Marco Arment, the indie developer behind popular apps like Overcast and Instapaper, has released Unforgetful. It is a new reminders app built for iOS and Mac users who struggle with procrastination.
The software serves as an alternative interface for Apple’s existing Reminders database. Arment, who previously served as Tumblr’s chief technology officer, explained that the project was born out of frustration with Apple’s default tools.
He pointed out that while Siri is effective at creating tasks, the Reminders app itself fails to keep him engaged. In his announcement on Friday, he stated that he dislikes the interface, the organization, and even the icon.
The developer admitted he simply never opens the program. Such a disconnect often leads to lost tasks.
Arment cited specific issues like accidentally dismissing a reminder instead of snoozing it, which causes the item to disappear entirely. Another common problem is missing notifications if a specific time isn’t set when the reminder is created.
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Resisting the Urge to Snooze
Unforgetful attempts to make it impossible to lose track of a to-do. The core mechanic involves persistent notifications.
Even if a user dismisses an alert, the notification will return until the task is actually completed and deleted. For some, this method might be overkill, but for those who habitually snooze, it ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
The snooze function has been redesigned to help users manage their attention. Intervals scale as you continue to delay a task, spacing out the nagging over time.
Despite this persistence, the tool is designed to prevent alert fatigue. It manages the queue so you aren’t bombarded with five notifications at the exact same moment, which could lead to freezing up and doing nothing at all.
The application does not include tags, different views, or modes. There are no other management tools to learn.
Users looking for advanced features might still prefer Apple’s native application. Stripping away complex feature sets in favor of aggressive notification logic highlights a shift in how developers approach productivity tools.
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Rather than offering more ways to organize work, the focus is on forcing the user to confront the work they have already entered, essentially brute-forcing the completion habit through system-level persistence.
Integration Without Migration
A major advantage of Unforgetful is its deep integration with the existing Apple ecosystem. Because the program works directly with your current Reminders database, you don’t have to change your input habits.
You can continue to use Siri to add items to your list without having to specify “into Unforgetful.” If you decide to stop using the software, your data remains in Apple’s database, requiring no migration or export process.
The package includes an in-app microphone for voice input. It also supports a full suite of widgets for the Lock Screen and Control Center, allowing for quick access without opening the main program.
Unforgetful is priced at $19.99 per year. The fee covers access across both Mac and iOS platforms.
