Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

Why Are There So Many iOS-Only Apps?

94 snips
Feb 26, 2025
Christian Selig, a prominent app developer known for Apollo for Reddit, joins Karn Saheb, an Android engineer at Notion, and Curtis Herbert, creator of the Slopes app. They dive into the reasons behind the abundance of iOS-only apps, discussing Apple’s restrictions and the drive for innovation on Android. The trio highlights the economic challenges in app development, the quick adoption of new features in iOS, and the importance of targeting both platforms for wider reach. Their insights offer a fascinating look at the diverging worlds of app ecosystems.
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ANECDOTE

Switching Headaches

  • Adam frequently switches between iOS and Android.
  • This causes him to lose access to iOS-only apps he relies on, like Copilot and Flighty.
INSIGHT

iOS App Exclusivity

  • There's a disparity in app availability, with many iOS-only apps but fewer Android exclusives.
  • Marques Brownlee, a tech reviewer, uses both phone types, and he often encounters iOS-only apps he'd like on Android.
INSIGHT

Development Focus

  • Developing for both platforms requires significant time and effort.
  • Christian Selig, developer of Apollo for Reddit, prioritizes refining one app over spreading resources thin.
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