iOS Today 797: Apps That Think Like You Do

Hosts: Micah Sargent & Rosemary Orchard
Date: April 9, 2026
Theme: Neurodiverse-friendly iOS Apps and Tools

Overview

In this episode, Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the world of apps designed to support various neurodiverse experiences—including those with ADHD, unique productivity needs, and anyone whose brain works “a little differently.” They break down iOS apps that help with organization, listening, focus, mindfulness, and communication efficiency. The hosts focus on solutions that foster positive habits with low friction and minimal shame, while also sharing personal stories on how these tools make a difference in their lives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Thinking Behind Neurodiverse Apps

• Micah highlights the growing attention Apple and its editorial teams are giving to neurodiversity, noting this hasn’t been the show’s past focus, but is becoming more important ([01:15]).
• Rosemary points out:

  “Everybody's brain actually works differently. It's just finding the things that work for you... you can help it work even better.” ([00:57])

Standout Apps & Tools

1. DO (DUE) App — Persistent Reminders

• Micah’s go-to app for task reminders:

  “It is my reminders app of choice because it is an app that will not let you forget a thing. It will keep reminding you over and over and over again until you do the task.” ([01:15])

• Other to-do apps now do this, but DO pioneered it.
• Not the main focus today, but “the Neurodiverse app of choice as far as I'm concerned” for Micah.

2. Voice Dream — Natural Reading App

• Recommended by Shelley Brisbane (MacBreak Weekly)
• Reads documents aloud with natural-sounding voices; supports 27 languages and premium voices ([03:36]).
• Handles PDFs, scanned page images, Google Docs, Word documents, eBooks (DRM-free), and audiobooks from CDs.
• Syncs with Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, Pocket, Instapaper, Evernote.
• Pricing: Free trial; subscriptions $80/year and up; premium voices extra.
• Rosemary:

  “It can provide a library of things you can listen to... I find it really a nice way to have a library essentially of things that you can listen to.” ([05:38])

3. Audible — Audiobooks Platform

• Long-time audiobook library for self-help, ADHD content, or “zoning out productively” ([06:23]).
• Free to download, paid titles/subscriptions.
• Great for multitasking—e.g., chores.

4. Forest — Gamified Focus App

• Productivity, not pressure. Helps users set focus periods by "planting" a virtual tree, which grows if you stay focused ([08:57]).
• New features: Pause timers for critical interruptions; Live Activities show progress on lock screen.
• Rosemary’s insight:

  “You build a whole little forest. And the whole point is that, you know, change builds over time... It’s a nice way to remember what you're doing is for a good reason and see a bonus benefit.” ([10:30])

• Originally $3.99; now free with paid upgrades.

5. Endel — Personalized Soundscape for Focus/ADHD

• Creates adaptive, AI-generated music/soundscapes to help focus or sleep ([11:35]).
• Features specific sound frequencies (e.g., 852 Hz) and binaural beats thought to aid focus in ADHD.
• Integrates with local weather, sun position, and time for dynamic adjustments.
• Micah:

  “When that music plays... my brain does kind of lock in and get rolling.” ([12:51])

• In-app purchases: $2.99/month trial up to $125/lifetime.

6. Calm — Mindfulness, Sleep & Audio Content

• Meditation, bedtime stories (e.g., by Matthew McConaughey), child-friendly content, nature sounds ([16:01]).
• Free and premium tiers; some content locked behind subscription ($).
• Rosemary:

  “There's really something in here for everyone... A lot of these are audiobooks or mini audiobooks as well.” ([17:34])

• Active and personable social media presence ("Clam" jokes) lends approachability.
• Includes a mention of companion app, Dark Noise, for white noise.

7. Snippity — Text Snippets Tool

• Saves/organizes reusable text, auto-inserts dynamic info (dates, variables), and applies format changes (sentence/title case) ([19:27]).
• Especially valuable for tasks involving repetitive communication (eBay listings, email templates, etc.):

  “An incredibly useful little way of writing the same text... A smart keyboard for this is a really nice way of going about it it and that's one of the reasons why I do really enjoy Snippity.” ([21:18])

• $20 for all platforms (includes Mac & iOS).

App Cap Segment: Hosts’ Personal Picks

Micah’s Pick: Art of Flora

• Relaxing, plant-themed puzzle game by the developer of Art of Fauna; slide pieces to build illustrated flora ([22:21]).
• Free trial, $9.99 unlock all puzzles.

• “It's my favorite thing. So thank you so much to the developer of the wonderful Art of Fauna for making Art of Flora.” ([25:20])

Rosemary’s Pick: Sonos Roam 2 Portable Speaker

• AirPlay and Bluetooth, waterproof, versatile setup; fits UK home requirements ([26:27]).

• “It wasn't the cheapest speaker. It was £179. It comes in a bunch of different colors... You can put it on a wireless charger...and then you can just pick it up and take it with you.” ([27:13])

• Rosemary stresses she doesn't take it physically into the shower, only the bathroom.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Micah:

  “Some people, they work well under that kind of pressure, some do not. And I think this next app...is a great way to...calmly remind yourself...” ([06:23])

• Rosemary (on productivity tools):

  “If I have to leave an app to do a task, I get distracted and I don't go back and finish what I was doing.” ([20:30])

• Rosemary (on Calm app):

  “They sometimes refer to themselves as Clam because they're very clam about all the things they do.” ([16:01])

Important Timestamps

| Segment & App | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|--------------| | Intro & Episode Theme | 00:00–01:15 | | DO / DUE Persistent To-Do | 01:15–03:36 | | Voice Dream (Natural Reading) | 03:36–06:23 | | Audible | 06:23–08:57 | | Forest (Focus App) | 08:57–11:35 | | Endel (Personalized Focus Soundscapes) | 11:35–16:01 | | Calm (Mindfulness) & Dark Noise | 16:01–19:27 | | Snippity (Text Snippet Automator) | 19:27–22:21 | | App Cap: Art of Flora (Micah) | 22:21–26:27 | | App Cap: Sonos Roam 2 (Rosemary) | 26:27–29:32 |

Final Thoughts

Micah and Rosemary’s episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to optimize their digital life according to how their brain actually works, with special relevance for neurodivergent users. The mood is positive and practical—balancing tech-geek enthusiasm with real-life, lived experience.
As always, listeners are invited to connect with the hosts and contribute questions via email (iostoday@twit.tv).

To Follow the Hosts:

• Rosmary Orchard: roseorchard.com ([30:05])
• Micah Sargent: Chihuahua.coffee ([30:28])