Things 3.23 reworks repeating to-dos

Cultured Code released Things 3.23 on August 19, a free update that reworks how repeating to-dos behave. The changes are described in the company's blog post, and address some of the most requested fixes in the app.

Complete them early

Repeating to-dos now have a normal checkbox. Previously, you could not complete a repeating to-do until it reached Today. Now you can tick it off early, and the next copy is scheduled according to the existing rule.

Move one, or change the rule

You can now reschedule a repeating to-do to a new date. For to-dos that repeat on a fixed schedule, Things asks whether to "Make Exception", which moves only that copy, or "Update Rule", which changes every future copy. To-dos that repeat a set time after completion simply move.

Other changes

• A Create Next Copy command in the Repeat menu generates the next copy ahead of time, so you can add notes or tick off checklist items early. It works for repeating projects too.
• Searching for "Repeating" opens a list of all repeating to-dos and projects, with their upcoming copies, grouped by area.
• Generated copies show a grey repeat icon, and the repeat setup dialog has been redesigned.
• You can pause, resume or stop several repeating to-dos at once.
• To-do display and editing now share the same code on Mac and iOS.

Requirements and price

The update is free for existing owners. It needs macOS 13.3, iOS and iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.1 or visionOS 26 or later. Things 3 remains a one-time purchase: $49.99 on the Mac, with separate apps for iPhone and iPad.

Where it fits

Repeating tasks were a long-standing weak spot compared with more complex apps like OmniFocus. This update narrows that gap without adding much complexity. Our Things 3 vs OmniFocus comparison covers the other differences, and if you capture tasks in Drafts first, its actions can send them straight to Things.

Sources: Cultured Code blog, "Repeating To-Dos, Refined", MacRumors.