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Promo-Driven Feedback: How Short-Term Freebies Shape Community and Roadmaps in Mac/iOS Apps

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Mac and IOS apps Promo-Driven Feedback:

Short-term freebies are shaping how indie Mac and iOS apps steer their roadmaps. A cluster of promos shows developers using time-limited free access to spark engagement, collect feedback, and drive reviews.

Compressor — The latest post offers a 24-hour free lifetime access after strong early interest. The founder emphasizes on-device processing and privacy, plus upcoming updates like batch compression and UI tweaks [1].

Foku — A 24-hour window makes Foku Pro lifetime for free, following a surge of messages from students and fellow devs. The promo includes a code and a call to leave a quick App Store review to support the project [2].

Budget Planner — Free lifetime access for 48 hours prompts user notes on decimals and recurring transactions, with the developer promising a quick follow-up update based on feedback [3].

Worthfolio — Free for 48 hours, then a paid model; the creator fields questions about a pro screen bug and confirms that downloads during the window keep access, avoiding new in-app purchases for those users [4].

Dory — 50% off for a limited time (about $4.99), a one-time purchase with no subscription. Feedback highlights that ongoing updates and familiarity with Tahoe’recognition keep motivation high [5].

These promos aren’t just sales tactics; they’re live experiments that feed feature requests, reviews, and ongoing product direction across the Mac and iOS ecosystem [1][2][3][4][5].

References

[1]
Reddit

The response to my app Compressor in the last post was amazing, so as a thank you I am offering another [19.99$ -> Free lifetime offer]

Developer promotes iOS image compressor app, free offer, updates; users give feedback, bugs, feature requests, and reviews.

View source
[2]
Reddit

The response to my app in last post was insane! To say thanks, my focus-tracking timer Foku is now LIFETIME FREE for the next 24 hours.

Foku focus timer offers 24h free lifetime Pro; debates include iCloud sign-in, privacy, onboarding, and promo-code issues among users online.

View source
[3]
Reddit

$19.99 → Lifetime FREE] Made my Budget Planner App Lifetime Free for the Next 48 Hours!

Post announces budget app free for 48 hours; asks for feedback; updates planned like recurring transactions and foreign currency support.

View source
[4]
Reddit

Worthfolio - Minimalistic Assets & Wealth Calculator [Free for next 48 hours]

Worthfolio released iOS asset tracker; free briefly, then one-time fee; talks Mac/iPad support; bug about pro screen; currency issues updates

View source
[5]
Reddit

Dory - 50% Off for a Limited Time

Dory app discount and updates; app switcher with learning; users request launch folders/URLs; comparisons to Pieoneer and Syhon; discount

View source

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