Cultured Code has unveiled Things 3.22, a significant free update that reimagines the acclaimed task manager for Apple's ecosystem-wide OS 26 release. This isn't merely a coat of paint—it's a thoughtful recalibration of aesthetics and functionality that demonstrates how third-party developers are harnessing Apple's latest system capabilities to elevate user experience.

Article illustration 1

The visual transformation is immediate: Things' signature blue icon has been meticulously realigned for OS 26's design language, available in Default, Dark, Tinted, and Clear variants to match system-wide appearance settings. Beyond the icon, the interface sports refined curvatures, expanded spacing, and subtle glass effects in the sidebar—creating what the developers call "the most beautiful version of Things yet."

Interaction paradigms evolve meaningfully. Buttons now exhibit fluid, physics-informed responses: the Magic Plus button dynamically deforms during drag gestures, while controls glow subtly on touch. This isn't frivolous ornamentation—it's haptic feedback engineered to create tangible connections between user actions and interface responses, reducing cognitive load during task management.

Article illustration 5

The most transformative update arrives on iPad. When users enable OS 26's new Windowed Apps mode, Things adapts intelligently: 

- Traffic light window controls enable familiar desktop-style management
- Right-click any list to spawn dedicated windows via 'Open in New Window'
- Freeform window arrangement supports complex multitasking workflows
- New menu bar (swipe down from top edge) exposes advanced controls and keyboard shortcuts

This strategic alignment with macOS conventions marks a significant leap toward making iPad a legitimate workstation. Developers note these changes make the iPad version feel "more powerful and natural to use"—a crucial shift as Apple blurs lines between its operating systems.

Article illustration 3

Cross-platform consistency extends further: Widget styles (including the new glass-like Clear option) now unify across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, while Control Center integration expands to Mac and Apple Watch. Such parity reduces friction for users operating across Apple's ecosystem—a deliberate design choice acknowledging modern multi-device workflows.

Available immediately as a free update, Things 3.22 requires OS 26 for full functionality. As Apple prepares its next-generation OS launch, Cultured Code's proactive overhaul demonstrates how sophisticated third-party apps are not just adapting to system changes, but actively redefining productivity paradigms within Apple's evolving hardware-software continuum.

Source: Cultured Code Blog