
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

6 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 30min
308: What's In Our Toolbox: Simulators & Source Control
The hosts dive into essential tools for independent iOS app development. They discuss how simulators like SimGenie and RocketSim streamline app testing and improve efficiency. The conversation shifts to source control, highlighting the benefits of user-friendly tools like Tower and Juxtacode for managing code. They also explore Xcode Cloud's role in continuous integration. Additionally, the challenges faced by indie developers are addressed, along with the importance of community support in enhancing coding practices.

11 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 29min
307: What's In Our Toolbox: Code & Design
Explore the fascinating tools that independent iOS developers swear by. Discover why Xcode is favored over others like VS Code and TextMate. Learn about essential coding applications, including Solver for streamlining calculations and Sentry for debugging. Delve into the significance of using multiple SQLite databases for performance. Plus, get insights on design tools like SF Symbols and color management that boost productivity. This is a treasure trove for anyone in the software development and design world!

Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
306: Overcast "Wrapped"
New features in Overcast Premium include detailed listening stats and a history feature. The launch of these enhancements cleverly coincides with the end of the year, capitalizing on users' interest in their podcast habits. Strategies for fostering user engagement and effective word-of-mouth marketing are explored, highlighting the impact of personalized statistics. Additionally, privacy concerns and technical challenges in tracking listener data are discussed. Lastly, the pricing strategy for Overcast Premium is examined amid a competitive landscape.

Nov 7, 2024 • 30min
305: Selling Apps
Explore the intriguing world of app acquisitions, from the motivations behind selling to the complexities of valuations. Discover how some companies prioritize talent through acquihires, often sidelining the original app. The hosts share their personal experiences with selling software, revealing the emotional rollercoaster of letting go. Delve into the key factors developers should consider when weighing the long-term benefits of app development against immediate financial gains. It's a deep dive into the business of mobile apps and what truly drives their value.

Oct 24, 2024 • 30min
304: Onboarding
Improving the first-run experiences in our apps.
This episode of Under the Radar is sponsored by:
Celtreos: The shoot-em-up game with tiny ships, big weapons, waves of foes, power-ups and obstacles.
Links and Show Notes: Support Under the Radar with a Relay FM Membership

Oct 16, 2024 • 30min
303: Raising Prices
Looking around the App Store, it's clear that we're not charging enough.
This episode of Under the Radar is sponsored by:
Listen Later: A read-it-later service for your ears.
Links and Show Notes: Support Under the Radar with a Relay FM Membership

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
302: Artificial Walls
Dive into the complex world of independent app development, where balancing creativity with market demands is key. Discover how user experience shapes app design and the evolving strategies for app launches. Learn about the delicate dance between monetization and maintaining user satisfaction, illustrated with real-life successes and failures. The conversation also touches on the importance of user respect, consent, and the role of charitable giving, particularly in supporting childhood cancer research. Lastly, explore the challenges of branding and audience engagement in a competitive landscape.

Sep 12, 2024 • 28min
301: Pending Apple Release
The excitement of submitting updates for iOS 18 buzzes through the discussion. Developers share the challenges they face with new Apple OS updates, especially with timing and change logs. They express disappointment over certain API limitations that may affect user expectations. The podcast also touches on a successful fundraising initiative for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, highlighting the importance of tech in healthcare. Finally, they explore the unpredictable landscape of user engagement as the launch approaches.

6 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 29min
300: The Aftermath
The conversation dives into the emotional rollercoaster of indie app development. Developers share their struggles with negative feedback and the challenges of redesigning an app while keeping loyal users engaged. They discuss the intricacies of navigating user expectations during updates and the critical role of thorough testing. There's a focus on the unpredictability of development, highlighting how feedback post-release shapes future improvements. It's a compelling look at the delicate balance between innovation and user satisfaction.

5 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 30min
299: Mid-Summer Update
As summer zooms past, the hosts discuss preparations for iOS 18, highlighting the importance of deadlines and compatibility challenges. They reflect on a quieter development season, which allows for deeper focus on existing projects. The conversation shifts to the evolving features of the task management app, Things, optimized for Apple Vision Pro. A thoughtful debate emerges on the balance of sharing plans in the app community, alongside the secrets that protect app developers from competitor insights during crucial updates.
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