Raycast, the popular Mac launcher, has finally made its way to iOS, but not without significant changes to its feature set. The new app, available for iPhone and iPad, focuses on two of Raycast's most popular features: AI and note-taking. This marks a significant departure from the Mac version, which offers a wide range of features, including app launching, settings control, and window layout management.

The decision to limit the iOS app's features was not taken lightly. According to Raycast co-founder Petr Nikolaev, the team struggled to determine what the iOS app should do, given the platform's limitations. "Much of that [Mac functionality] is irrelevant on a phone, and some of it is just simply not allowed," Nikolaev explained. Instead, the team opted to focus on features that would provide the most value to users on-the-go.

The AI feature, which integrates multiple models, allows users to chat with the bot, attach photos, and even speak to it via voice. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to sync their conversations across devices. Raycast Notes, a barebones note-taking system, also makes its debut on iOS, allowing users to access their notes on the go.

In addition to these core features, the app includes a Quicklinks page for rapid navigation to URLs or other apps, as well as a Snippets page for storing frequently-used text bits. While these features are useful, they are limited by Apple's platform restrictions, which prevent Raycast from fully replicating its desktop experience.

Despite these limitations, the Raycast team is optimistic about the app's potential. Co-founders Nikolaev and Thomas Paul Mann have a long list of features they'd like to add, including a custom keyboard, Focus (a feature that blocks distracting apps and websites), and support for Raycast Extensions. However, they acknowledge that Apple's restrictions may hinder their plans, particularly when it comes to integrating with other apps.

The question on everyone's mind is: how useful can Raycast really be on iOS? The app's limitations may make it less appealing to users who are accustomed to the desktop version's power and flexibility. However, the team is committed to iterating and improving the app based on user feedback. As Nikolaev put it, "We want to see how iOS goes. So tell your friends, make it popular! If it's successful, we'll make it on Android."

For now, the Raycast iOS app is positioned as a companion to the desktop app, allowing users to sync information across devices. While it may not revolutionize the way users interact with their iPhones, it's a promising start. As the app continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Raycast navigates the complexities of the iOS ecosystem and balances user needs with Apple's restrictions.