data stays in your iCloud, not a company’s servers)
No sign-up required beyond your existing Apple ID
Works offline with automatic sync when back online
What this looks like: Adding a task on your iPhone and seeing it instantly on your iPad. No email verification, no account creation, just seamless Apple ecosystem magic.
5. Shortcuts Integration for Automation
iOS Shortcuts enable powerful automation. The best task managers expose actions for:
Creating tasks programmatically
Completing tasks automatically
Querying task lists
Triggering based on location, time, or other factors
What this looks like: “When I leave work, show me tasks tagged #home.” “Every Monday at 9am, create task: Weekly review.” “When charging overnight, complete all tasks tagged #daily.”
6. Focus Mode Awareness
iOS Focus modes let you create contextual environments. Great task managers integrate by:
Respecting Focus settings (hiding work tasks during Personal focus)
Supporting Focus filters (showing only relevant tasks per focus)
Adapting notifications based on your current focus state
What this looks like: Only seeing personal tasks during weekend Personal focus. Work tasks hidden after 6pm when Work focus ends. Different widgets showing different task lists based on focus.
7. iOS-Specific Features That Matter
Beyond the basics, exceptional iOS apps leverage:
Handoff support - Start on iPhone, continue on iPad/Mac seamlessly
Drag and drop (iPad) - Move tasks between apps
Split View and Slide Over (iPad) - Multitasking with tasks visible
Keyboard shortcuts (iPad) - Power user navigation
Live Activities (iOS 16+) - Dynamic Island timer/focus sessions
Dynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro+) - Task timers in the notch area
8. Privacy and Security
iOS users care about privacy. Respect that with:
Local data storage or encrypted cloud sync
No tracking or data collection
Apple Sign-In support
Face ID / Touch ID for app locking
The 14 Best Task Management Apps for iOS
1. rivva - AI Task Management with Apple Health Integration
rivva is the AI task manager built from the ground up for iOS, with deep Apple Health integration and ecosystem features no cross-platform tool can match.
rivva represents a new category: capacity-aware task management that uses your iPhone’s health sensors and Apple Health data to schedule work when you’re actually capable, not just when you’re available.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Apple Health Integration (Unique to rivva)
rivva is the task manager that integrates with Apple Health to forecast your energy patterns. Your iPhone already tracks sleep, activity, heart rate, and recovery through Health app. rivva uses this data to predict when you’ll be sharp versus when you’ll be depleted.
How it works: Sleep poorly? rivva sees it in Health app data and won’t schedule demanding work tomorrow morning. Three intense meetings drain your energy? rivva knows and moves strategic tasks to when you recover.
Native iOS Design
Built with SwiftUI, rivva feels like an Apple app:
Follows iOS design language perfectly
SF Symbols throughout for consistency
Native animations matching iOS physics
Dark mode optimized
Dynamic Type support (accessibility)
Respects iOS system preferences
Key Features:
Nia (AI assistant) handles planning and scheduling
Automatic email task extraction
Energy-aware scheduling using Apple Health data
Visual daily timeline
Two-way Google Calendar sync
Wearable integration (Apple Health, Oura, Whoop)
Native iOS notifications with rich actions
Apple Pencil support for note-taking
Best for:
iOS users in the Apple ecosystem who want AI task management that leverages Apple Health data. Perfect for professionals who own iPhone + Apple Watch and value capacity-aware scheduling.
Pricing:
Monthly: $13.99/month
Quarterly: $31.50/quarter ($10.50/month billed quarterly)
7-day free trial
Pros for iOS:
Apple Health integration to understand energy and sleep
Exceptional iOS-native quality
Built specifically for iOS
Respects iOS design principles perfectly
Leverages iOS-exclusive features fully
Cons:
Works best with Apple Watch/wearable
Subscription pricing (no one-time purchase)
2. Things 3 - The iOS Design Gold Standard
How it works for iOS: Things 3 is what every iOS developer studies for design excellence. It’s the benchmark for native iOS task management.
Things 3 won Apple Design Awards twice for combining productivity with beautiful, intuitive design that feels unmistakably iOS-native.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Built entirely for Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS)
SwiftUI-based with perfect iOS design language
Every interaction feels precisely Apple
Won Apple Design Award multiple times
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Things Cloud provides instant iCloud-based sync
Apple Watch app with complications for all faces
iPad app optimized for multitasking, Split View, keyboard shortcuts
Mac app with Touch Bar support, Today widget
Handoff between devices works flawlessly
Shortcuts support for powerful automation
Key iOS Features:
Home screen widgets (multiple sizes)
Lock screen widgets (iOS 16+)
Quick Entry from anywhere via system-wide shortcut
Type Travel for keyboard navigation
Share extension to capture from any app
SF Symbols throughout
Dark mode perfection
Best for:
iOS users who want the most beautiful, polished task manager available. Perfect for design-conscious professionals willing to pay premium pricing for premium quality.
Pricing:
iPhone & Apple Watch: $9.99 (one-time)
iPad: $19.99 (one-time)
Mac: $49.99 (one-time)
Total ecosystem: ~$80 one-time
No subscription forever
Pros:
Absolute iOS design perfection
One-time purchase (no subscription)
Things Cloud sync via iCloud (privacy-focused)
Fast, lightweight, reliable
Excellent Apple Watch app
Keyboard shortcuts on iPad
Cons:
Apple-only (no Windows, Android, web)
No AI scheduling or automation
Less powerful than OmniFocus for complex workflows
No capacity awareness
Expensive upfront for all platforms
3. OmniFocus - Most Powerful iOS Task Manager
How it works for iOS: OmniFocus is the power tool for GTD practitioners who live in the Apple ecosystem and need comprehensive control.
Built exclusively for Apple platforms, OmniFocus leverages iOS capabilities fully while providing the most sophisticated task management available.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Native iOS app since iPhone’s early days
Follows iOS patterns while adding power features
Optimized for iPad Pro with keyboard, Apple Pencil
Universal purchase (buy once, use on all Apple devices)
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
iCloud sync or Omni Sync Server
Apple Watch with multiple complication styles
Shortcuts with extensive actions
Focus mode filters
iPad multitasking optimization
Mac app with full feature parity
Key iOS Features:
Multiple widget types (forecast, next actions, perspectives)
Lock screen widgets
Siri support for task creation
Share extension for capture
URL schemes for automation
OmniAutomation (JavaScript automation)
Best for:
iOS power users practicing GTD who need maximum control and customization. Perfect for people managing complex multi-context workflows across Apple devices.
Pricing:
Subscription: ~$8.33/month ($99.99/year)
One-time: $99.99 (iOS) + $49.99 (Mac) = $149.98
Web access included with subscription
Pros:
Most powerful iOS task manager available
Deep iOS integration (Shortcuts, widgets, Watch)
Perspectives for custom views
Defer and due date separation
Review mode for GTD
Strong iPad Pro optimization
Cons:
Steep learning curve
Design feels dated compared to Things 3
Expensive (subscription or high upfront cost)
Overwhelming for simple task management
No capacity awareness
4. Todoist - Cross-Platform with Good iOS Experience
How it works for iOS: Todoist is cross-platform first, but its iOS app is well-executed with good widget and Shortcuts support.
While not truly iOS-native, Todoist respects iOS design enough to feel comfortable on iPhone and iPad.
iOS Implementation:
Good (not perfect) iOS design
Regular updates with iOS feature adoption
Works well on iPhone and iPad
Feels less native than Things 3 but functional
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Apple Watch app (basic but functional)
Shortcuts support for automation
Siri integration for task creation
Share extension for capture
Sync via Todoist account (not iCloud)
Key iOS Features:
Home screen widgets
Natural language task entry
Quick Add from anywhere
iOS 17 features supported
Works offline with sync
Best for:
People who need cross-platform access (Windows, Android, web) but want decent iOS experience. Good for teams with mixed device ecosystems.
Pricing:
Free: Basic tasks and projects
Pro: $5/month or $4/month (annual)
Very affordable
Pros:
Works everywhere (not just iOS)
Affordable pricing
Generous free tier
Fast and reliable
Good (not great) iOS app
Cons:
Not truly iOS-native (cross-platform compromise)
Proprietary sync (not iCloud)
Less polished than Things 3/OmniFocus
Basic Apple Watch app
No capacity awareness
5. TickTick - Feature-Rich with Solid iOS Support
How it works for iOS: TickTick packs features into a cross-platform app with respectable iOS implementation.
More feature-rich than Todoist, TickTick offers calendar view, Pomodoro timer, and habit tracking—all accessible on iOS.
iOS Implementation:
Solid iOS app (cross-platform but well-executed)
Regular iOS updates
iPad optimization
Feels less native than purely iOS apps
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Apple Watch app with basic features
Widgets for home screen
Siri Shortcuts support (limited)
Share extension
Sync via TickTick account
Key iOS Features:
Home screen widgets
Calendar view integrated
Pomodoro timer
Habit tracking
Natural language entry
Best for:
iOS users who want many features at affordable pricing and don’t mind cross-platform compromise.
Pricing:
Free: Up to 9 lists with 99 tasks each
Premium: $35.99/year or $2.99/month
Very affordable for features offered
Pros:
Feature-rich (calendar, Pomodoro, habits)
Affordable premium pricing
Good iOS app (not perfect)
Generous free tier
Cross-platform if needed
Cons:
Not iOS-native (cross-platform port)
Proprietary sync (not iCloud)
Less polished than native iOS apps
Limited Shortcuts integration
No capacity awareness
6. 2Do - Powerful, iOS-Focused Alternative
How it works for iOS: 2Do brings OmniFocus-level power with more flexibility and better iOS integration in some areas.
Built primarily for iOS with thoughtful ecosystem integration.
iOS-Native Excellence:
iOS-focused development
Follows iOS patterns well
Good Apple ecosystem integration
Native feel
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
iCloud sync (privacy-focused)
Apple Watch with complications
Shortcuts integration
Today widget support
iPad optimization
Key iOS Features:
Multiple widget types
Flexible methodology support (not GTD-locked)
Rich quick add
Powerful filtering
Location-based reminders
Best for:
iOS power users who want OmniFocus capabilities with more flexibility and iOS-native quality.
Pricing:
iOS: $9.99 (one-time)
Mac: $49.99 (one-time)
Cheaper than OmniFocus for multi-platform
Pros:
Powerful like OmniFocus
iOS-native quality
iCloud sync (not proprietary)
One-time purchase
Flexible methodology
Cons:
Less elegant than Things 3
Smaller community than major alternatives
Learning curve for full features
Less frequent updates
7. GoodTask - Built on Apple Reminders, Enhanced
How it works for iOS: GoodTask is built on top of Apple’s Reminders infrastructure, syncing with iOS Reminders and Calendars to provide a powerful interface while maintaining compatibility with Apple’s ecosystem.
GoodTask is a tremendously good iOS citizen, always one of the first apps to adopt new APIs and technologies provided by Apple, such as Siri shortcuts and drag and drop.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Syncs with iOS Reminders & Calendars directly—uses Apple’s native database
First-party-like implementation of new OS features quickly
Winner of MacStories Selects, featured in ‘Apps We Love’, ‘Be More Productive’
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Apple Watch with complications support
Today Widget support
Smart Lists with powerful filtering of Reminders and Calendars
Seamless iCloud sync across all Apple devices through Reminders
Siri integration—create reminders via Siri, manage in GoodTask
Key iOS Features:
Multiple view types: List, Day, Week, Month, Board view
Quick Actions for bulk editing and rapid task management
Various themes including custom fonts and dark mode
Subtasks, automatic repeat after completion, manual sort
Location-based reminders using iOS geofencing
Best for:
iOS users who want to enhance Apple Reminders without leaving the ecosystem, maintaining compatibility with family members using stock Reminders while getting power features.
Pricing:
Base version free, in-app purchases for full version at $9.99
One-time purchase per platform
Pros:
Uses Apple’s Reminders database—perfect ecosystem integration
Adopts new iOS APIs immediately
Extremely customizable with Smart Lists and Quick Actions
Family-friendly—share reminders with family members using stock app
Affordable one-time pricing
Cons:
Learning curve for customization options
Interface less polished than Things 3
Limited by Reminders framework capabilities
No AI or capacity awareness
8. Sorted³ - Hyper-Scheduler for iOS
How it works for iOS: Sorted³ auto-schedules tasks into every minute of your day, creating a tightly packed schedule.
iOS-native with modern design and excellent widget support.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Built exclusively for iOS
Modern SwiftUI design
Feels contemporary and iOS-native
Regular iOS feature adoption
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Apple Watch with complications
Widgets (lock screen and home screen)
Shortcuts support
iCloud sync
Key iOS Features:
Auto-scheduling creates structured days
Visual timeline
Quick capture
Focus timer
Natural language entry
Best for:
iOS users who want hyper-scheduled days with automatic time blocking and visual timeline views.
Pricing:
Free: Basic features
Pro: $14.99/year
Very affordable
Pros:
Auto-scheduling unique approach
Modern iOS design
Affordable pricing
Good widget support
Visual timeline helpful
Cons:
iOS/Mac only (no cross-platform)
Hyper-scheduling can feel rigid
Limited calendar integration on free tier
No capacity awareness
9. Structured - Visual Timeline Planner
How it works for iOS: Structured presents your day as a visual timeline, making time blindness easier to manage.
iOS-exclusive with excellent widget implementation.
iOS-Native Excellence:
iOS-only development
Visual-first design
Modern iOS patterns
Regular updates with new iOS features
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Multiple widget sizes and types
Lock screen widgets
Apple Watch complications
Live Activities
iCloud sync
Key iOS Features:
Visual daily timeline
Pomodoro focus timer
Drag-and-drop scheduling
Quick inbox for capture
AI-powered day planning
Best for:
iOS users who need visual time representation and benefit from seeing their day spatially.
Pricing:
Free: Basic features with visual timeline
Pro: Subscription for calendar integration, recurring tasks
Pros:
Visual timeline excellent for iOS
Modern design
Good widget support
Cross-platform (iOS, Android, Web, Mac)
Generous free tier
Cons:
Calendar integration requires Pro
Animations can feel slow
No capacity awareness
Android version less mature
10. Due - Persistent Reminders (iOS-Native)
How it works for iOS: Due specializes in one thing—reminders that actually get your attention through persistent nagging.
Purely iOS/Mac app with excellent ecosystem integration.
iOS-Native Excellence:
iOS-only heritage
Native design and feel
Lightweight and fast
Apple-focused features
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
iCloud sync
Apple Watch with complications
Today widget
Home screen widgets
Shortcuts support
Key iOS Features:
Persistent reminders (nag until completed)
Natural language entry
Quick timers
Snooze presets
Location-based reminders
Best for:
iOS users who need reminders they can’t ignore—perfect for ADHD or anyone who dismisses notifications.
Pricing:
$7.99 (one-time purchase)
Very affordable
Pros:
Persistent reminders work
iOS-native quality
One-time purchase
iCloud sync
Simple, focused functionality
Cons:
Not a full task manager
Limited project management
No capacity awareness
Basic features only
11. Streaks - Habit Tracking with iOS Excellence
How it works for iOS: Streaks focuses on building habits through daily consistency tracking.
iOS-native with excellent widget and Apple Watch integration.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Purely iOS/Apple platforms
SF Symbols throughout
Perfect iOS design language
Apple Design Award recognition
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Lock screen widgets
Home screen widgets
Today widget
Apple Watch complications
Apple Health integration
iCloud sync
Key iOS Features:
12-habit limit (intentional design)
Negative habits (things to avoid)
Apple Health integration
Location-based task triggers
Customizable icons and colors
Best for:
iOS users building habits who value design excellence and Apple ecosystem integration.
Pricing:
$5.99 (one-time purchase)
Affordable
Pros:
Perfect iOS design
Apple Health integration
One-time purchase
Excellent widgets
Simple, focused approach
Cons:
Habits only (not full task management)
12-habit limit
No project management
Basic compared to full task managers
12. Apple Reminders - Underrated, Deeply Integrated
How it works for iOS: Apple’s built-in Reminders app is more capable than many realize, with excellent iOS integration.
iOS-Native Excellence:
Made by Apple for iOS
Perfect ecosystem integration
Zero friction (pre-installed)
Latest iOS features first
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
iCloud sync (obviously)
Siri integration (best-in-class)
Shortcuts (full native support)
Apple Watch (perfect integration)
Widgets (lock + home screen)
Share extension everywhere
Focus mode integration
Key iOS Features:
Smart Lists (automatically generated)
Tags for organization
Subtasks and priorities
Location and time reminders
Shared lists with family
Integration with Calendar app
Best for:
iOS users wanting simple, free task management with perfect Apple ecosystem integration.
Pricing:
Free (built into iOS)
Pros:
Zero cost
Perfect iOS integration
No account needed (uses Apple ID)
iCloud sync
Siri works perfectly
Always updated with iOS
Cons:
Basic compared to specialized apps
No AI or capacity awareness
Limited views and customization
No advanced project management
Not as polished as Things 3
13. Fantastical - Calendar + Tasks Combined
How it works for iOS: Fantastical combines calendar and tasks in one beautifully designed iOS app.
Premium iOS app with excellent ecosystem integration.
iOS-Native Excellence:
iOS-focused development
Apple Design Award winner
Native design patterns
Premium quality
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
iCloud calendar support
Apple Watch complications
Widgets (multiple types)
Shortcuts integration
Handoff support
iPad optimization
Key iOS Features:
Natural language entry
Calendar sets (work/personal switching)
Time zone intelligence
Interesting Calendars integration
Parser for event creation
Meeting dial-in integration
Best for:
iOS users who want calendar and tasks combined in one premium, beautifully designed app.
Pricing:
Free: Basic calendar features
Premium: $4.99/month (individual) or $6.99/month (family)
Pros:
Beautiful iOS design
Natural language excellent
Calendar + tasks unified
Premium quality
Affordable subscription
Cons:
Subscription required for full features
Tasks less robust than dedicated task managers
No capacity awareness
Calendar-focused (tasks secondary)
14. Microsoft To Do - Decent iOS App
How it works for iOS: Microsoft To Do provides cross-platform task management with an acceptable iOS implementation.
iOS Implementation:
Good (not great) iOS app
Cross-platform compromises evident
Regular updates
Works well enough
Apple Ecosystem Integration:
Basic Apple Watch app
Home screen widgets
Siri Shortcuts (limited)
Syncs via Microsoft account (not iCloud)
Key iOS Features:
My Day focus view
Lists and smart lists
Reminders and due dates
Sharing and collaboration
Integration with Microsoft 365
Best for:
iOS users in Microsoft 365 organizations who need integration with Outlook and Teams.
Pricing:
Free (included with Microsoft account)
Pros:
Completely free
Microsoft 365 integration
Cross-platform availability
Decent iOS app
Good for enterprise users
Cons:
Not iOS-native (cross-platform port)
Microsoft account required
Less polished than native iOS apps
Basic Apple ecosystem integration
No capacity awareness
Leveraging iOS Productivity Features for Task Management
Beyond choosing the right app, maximize iOS features:
Widget Strategies
Lock screen: Next 3 tasks (glanceable without unlocking)
Home screen: Today’s schedule (medium widget)
StandBy: Current task when charging (iOS 17+)
Shortcuts Automation Examples
Morning routine: “When alarm stops, show today’s tasks in rivva”
Commute: “When leaving work, open tasks tagged #home”
Weekly review: “Every Sunday 6pm, open task app + show overdue tasks”
Apple Watch Workflows
Complications: Task count on watch face
Dictation: “Hey Siri, add task: Call dentist”
Glanceable: Check next task without pulling out phone
Focus Mode Setup
Work Focus: Show only work tasks, hide personal
Personal Focus: Reverse—personal tasks only
Sleep Focus: Hide all task notifications
Handoff Workflows
Start task planning on iPhone during commute
Continue on iPad at desk with keyboard
Finish on Mac with full screen real estate
Seamless transitions via Handoff
iPad-Specific Features
Split View: Tasks + reference material side by side
Keyboard shortcuts: Navigate without touching screen
Apple Pencil: Sketch task notes or mind maps
Drag and drop: Move tasks between apps
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best native task manager for iOS?
Things 3 remains the gold standard for iOS-native design—beautiful, polished, and feeling like Apple made it. rivva offers iOS-native quality with unique Apple Health integration for capacity-aware scheduling. OmniFocus provides the most power for GTD practitioners.
Best choice depends on priorities: design (Things 3), capacity awareness (rivva), or power (OmniFocus).
Do iOS task managers work better than cross-platform apps?
Generally yes, for iOS-specific features. Native iOS apps leverage widgets better, integrate with Apple Watch more deeply, use iCloud sync, support Shortcuts more comprehensively, and feel more at home on your devices.
Cross-platform apps (Todoist, TickTick) work well enough but can’t match native integration depth. The trade-off is iOS-native apps don’t work on Windows or Android.
What iOS task manager works best with Apple Watch?
Things 3, OmniFocus, and rivva all offer excellent Apple Watch experiences with complications, independent apps, and dictation support. GoodTask leverages Reminders for perfect Siri integration.
rivva is unique in using Apple Health data from your watch to inform scheduling.
Can I use Shortcuts with task management apps?
Yes! Most iOS