Lifetime access and 24-hour promos are reshaping Mac and iOS app launches in 2025. Indie developers are using short-lived freebies and lifetime licenses to spark adoption and test pricing at launch.
- Unroller is 100% lifetime free in the next 48 hours, normally $29.99. It’s a swipe-based photo cleaner meant to tidy your camera roll on-device [1].
- Count This is free for a 24-hour lifetime window; it originally listed at $9.99 [2].
- Neon Photo Booth Selfie Box goes free for lifetime for 48 hours on iOS (Android from $0.99); the app normally runs $89.99 [3].
- WakeMinder is 50% off until Oct 31, 2025 (then $19.99); the product hypes instant reminders that sync with Mac, iPhone, and Watch [4]. It’s also noted that over 14,000 users rely on it daily [5].
Open Eyes runs a yearly giveaway with 1-year access codes (free trials promised in posts) [8].
Viral launch case study shows AI Calorie Protein Tracker hitting 4,727 new users in 24 hours with 120K+ impressions, plus big ASO gains and an infrastructure bill from OpenAI/AWS usage [7].
- In another thread, Distant founder describes a pivot: several apps were made free with a tipping prompt, then a move toward one-time fees to stay sustainable [6].
Closing thought: promos can turbocharge initial traction, but they demand smart infrastructure planning and disciplined retention work to convert freebies into lasting users.
References
🚀 Unroller is 100% lifetime free in the next 48 hours!
Indie iOS app Unroller goes lifetime free for 24 hours; privacy claim debated; users discuss bugs, icons, features and updates.
View source[$9.99->Free Lifetime] Count This : AI Object Counter [Free for 24 hours]
Promotes Count This AI Object Counter for iPhone; discusses price, free trial, and counting accuracy concerns.
View source[iOS/Android] [$89.99 → Lifetime FREE] Made my Neon Photo Booth Selfie Box Lifetime Free for the Next 48 Hours!
Promotes Neon Photo Booth Selfie Box; iOS free for 48 hours, Android discounted; seeks user feedback and ratings.
View source🔥 50% OFF until Oct 31! WakeMinder keeps your next move intentional.
WakeMinder for Mac syncs reminders across iPhone and Apple Watch; shows on wake, opens browser, 50% off until Oct 31.
View source🔥 50% OFF until Oct 31! WakeMinder, keeps your next move intentional!
WakeMinder Mac app on promotion; instant wake reminders across Mac, iPhone, Watch; user praise and feature requests; AirDrop comparison.
View source[NEW PRODUCT + UPDATE] Distant: Focus Timer and Update
Distant Focus Timer released with single payment; free apps stay; tipping failed; plans for paid products; codes shared; feedback discussed.
View sourceWe Hit 5000 Users in 24 Hours with Over 120K Impressions - Here’s What I Learned Running a Viral App Promo
iOS app promo explodes; viral launch, high costs, Apple review purge; lessons on Reddit authenticity, infrastructure, and ASO.
View sourceNew AppStore screenshots and yearly giveaway - open eyes: blink fixer [$62.00 -> FREE]
Open Eyes blink fixer app releases new screenshots; offers 1-year pro access via codes; praised by users, requests codes.
View source