Apple just made my app obsolete (again)

Introduction

Apple has once again created a challenge for independent developers like myself. With the recent release of iOS 18, a new built-in calculator that includes a currency conversion feature has the potential to make my currency conversion app obsolete. This is not the first time that Apple’s updates have put my apps at risk; in the past, their introduction of new tracker functionalities within the default Health app raised my concerns regarding my body measurement tracker app. Surprisingly, rather than seeing a decline in downloads, my body measurement tracker experienced a 50% increase.

This phenomenon isn’t just limited to my app; others, such as flashlight applications, still perform well on the App Store despite the numerous options built into iOS that can activate the flashlight.

What’s going on? I believe these updates actually educate general users about the functionalities they can access on their phones. Some users may want to use the built-in features, but others might seek out apps that provide enhanced functionality. When users become acquainted with these core features, they may outgrow them and search for more specialized functionality on the App Store.

Despite my initial negative feelings toward the new calculator app, I decided to test its currency conversion functionality. To my surprise, it worked quite well, with live calculations and data sourced from Yahoo. However, I quickly realized a significant usability issue: every time I use the currency converter, it defaults to the last-used conversion screen instead of reverting to the basic calculator. This inconvenience highlighted the potential advantages of my app, which allows users to easily switch between calculations without unnecessary steps. This moment gave me hope that my currency conversion app might still see success and that users would be willing to pay a subscription fee for the speed and ease of use it offers.

My business strategy revolves around targeting keywords, releasing apps based on those keywords, optimizing them for the App Store, and monetizing through user downloads. However, there’s only so much innovation you can introduce to simple utility apps, and it’s crucial to maintain visibility in the App Store rankings. As I build these small consumer utility apps, the ongoing question remains whether Apple will continue to introduce features that render my apps obsolete.

The uncertainty is unsettling. I think about what would happen if my apps became obsolete and how I would generate revenue if that were to occur. I'm aware that my skills are mainly focused on app development, and I’ve never been a great team player. This lifestyle—creating what I want and working autonomously—brings me joy, but the reality is that it might not last forever, and the fear of failure looms over me.

Whenever I encounter setbacks or failures, I tend to spiral into worst-case scenarios. Thoughts of being a failure or lacking marketable skills often flood my mind. But I remind myself of one important truth: the best antidote to fear and anxiety is creation. My focus must remain on producing something new and positive.

Whether it’s creating engaging content for my YouTube channel or developing my next app, the act of creating becomes my linchpin. Some creations may not yield the results I hope for immediately or even after a few years, while others may generate just enough revenue to keep my life on track. Thus, each day presents an opportunity to create change—an essential aspect of combating fear and embracing my role as a developer.

Keywords

• iOS 18
• Currency conversion
• App Store
• Utility apps
• User education
• Downloads
• Business strategy
• App optimization
• Creation

FAQ

Q: What challenges are faced by indie app developers with Apple updates?
A: Indie app developers often face obsolescence of their apps when Apple introduces new built-in features that replicate or enhance the functions of their applications.

Q: How did the introduction of iOS 18 affect the author's apps?
A: iOS 18 introduced a new calculator with currency conversion, potentially threatening the author's currency conversion app. However, the author has seen increased downloads for another app despite similar built-in functionalities.

Q: What is the author's strategy for building apps?
A: The author targets specific keywords, builds apps around those keywords, optimizes them for the App Store, and seeks to monetize through user downloads.

Q: How does the author cope with the fear of being obsolete?
A: The author focuses on the act of creating new content and apps, which helps combat fear and anxiety about potential obsolescence in the app market.

Q: Is brand loyalty significant for utility apps?
A: Brand loyalty tends to be low for utility apps, as users are typically searching for specific functions rather than a brand identity.