u/Competitive_Neck_968

Hi everyone,

I recently built and launched my first iOS app with the help of AI.

It’s called LookOnce — a small confirmation app for those “did I actually check that?” moments before leaving home, traveling, going to bed, or checking out of a hotel.

Examples:

• Door locked?
• Gas turned off?
• Lights off?
• Passport packed?
• Charger not left behind?

The idea is simple: create a scene, check the important items once, keep a record, and stop rechecking the same thing in your head.

I used AI/Codex heavily during development for SwiftUI screens, local data flow, reminders, localization, in-app purchase logic, and bug fixing. The hardest part was not only coding, but turning a small idea into a polished App Store release.

LookOnce is local-first, has no account requirement, and does not require a credit card.

Free deal:
I’m making lifetime access free for early users. If the free period has ended by the time you see this, feel free to message me and I’ll try to share a redemption code.

App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lookonce/id6768650367

Happy to hear feedback from anyone building apps with AI tools.

https://preview.redd.it/n0e7b8wqm82h1.png?width=941&format=png&auto=webp&s=c383c9c80e9bc7c64238366f72905e5fd06ca9ee

Hi everyone,

For indie iOS developers here, I’m curious how you usually find your first group of core users for a new app.

I don’t mean general downloads or paid ads. I mean the small group of users who actually understand the problem, use the app seriously, give feedback, and help you figure out whether the product is going in the right direction.

A few things I’m wondering about:

- Do you usually start from Reddit, X/Twitter, Discord, friends, existing communities, or App Store search?
- How do you avoid sounding too promotional when asking for feedback?
- Do you share the App Store link directly, or first describe the problem and ask if people are interested?
- How do you know whether feedback is coming from real potential users or just other developers being polite?
- For small utility apps, what has worked best for you?

I’m asking because I’m trying to learn how to validate a small iOS app properly, instead of just launching it and hoping people randomly find it.

Would love to hear what worked or didn’t work for you.

Thanks!