This will be a poorly worded post since I’m typing on mobile.

I’m so tired of subscriptions. There’s already so many bills to pay, I don’t want to think about my phone having a dozen micro-bills.

All of the top apps in the iOS app store, mostly excluding Google and Microsoft, have subscription pricing. (And now Outlook requires a subscription to remove ads.)

Note taking app? Subscription. Reminders app? Subscription. An app with exactly one function and hasn’t been updated in months? Subscription.

It seems that the idea of one-time purchasing has all but died on iOS. The last one-time purchase I’ve ever made for an app on that platform is Apollo (RIP). After that, I just stuck with Apple’s default offerings (Mail, Calendar, Notes etc). However decent those apps may be, they’re stuck to the Apple ecosystem.

On a whim I wanted to try out the Pixel 7.

I discovered: Cinexplore, Feeder, Moshidon, Oto Music, and many more, of course.

So many quality apps that are either free or offer a one-time purchase. I used them for a bit and either paid the one-time purchase or donated if it was free.

And side-loading is the cherry on top. Having an open platform and more competition gives me a choice. It’s refreshing and helps reduce the mental burden of subscriptions.

  • CorrodedCranium@lemmy.fmhy.mlEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    You might want to check out of F-Droid if you haven’t already (not sure if you are already or if you are getting apps from GitHub, the Google Play store, or an APK mirror site). It’s great for free open source apps.

    I appreciate the customization options and simplicity of a lot of them. I also haven’t come across an app that requires a constant internet connection for verification which is nice

    • to_urcite_ty_kokos@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      If you are new to FDroid, don’t forget to add the IzzyOnDroid repository - you will be able to install quite a few additional apps.

        • NightOwl@lemmy.oneEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          Newpipe x Sponsorblock fork which also shows downvotes.

          Rekado if you do Nintendo Switch home brew to deliver payloads.

        • to_urcite_ty_kokos@lemmy.worldEnglish
          0·
          1 year ago

          I have now installed FairMail (The f-droid version is constrained), OpenScan, and Kvaesitso, but not as many as I expected. But still, you want to have as broad range as possible while choosing the best app.