Niche Mac/iOS apps are proving their value by solving tight, real-world workflows—from analog film development to beekeeping diaries and AI-driven vehicle IDs. Here are five focused tools lighting up the scene.
DevelopFilm is a film development timer and journal for analog photographers. It uses a development-time database, auto-adjusts times for temperature or reused developer, and offers a customizable timer with agitation reminders. The journal stores photo scans and notes, and the app works offline with localization. Price: 1.99 EUR per month or 12.99 EUR per year with a free trial [1].
ApiNote is a cross-platform beekeeping diary. It records inspections, honey harvests, feedings & treatments, shows local weather per apiary, and maps bee flight range. Notes and photos are stored per hive, with seasonal productivity analytics. The app is free to use, with ApiNote Pro at 3.99$ [2].
Vehicle Identifier : Ai Scanner helps identify yachts, planes, bikes, and cars. It offers in-app purchases: $0.49 weekly or $9.99 yearly. The developer showcases stunning screenshots and invites feedback [3].
For iPad screen-sharing on a larger display, the thread mentions three options: Screen Mirror, Reflector 4, and Mirroring360 [4]. These are presented as ways to mirror or share an iPad screen on a bigger monitor.
A macOS tool to auto-tag people in photos with XMP sidecar support was also discussed, highlighting a demand for cross‑app search across large RAW libraries [5].
Closing thought: these tiny, tightly scoped apps show how Mac/iOS can thrive by tackling very specific workflows—watch these makers for more precision tools in the wild.
References
DevelopFilm: film development timer and journal app for analog photographers
DevelopFilm for iOS helps analog photographers manage development timing, temp adjustments, and a journal with offline, multilingual support.
View sourceI finally turned my 10-year-old beekeeping app idea into a real product 🐝📱
Indie dev releases ApiNote iOS, a cross-platform beekeeping diary; Android version exists; seeks feedback and ratings.
View sourceIdentify any type of Yacht, Plane, Bike or Car
New iPhone vehicle identifier app; AI scanner identifies cars, planes, bikes, boats; includes weekly/yearly IAP; asks for feedback; screenshots praised.
View sourceApp that can share a external screen of my iPad?
User seeks iPad screen sharing on a Mac monitor; cites Screen Mirror, Reflector 4, Mirroring360 as options; notes activity uncertain
View sourceLooking for a macOS tool to auto-tag people in photos (with XMP support)
Seeking macOS app to auto-tag people in photos (XMP support) for cross-library search across RAW images.
View source