
Under the Radar
From development and design to marketing and support, Under the Radar is all about independent app development. It's rarely longer than 30 minutes. Hosted by Marco Arment and David Smith.
Latest episodes

13 snips
May 8, 2025 • 29min
318: The Forgotten Customer
The hosts dive into a landmark court ruling forcing Apple to allow external payment methods in U.S. apps. They discuss the strained relationship between Apple and developers, highlighting the need for collaboration over exploitation. The conversation shifts to the regulatory challenges Apple faces and its focus on profit versus innovation. Developers share their struggles with in-app purchase fees and advocate for recognizing them as valued customers. There's a sense of optimism for a more equitable future where developers can thrive alongside tech giants.

20 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 30min
317: Optimizing for Battery Life
Explore the delicate dance of battery life and app performance in mobile development. Discover strategies for balancing user engagement with power consumption, especially in applications like GPS and audio playback. Dive into innovative power management techniques and the importance of testing in real-world scenarios. Hear frustrations about current battery performance tools that lack detailed metrics for optimization. Lastly, learn how low power mode impacts user experience while keeping apps efficient.

28 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 29min
316: Job Security
The podcast dives into how AI tools are reshaping coding careers and influencing job security. It discusses the growing demand for skilled programmers despite automation of some tasks. The importance of decision-making in software development is emphasized, especially for indie developers facing unique challenges. The conversation highlights the value of intuition and debugging skills alongside coding expertise. Additionally, it explores how AI can enhance creativity in project brainstorming, benefiting aspiring developers looking to accelerate their learning.

15 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 30min
315: Self-Sufficient Apps
The speakers share their journey of balancing personal and professional commitments after acquiring a family restaurant. They delve into the challenges of creating self-sufficient apps that function independently, minimizing human oversight. Insights on managing server demands and user-generated content reveal the importance of resilience and flexibility in design. A thought experiment about a two-week disconnection underscores the necessity for systems that sustain business operations without constant involvement, pushing the boundaries of app sustainability.

20 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 30min
314: Optimism vs. Pessimism
Discover the emotional roller coaster of independent app development as the hosts weigh optimism against pessimism. Hear metaphors of hiking through challenges that reflect the importance of resilience and mental health. Explore the complexities of technological changes in Apple's ecosystem, where hope for design thrives alongside fears of resource misallocation. Finally, delve into the unpredictable nature of software development and the crucial role of user satisfaction in achieving success.

16 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 30min
313: What's In Our Circles
Discover the importance of identifying personal values in app development. The discussion highlights user-centric design, contrasting indie developers with bigger companies. Delve into the philosophy of authenticity and respect for users over mere profit. Learn how to balance revenue with a positive user experience, showcasing the power of happy users. Finally, explore the joy of solving complex design challenges and the fulfillment it brings, encouraging introspection about what really matters in the software journey.

13 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 29min
312: Our Changing Relationship with Apple
Emotional challenges faced by Apple developers take center stage, revealing how changing policies impact their enthusiasm. A dive into the evolving relationship with Apple highlights disconnection between personal values and corporate priorities. The transformation of the App Store is examined, showcasing its shift from creative hub to competitive marketplace. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the importance of tech independence, urging creators to prioritize personal satisfaction and seek validation from their users.

5 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 30min
311: The Long Term
Discover the emotional landscape of middle-aged indie developers and the five key traits needed for sustained success: creativity, curiosity, resilience, reflectiveness, and restlessness. Uncover the balance between passion and financial stability while navigating career motivations. Learn how embracing creativity and novelty fuels personal growth, and hear insights on the importance of reflection and community in overcoming challenges within independent creative work. This engaging discussion highlights the evolving journey of indie app development.

50 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 30min
310: What's In Our Toolbox: Task Management
Dive into the world of task management with insights on effective strategies for developers. Discover the strengths of various tools like Things and Notion, and the surprising utility of Microsoft Excel. The conversation emphasizes seamless communication with Slack and highlights essential productivity apps that streamline workflows. The speakers also delve into the significance of optimizing image formats for efficiency. This engaging discussion offers a treasure trove of tips and tricks to enhance productivity in app development.

11 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 29min
309: What's In Our Toolbox: Code Assistance
Explore the evolution of coding tools and the crucial role of Apple's documentation in iOS app development. Delve into the challenges of navigating Swift and SwiftUI resources and the frustrations that drive developers online for solutions. Discover the balance between leveraging AI tools like Xcode's autocomplete and maintaining coding skills. Uncover the risks of AI-assisted coding, especially in large code generation, while appreciating how LLMs can enhance localization and streamline workflows.
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