Apple's new 'Invites' app lets users create customizable event invitations, integrating with Maps and Weather for easy planning. While it looks fun, concerns arise about its iPhone-only compatibility and the subscription barrier for iCloud+. The hosts humorously debate app originality and share their thoughts on user experience, including a nod to the popular Things 3 app. They discuss the need for ongoing improvements and potential cross-platform availability to boost user engagement and compete with existing event management tools.
The Invites app, designed for iPhone users only, raises concerns about Apple's trend of limiting first-party app availability to specific devices.
Despite its modern design, user skepticism exists over the Invites app's functionality and potential for meaningful updates amid competition from third-party alternatives.
Deep dives
Concerns About the Invites App's Platform Limitations
The Invites app is currently only available on iPhone, which raises concerns about Apple's trend of releasing first-party apps without support for the iPad or Mac. This limitation is particularly troubling given that other recent applications, like the Journal and Sports apps, have also followed this pattern. The absence of an iPad app is especially noteworthy since it would be more suitable for extensive tasks like journal writing or event planning. There's hope that upcoming updates or announcements will address this issue, but as of now, users are left with a less versatile experience.
Web Access and Productivity Preferences
Users can access the Invites app via iCloud on their Mac, allowing some functionality, such as creating events. However, this web-based solution is seen as insufficient for users who prefer native apps for increased productivity. Many users prefer managing their schedules and details on a desktop for efficiency and precision, rather than through a smaller touchscreen interface. The discrepancy between using the web application and what a dedicated desktop app could offer highlights the need for a more integrated Apple ecosystem.
Design and User Experience Enhancements
The Invites app features a modern design philosophy reminiscent of advanced Apple apps, suggesting that Apple is evolving its design language. However, while the visual appeal is commendable, concerns arise regarding its functionality and feature set. Users express a desire for more robust capabilities, such as automatic calendar integration, which could streamline event management. The reliance on manually adding events after creation raises questions about the app's efficiency and long-term viability.
App Longevity and Competitive Landscape
There is skepticism about the future of the Invites app, as Apple has a history of launching apps with little follow-through on updates or feature enhancements. Comparisons are drawn with other underdeveloped applications like Clips and Siri, which have seen minimal improvements since their launch. The competitive risks are heightened by third-party alternatives like Partiful, which may drive better user engagement if Apple does not prioritize continued investment in their offerings. The overarching concern remains that without consistent attention, the Invites app could fade into obscurity, similar to past neglected Apple applications.
Earlier this week, Apple announced "Invites," which is designed to help users plan group events like birthday parties, graduations, vacations, baby showers, and more. Users can choose a background image or generate one using Image Playground and customize the look of the invite with different fonts. Apple automatically adds in data from the Maps and Weather apps so that invitees have all of the information they need for an event. People who receive invites can RSVP and the sender can track who has responded. There are options to create a dedicated shared Photos album and a collaborative Apple Music playlist for the event.
Invites is an iCloud+ service, which means that it is available to iCloud+ subscribers only. iCloud+ is priced starting at $0.99 per month, and it provides users with additional iCloud storage over the free 5GB that comes with any device. While anyone is able to respond to an Invite that's sent out, creating invites is limited to iCloud+ subscribers.
We discuss Apple's iCloud website and accessing the company's services from non-Apple devices, since Invites is also available via icloud.com. In addition, we reflect on the other apps that Apple has introduced in recent years, including Clips, News, Journal, and Sports.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode