Anyone found a better way to search apple messages?

Apple messages search is terrible. I can never find things that I’ve discussed in the past.

I’d love a better search, a way to filter it for specific contacts so i can search through just their histories, and a way to search through the images that were sent.

Gemini suggested I look at iMazing and TouchCopy, but those look like they’re specifically for migrating things off of my phone. I use apple messages heavily on my mac… so I’d like a power user app there. I also looked into Alfred and raycast plugins for this, but didnt find anything that looked powerful enough?

https://redd.it/1pxtnx0
@macappsbackup

If You're Itching to Spend that Christmas Cash on Some Software, Here's the Second Megalist and some Free Advice

# Paid Mac Apps – Index

If you got some cash or gift cards for Christmas and want to try out some new software, you can try a few of these apps. I've installed and tested them all at some point. The links will take you to a short review with download information. If you find a broken link or an app is no longer viable, let me know and I'll make a quick edit. If you're a developer, drop me a DM and I will be glad to check out your work and possibly feature you on AppAddict if it has some unique features the community would appreciate.

Note \- In almost all cases, I've listed the purchase and/or subnoscription price at the time I reviewed the app. Some have undoubtably changed, so make sure you check the current price before purchasing. None of these are affiliate links, they lead to wherever the developer markets his app. This is my hobby, not my part time job.

🗂 File Management, Backup & Disk Utilities

[DaisyDisk](https://appaddict.app/post/daisy-disk-best-in-its-class) — Visual disk usage analyzer for quickly reclaiming storage.
**SuperDuper** — Reliable disk cloning and bootable backup utility.
[Backup Loupe](https://appaddict.app/post/backup-loupe) — Inspects Time Machine backups for errors and missing files.
**Backup Status** — Monitors Time Machine health and backup success.
[Parachute Backup](https://appaddict.app/post/parachute-backup-specially-designed-for-icloud-and-photos) — Backup solution designed specifically for iCloud and Photos.
**Path Finder** — Finder replacement with advanced, multi-pane workflows.
[QSpace](https://appaddict.app/post/qspace) — Keyboard-driven, multi-pane file manager for power users.

📝 Writing, Notes & Knowledge Management

**Drafts** — Automation-first text capture and processing environment.
[iA Writer](https://appaddict.app/post/ia-writer) — Minimalist writing environment focused on clarity and structure.
**EagleFiler** — Long-standing personal information manager for local archives.
[Thoughts](https://appaddict.app/post/thoughts-inspiration-manager) — Inspiration and idea manager for creative thinking.
**Quotemarks** — Personal quote collection and reference notebook.
[Bebop](https://appaddict.app/post/bebop-quick-notes) — Lightweight quick-notes app for rapid capture.
**Scratchpad** — Floating notes app designed for temporary thoughts and fragments.

⚙️ Automation, Launchers & Power Tools

[BetterTouchTool](https://appaddict.app/post/better-touch-tool-favorite) — Deep customization and automation for input devices.
**PopClip** — Contextual text actions available anywhere on the system.
[Raycast](https://appaddict.app/post/how-to-get-the-most-from-raycast) — Keyboard-driven launcher and automation hub.
**Shortery** — Automation bridge between macOS events and Shortcuts.

🎨 Media, Images, Audio & Video

[CleanShot X](https://appaddict.app/post/cleanshot-x) — Best-in-class screenshot and screen recording utility.
**Acorn** — Affordable, capable image editor without subnoscriptions.
[Permute](https://appaddict.app/post/permute-powerful-easy-to-use-media-converter-for-images-video-and-audio) — Simple, powerful media converter for audio, video, and images.
**Downie** — Video downloader with broad site

If You're Itching to Spend that Christmas Cash on Some Software, Here's the Second Megalist and some Free Advice

# Paid Mac Apps – Index

If you got some cash or gift cards for Christmas and want to try out some new software, you can try a few of these apps. I've installed and tested them all at some point. The links will take you to a short review with download information. If you find a broken link or an app is no longer viable, let me know and I'll make a quick edit. If you're a developer, drop me a DM and I will be glad to check out your work and possibly feature you on AppAddict if it has some unique features the community would appreciate.

**Note** \- In almost all cases, I've listed the purchase and/or subnoscription price at the time I reviewed the app. Some have undoubtably changed, so make sure you check the current price before purchasing. None of these are affiliate links, they lead to wherever the developer markets his app. This is my hobby, not my part time job.

🗂 File Management, Backup & Disk Utilities

* [**DaisyDisk**](https://appaddict.app/post/daisy-disk-best-in-its-class) — Visual disk usage analyzer for quickly reclaiming storage.
* [**SuperDuper**](https://appaddict.app/post/superduper-disk-cloner) — Reliable disk cloning and bootable backup utility.
* [**Backup Loupe**](https://appaddict.app/post/backup-loupe) — Inspects Time Machine backups for errors and missing files.
* [**Backup Status**](https://appaddict.app/post/backup-status-check-up-your-time-machine) — Monitors Time Machine health and backup success.
* [**Parachute Backup**](https://appaddict.app/post/parachute-backup-specially-designed-for-icloud-and-photos) — Backup solution designed specifically for iCloud and Photos.
* [**Path Finder**](https://appaddict.app/post/pathfinder-by-cocoatech) — Finder replacement with advanced, multi-pane workflows.
* [**QSpace**](https://appaddict.app/post/qspace) — Keyboard-driven, multi-pane file manager for power users.

📝 Writing, Notes & Knowledge Management

* [**Drafts**](https://appaddict.app/post/drafts-wins-app-of-the-year-at-mac-stories) — Automation-first text capture and processing environment.
* [**iA Writer**](https://appaddict.app/post/ia-writer) — Minimalist writing environment focused on clarity and structure.
* [**EagleFiler**](https://appaddict.app/post/a-deep-dive-on-eagle-filer) — Long-standing personal information manager for local archives.
* [**Thoughts**](https://appaddict.app/post/thoughts-inspiration-manager) — Inspiration and idea manager for creative thinking.
* [**Quotemarks**](https://appaddict.app/post/quotemarks-quote-notebook) — Personal quote collection and reference notebook.
* [**Bebop**](https://appaddict.app/post/bebop-quick-notes) — Lightweight quick-notes app for rapid capture.
* [**Scratchpad**](https://appaddict.app/post/scratchpad-floating-notes-but-better) — Floating notes app designed for temporary thoughts and fragments.

⚙️ Automation, Launchers & Power Tools

* [**BetterTouchTool**](https://appaddict.app/post/better-touch-tool-favorite) — Deep customization and automation for input devices.
* [**PopClip**](https://appaddict.app/post/popclip-a-must-have-productivity-app) — Contextual text actions available anywhere on the system.
* [**Raycast**](https://appaddict.app/post/how-to-get-the-most-from-raycast) — Keyboard-driven launcher and automation hub.
* [**Shortery**](https://appaddict.app/post/shortery-the-missing-mac-automator) — Automation bridge between macOS events and Shortcuts.

🎨 Media, Images, Audio & Video

* [**CleanShot X**](https://appaddict.app/post/cleanshot-x) — Best-in-class screenshot and screen recording utility.
* [**Acorn**](https://appaddict.app/post/acorn-image-editor-provides-great-value) — Affordable, capable image editor without subnoscriptions.
* [**Permute**](https://appaddict.app/post/permute-powerful-easy-to-use-media-converter-for-images-video-and-audio) — Simple, powerful media converter for audio, video, and images.
* [**Downie**](https://appaddict.app/post/downie-video-downloader) — Video downloader with broad site

support.
* [**SoundSource**](https://appaddict.app/post/soundsource-from-rogue-amoeba) — Advanced per-app audio routing and control.
* [**Swinsian**](https://appaddict.app/post/swinsian-music-app-the-answer-to-feature-bloat) — Music player designed to avoid feature bloat.

🖥 Interface, Window & Workflow Enhancements

* [**Better Display**](https://appaddict.app/post/better-display) — Advanced control over display scaling and external monitors.
* [**Witch**](https://appaddict.app/post/witch-multi-featured-window-switcher) — Multi-featured app and window switcher for keyboard users.
* [**Wins**](https://appaddict.app/post/wins-has-window-management-and-more) — Window snapping and management utility.

🔐 Security, Privacy & System Protection

* [**EtreCheckPro**](https://appaddict.app/post/etrecheckpro-system-report-on-steroids) — Deep system diagnostics and troubleshooting reports for complex Mac issues.
* [**Sensei**](https://appaddict.app/post/sensei-do-you-need-it) — System monitoring and maintenance tool aimed at advanced users.
* [**NextDNS**](https://appaddict.app/post/nextdns-for-mac) — Network-level privacy, tracking, and malware protection with granular controls.
* [**CleanMyMac X**](https://appaddict.app/post/an-unemotional-look-at-clean-my-mac-x) — All-in-one cleanup and monitoring suite with notable trade-offs.

https://redd.it/1py1h91
@macappsbackup

TextoPal - A macOS menu bar utility to transform selected text (grammar, translation, custom actions) powered by Gemini 3 Flash

[TextoPal UI](https://preview.redd.it/vdgm7ok0b0ag1.png?width=1424&format=png&auto=webp&s=4caa64eabc2e400cddf274d2ec9727c5a5835071)

I built TextoPal, a Mac menu bar utility that transforms any selected text instantly. It's designed for writers, students, developers and anyone who works with text regularly.

**Features**
Select text anywhere, click the TextoPal icon (or use a keyboard shortcut) and send it directly to the app. No switching between applications or copy pasting between tools.

**Built-in Actions**

* Fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation
* Translate into any language
* Rephrase, summarize, expand or change tone (professional, casual, etc.)
* Creative transformations (like making text sound like it's from Lord of the Rings)

**Custom Actions**
Define your own AI prompts to automate repetitive writing tasks.

**Technology**
Powered by Google's Gemini 3 Flash for fast, accurate results.

**Pricing**

* 3-day free trial (no payment info required)
* €30/year for all features and future updates
* Use code **TRYOFF20** for 20% off

Download at [https://textopal.ricu.it]()

I'd love to hear your thoughts, answer questions or feature suggestions!

https://redd.it/1py28cj
@macappsbackup

Looking for a video speed controller app for Safari

Is there an app that has these features:



1. custom speed
2. keyboard shortcut support like Accelerate app
3. preserve pitch

(Was using Accelerate for a while— but now it is behaving abnormally— notification cutoff to the left of the screen in fullscreen mode, keyboard shortcut stops working)

https://redd.it/1py5f46
@macappsbackup

Are someone using DynamicLake lately? Is the battery management worth it?

Im doing my research about apps using MacBook notch tool, but I have too many information about DynamicLake I just want to be sure that this one is good or not about battery drain.

https://redd.it/1py6u6i
@macappsbackup

I’ve just bought Bloom. How can I share feedback?

I bought Bloom after finishing the 7-day free trial because I found it useful!

One piece of feedback I’d like to share is about the scrollable column view. This issue only happens when I use “Reveal in Finder” from other apps, like VS Code. In column view, both Finder and Bloom show the full path from the root. However, Finder allows the column view to scroll horizontally, so I can move from the revealed folder back to its parent folders. In Bloom, when I use “Reveal in Finder” from another app, the column view appears but is not scrollable.

I understand that I can see the full path in the top bar, but it doesn’t feel the same as being able to scroll through the columns like in Finder.

Would it be possible to make Bloom’s column view behave more like Finder in this case?

Thanks :)

https://redd.it/1py98sq
@macappsbackup

Zero Loss Compress: Reduce Photo Library Size Without Data Loss!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zero-loss-compress/id6738362427

https://redd.it/1pyar9z
@macappsbackup

Word Processor

Is there a good document app to replace Pages?

I need a document editor but need to see the pages - what is going on which page. Most doc editors these days are endless scroll.

I do not want to buy a whole office bundle or pay exorbitant subnoscription fees - just looking for a one-off purchase of a document app.

(https://www.reddit.com/submit/?sourceid=t31py95qm)

https://redd.it/1py97re
@macappsbackup

Looking for the best RSS reader

Hello everyone! 👋

I’m currently setting up a workflow for a new side project and I need a solid way to track multiple sources and updates via RSS.

I’ve been doing some research and names like NetNewsWire, Reeder, News Explorer, and ReadKit keep coming up. However, I haven’t tried any of them yet. I’m hoping to get some solid recommendations here before I spend time setting everything up and importing feeds, as I want to get it right from the start.

Since this is for a project, I’m looking for:

A native macOS experience (I really value clean, fast, and well-designed UIs).
Preferably a one-time purchase or free (trying to avoid more monthly subs if possible).

What’s the "gold standard" right now?

Looking forward to your suggestions!

https://redd.it/1pyh9uv
@macappsbackup

Giveaway Time - Time zones and calendar events in your menu bar (10 licenses)

https://preview.redd.it/38isq5al54ag1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=0e419782ed848ca78088ec703ade289512dc2c8e

Hey, I created a menubar app for displaying timezones in your menubar. I know that there are several apps that exist and already do this but this is my take on this. For years I used clocker but recently someone reached out to me asking if I wanted to update the project or create a new one from scratch because the original owner had basically abondend his open source project. I really loved his app, but with macOS 26 it felt like it really needed an update. There was also one particular bug that didn't sit right with me in clocker, I even created a Pull Request for it on github, but no luck. I was hesitant to start developing this app because although it seems like a very simple app, I know there are a lot of minute details that make an app like this difficult and time consuming to implement. I gave in. I was curious if I could make something, I have previously already created a menubar app (SpotMenu) which was quite successful, but I also knew from experience how much effort even a seemingly simple app needs. At first, I added the basic functionality, but still used clocker simultaneously, then I kept adding more features, like the time scroller, ability to rename timezones and the ability to hide some from the menubar. I kept adding more features because it was exciting to see my app come to life. As I added more features I noticed myself slowly stop using Clocker and only using Time. There was still one thing missing, the ability to join meetings, so I added that too. Now, I only use my own app. I'm curious to see your thoughts about this. I will be giving 10 licenses away for free just drop a comment or dm. I will randomly select 10 users on January the 5th.

App url:
https://menubartime.com

Edit:
You can try the app for free for 30 days

https://redd.it/1pyhzc9
@macappsbackup

I built a native Android <-> macOS app for file transfer, mirroring, remote control, photo sync, clipboard sharing, notifications

Hi everyone,



I’m a macOS user who’s also been on Android for years, and I always felt that the experience between Android and macOS was fragmented.

For basic things like transferring files, mirroring the screen, or interacting with the phone, I had to rely on multiple separate apps. Many depended on cloud services, weren’t privacy-first, or simply didn’t feel very “Mac-like”.

So I decided to build the app I always wanted.

LinkMyMac / LinkMyDroid is a native Android ↔ macOS connection tool that works entirely over your local WiFi.

Current features:

File transfer between Android and macOS
Screen mirroring
Remote control of the Android device from macOS
Photo & video browsing and transfer
Contact sync
Clipboard sharing



Everything runs locally between your devices.

No accounts, no cloud services, no tracking.

The macOS app is written in native Swift, and the Android app is fully native as well.

This is a focused, production-ready foundation, and I’m actively building on it with many more features planned. My goal is to create a clean, privacy-first Android–macOS experience that feels native on both sides.

If anyone here uses Android with a Mac and has thoughts, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear them.

Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kdg.beam\_android&pcampaignid=web\_share

Mac App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/linkmydroid/id6755784154

– Kevin

https://redd.it/1pyif6b
@macappsbackup

1+1 Offer: Get Crates Supporter version and send a gift to one of your friends! 🎁

https://redd.it/1pyjdbu
@macappsbackup

Mac/iCloud Users: Make 'Backing up Apple photos library' your first New Year's resolution.

If you diligently follow the 3-2-1 backup rule for your Photos library, you’re good. If not, a reminder that your digital memories are at risk. iCloud Photos is not a backup. You need an offline copy of your photos. Make it a New Year’s resolution to do this.

Here's a quick primer to make it easy:

**Choose external storage**: Either an external hard drive (Mac OS Extended / Journaled) or an SSD (APFS). The Apple Photos library must not be stored on a NAS, but it's OK to export photos into regular folders and store those on a NAS. Ensure the drive has free storage at least 1.5x your current Photos library size.

**For originals stored locally:** If you don’t use iCloud Photos, or use it with “Download Originals to this Mac”, you can use Time Machine, or periodically copy your Photos Library file to an external drive (drag and drop). No sweat.

**When using Optimize Mac Storage:** Since this stores your full-resolution originals in iCloud, Time Machine and direct copy methods can’t be used. Three options:

*  **Apple’s native method:** Create a new Photos library on external drive > Set it as the system photo library > Turn on iCloud Photos and select Download Originals. This downloads your entire library to (can take hours or days). Afterwards, switch back to your original library and re-sync everything. Tedious but doable.
* **Apple Privacy portal method**: Log in to [privacy.apple.com](http://privacy.apple.com) \> select "Get a copy of your data" > select iCloud Photos. After a few days, Apple will send you download links to several zip files containing your photos. Download, merge and organize.
* **Photos Takeout** **method** (Disclosure: Our macOS app): Exports your Photos library to EHD, SSD or NAS as folders by year, month, or album. Preserves image resolution, formats and metadata. Supports incremental exports, making repeat backups very fast. [Website](http://www.photostakeout.com). Mac [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1500714691) (One-month: $8.99, One-time: $49.99)

Whichever method you choose, do back up. It's a very worthwhile (and very achievable) New Year Resolution.

Happy New Year! 🥳

https://redd.it/1pymzx3
@macappsbackup

I built an app that lets AI assistants control native Mac apps

A few months ago, I launched Macuse, an app that connects AI assistants to your native Mac apps. After months of feedback, bug fixes, and new features, we just shipped v1.0.

If you missed the original post: Macuse lets Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-compatible AI read and control your Mac's built-in apps.

The video below shows Raycast connecting to Macuse to summarize emails in Mail.

https://reddit.com/link/1pynalk/video/imm0bfm3i5ag1/player

# What can it do?

You talk to Claude (or Cursor, or any MCP-compatible AI), and it can:

Read and search your emails: "Show me unread emails from the past week and summarize anything urgent"
Manage your calendar: "What's on my schedule tomorrow? Block 2 hours for deep work"
Handle reminders and notes: "Add a reminder to call mom on Sunday"
Check messages and contacts: "What did John message me about last week?"
Get directions and travel times: "How long will it take to drive to the airport?"
Control any app: Through UI automation, your AI can click buttons, fill forms, navigate menus

The magic is when you combine these: "Check my calendar for tomorrow, find any related emails, and draft a summary note", all in one request.

# Authorization

This was a big focus for v1.0. Most tools in this space give connected AI clients full access to everything, no questions asked. That felt wrong to me.

Macuse implements OAuth 2.1 following the official MCP authorization spec. When an AI client connects, you'll see a consent screen showing exactly what it wants to access. You approve, deny, or revoke access anytime.

It might sound like overkill for a local app, but as we connect more AI tools to our personal data, proper permission control matters.

# Privacy

Everything stays on your Mac. Your emails, calendar, messages never leave your computer. When Claude asks to read your emails, Macuse fetches that data locally and sends it directly to your AI client. We never see, store, or upload your personal content.

# Pricing

Free: 100 tool calls/day, all features
Lifetime: $29 one-time (Earlybird), unlimited everything, forever

No subnoscriptions. I hate them too.

# Giveaway

As a thank you to this community, I'm giving away 10 free lifetime licenses to r/macapps members.

Just head to macuse.app/pricing and enter the code MACAPPS at checkout. First 10 to use it get a free license key.

Would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or feature requests. What would make this more useful for you?

https://redd.it/1pynalk
@macappsbackup

SupaSidebar - Arc-like sidebar for all browsers (New Year giveaway)
https://redd.it/1pypxnm
@macappsbackup