Community-driven discovery is reshaping how macOS and iOS users find apps. Two free directories are sparking the conversation—a Mac-focused directory and an iOS one—both promising free submissions and open discovery. The thread even cites ThriftMac as an OG, and critiques AlternativeTo as a benchmark [1].
What’s driving the movement:
- Submission and curation — Developers can submit for free, and there’s a vetting process before anything goes live [1].
- Discovery signals — Plans include color-coding free vs freemium, noting country of origin, and last update to help filter out stale apps [1].
- Indie developers engage — Indie projects can submit; the directory aims to spotlight 100% free or generous freemium apps [2].
- Framer-powered directory — Early access via freeapps.framer.ai and the tooling from Framer; submissions are tested before inclusion [2].
Apple’s web App Store has added an Indie section, though most features spotlight games; the move raises questions about whether indie productivity and utility apps will gain broader visibility [3].
Community debates what discovery tools should do include real-world feature requests from developers and users [4]. For example: - Shared grocery lists with clear item routing and store layouts - A quick, widget-capable symptom tracker - A free flight tracker or an open-source keyboard option
These threads show a desire for submission, curation, and meaningful discovery signals. Watch how indie developers lean into open directories to gain exposure without gatekeeping in 2025 and beyond.
References
People are always trying to find free alternatives to paid tools/apps. So I’m building a macOS /iOS app directory to centralize them all into one place. It’s FREE to submit your app (devs) or recommend one (also what's missing from other directories?). Launching Monday!
Creator builds free macOS/iOS app directory; accepts submissions, debates pricing, features, and critiques AlternativeTo, launching Monday, seeking community feedback.
View sourceI'm building a free iOS app directory and need YOUR help! Submit your app or recommend one (also what's missing from other directories?) Launching Monday!
Building free iOS app directory; invites submissions; critiques existing directories; seeks feedback on missing discovery features and indie apps online
View sourceWhat's this new category Indie in AppStore Web?
Web App Store Indie category; mostly games; question about indie productivity/apps; asks for web store link.
View sourceWhich app would you like to have that doesn't exist
Developer asks for wanted iOS/watch apps; suggests grocery sharing, maps, calendar widgets, symptom tracking, and T9 keyboards.
View source