Indie time-management apps are duking it out on iOS and macOS, chasing calendar-aware planning and breezy syncing. Rise Daily Planner leads the pack with calendar-aware planning, cross-device iCloud sync, and a friendly free tier that lets you test drive up to three activities before a one-time $3.99 unlock. It’s built for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it emphasizes allocating hours, a budget-like view of your day, and recurring tasks that don’t drift. [1]
Rise Daily Planner works on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS with full iCloud sync. You can allocate hours across tasks, see a budget view of your day, and set up recurring activities so plans stay aligned with real events. You can try up to 3 activities for free, then pay once for unlimited usage. [1]
Stepwise is a privacy-first cousin in this space: no accounts, no ads, no analytics, and iCloud sync only. Built with SwiftUI for iOS 17+, it runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The free tier tracks up to 3 habits with Home Screen widgets and one-tap completion; the premium is a $3.99 one-time upgrade for unlimited habits and detailed analytics. [3]
OhWait adds reusable templates and prompts: checklists you can reuse (Morning routine, Travel packing), plus time- and location-based reminders and streaks. It’s offered with automatic iCloud sync for free, and the holiday promo promises free lifetime access for a few days. [4]
Across these titles, cross-platform iCloud syncing and a mix of freemium and one-time upgrades show how indie tools balance free access, upgrades, and user-friendly design in the Apple ecosystem.
References
I built an app that helps me understand how I spend my time and makes planning recurring tasks effortless.
Creator builds Rise Daily Planner for iOS/macOS, offers time budgeting, recurring tasks, calendar sync; free tier plus $3.99 unlock.
View sourceI built a habit tracker that doesn't track YOU - No ads, no analytics, no account needed
Indie Stepwise habit tracker debuts on iOS/macOS, privacy-first, no ads, iCloud sync; premium one-time, seeking feedback.
View sourceI kept forgetting stuff when heading out… so I built an app (currently free lifetime for a few days)
OhWait app released; checklist reminders, templates, habit tracking; users praise UI; pricing debates; some crashes and regional availability concerns globally.
View source