

Under the Radar
Relay
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
321: WWDC 2025 Aftermath
The speakers share their initial excitement and overwhelm from WWDC 2025, highlighting key opportunities in enhanced widget functionality. Developers face urgency adapting to new OS design changes that require early beta testing. A revolutionary liquid glass aesthetic is discussed, offering independent developers an edge in creating stunning apps. The talk shifts to the necessity of adapting to Apple's design updates and the introduction of new debugging tools. Lastly, they navigate the challenges of stabilizing and launching features for a production app while maintaining user engagement.

5 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 30min
320: Before the Barrier
The anticipation for WWDC 2025 is palpable, as discussions highlight the urgency of project completions and managing expectations. The importance of mental resets and preparing for a busy summer is emphasized, alongside challenges of beta testing on personal devices. Strategies for handling Apple's updates are shared, focusing on device fragmentation and productivity tips. Community connections at the upcoming tech conference are explored, blending self-care with excitement for future innovations in the tech landscape.

12 snips
May 22, 2025 • 29min
319: Unfreezing Your Brain
The hosts delve into the ups and downs of Apple Watch app development, sharing technical hurdles and superstitions faced during the process. They discuss the balance between personal satisfaction and user feedback, highlighting the emotional journey of developers. The importance of past skills for future success is explored, showcasing how foundational knowledge can enhance productivity. Finally, they emphasize nurturing creative momentum through personal projects, encouraging curiosity and engagement to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

19 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.


