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Yes, you can build a subscription app with AI (but it might hurt a bit)

Blog post from RevenueCat

Post Details
Company
Date Published
Author
Ethan Garr
Word Count
2,238
Language
English
Hacker News Points
-
Summary

Amidst the current AI-driven app development surge, many believe creating profitable apps is a quick endeavor, yet the reality proves more complex. The author shares their journey of developing "OnTimer – Never Be Late," a subscription app designed to provide persistent meeting reminders, which defies the notion that such projects can be completed over a weekend. Over four months, the process highlighted both the empowering role of AI in enabling non-technical individuals to build apps, and the numerous challenges encountered, such as AI's tendency to create misleadingly functional prototypes and the intricacies of building reliable features and monetizing through app stores. Despite setbacks, including technical bugs and App Store rejections, the experience underscored the importance of persistence, strategic planning, and early monetization, as these factors drive focus on delivering value and navigating the complexities of app development. The author encourages aspiring developers to embrace the challenges of app creation, as the rewarding outcomes outweigh the initial frustrations, ultimately leading to personal growth and potential commercial success.