App cloning has existed forever. When Flappy Bird took off you could find dozens of similar clones. You could buy app templates from various websites to spin your own version of Flappy Bird.
This has always been an issue for solo or indie apps because the apps are simpler, require couple of days to code and don't have money to fight copyright lawsuits.
There are app shops based in Eastern Europe and Asia - which can get an app up and running in matter of days. Some even sell done for you (DFY) services where they will find hot apps and clone it for you for a fixed amount. The idea being they get a steady stream of income and it is up to the buyer to ensure the app takes off and makes money over and above the amount paid to these services. This always mean apps have 7-day free trial with a subscription tacked on.
As for app curation Apple's interest is in having more apps and more developer revenue. It is same nearly every marketplace type sites.
When an app is simple and commoditized then moat depends on all of the things you mentioned.
Marketing is often a differentiator when you build a brand. For example there are tons of personal development coaches out there. But you know only few like Tony Robbins etc because of the marketing blitz and the brand name.
You can build a brand by actively participating with your users such that they prefer your app over the clones. Find ways to get into an Apple featured lists.
You can add features. But this might run into an issue of a bloated app with features no wants to use.
I understand that, and said literally that in the first section of my extensive response, but, like I also pointed out in my previous response, things are different now.
Traditional advice about fast PMF via fast public release no longer applies, and not just for phone apps; for all applications, whether SaaS, local, etc.
The only solution one can do is first build a set of leads, and then approach each one individually and privately to find PMF.
> You can build a brand by actively participating with your users such that they prefer your app over the clones.
For B2C, this is a losing proposition unless you are fueled with VC money.
Yeah, I think close mac integration and using the macOS style guidelines will be my best path forward. I want it to feel like a part of the operating system, while the competition will just go for basic operation.
There are app shops based in Eastern Europe and Asia - which can get an app up and running in matter of days. Some even sell done for you (DFY) services where they will find hot apps and clone it for you for a fixed amount. The idea being they get a steady stream of income and it is up to the buyer to ensure the app takes off and makes money over and above the amount paid to these services. This always mean apps have 7-day free trial with a subscription tacked on.
As for app curation Apple's interest is in having more apps and more developer revenue. It is same nearly every marketplace type sites.
When an app is simple and commoditized then moat depends on all of the things you mentioned.
Marketing is often a differentiator when you build a brand. For example there are tons of personal development coaches out there. But you know only few like Tony Robbins etc because of the marketing blitz and the brand name.
You can build a brand by actively participating with your users such that they prefer your app over the clones. Find ways to get into an Apple featured lists.
You can add features. But this might run into an issue of a bloated app with features no wants to use.