The sad state of the App Store for developers with ideas

I’ll slowly, quietly1 start thinking about this Micro.blog super app. It doesn’t have a name yet. I have no idea what the app icon could be. I’m not an icon designer, and I don’t have the money to commission one. I’m not even sure it will see the light on the App Store. But one thing is clear: I’m afraid Apple will refuse or reject the app when I submit it to the App Store.

  1. Well, not so quietly, because I’ll blog about this journey right here. ↩︎

One vibe-coding project I’d like to tackle in 2027 is building a native app for Mac and iPhone. I already know what I’d try to build: a Micro.blog super app—something @manton isn’t willing to create. And I’m okay with his decision; it’s an opportunity for others like me to take the challenge.

Some companies need to wake up

Now that almost anyone can build a native iPhone app using vibe coding or more sophisticated AI-agent methods, companies that keep releasing shitty apps for their products should pay attention. Synology is one example. They make great NAS devices1, but their iPhone apps aren’t great. Unlike Ubiquiti, they don’t offer an iPhone app for managing their devices. I came across this app on Reddit this morning, and it looks well done. That guy essentially replicated Synology DSM capabilities in his app. That’s cool and useful. If Synology cannot hire good iPhone developers, fine, but with AI-based coding, they have no excuses to try a different approach.

  1. I’ve been using a DS720+ since 2020, and I’m quite happy with it. ↩︎

New MacBook Pro: what's in it for me?

I’m really looking forward to Apple’s announcements this week: an updated MacBook Pro. While the rumored CPU is believed to be an M5 series, not an M6, that’s not what I find most interesting. It’s all about the screen.

First, I would prefer to have a Dynamic Island instead of a notch. I prefer pill-shaped holes. Small detail, I know.

Second, I prefer the OLED screen because I love photography with deeper blacks.

Third, I want touchscreen support because I think it makes sense. Sorry, Steve, but we’re in 2026. When Apple introduced mouse support in iPadOS, it was exciting to see the iPad grow into a new territory of user interaction. It’s macOS’s turn, now.

Fourth, the 14-inch MacBook Pro screen resolution will fit more content into a more compact design than my current 15-inch MacBook Air, thanks to a higher-resolution display (3024 ✗ × 1964 pixels vs 2880 ✗ × 1864 pixels).

I’m just realizing where I’ll actually end up next weekend: Singapore Changi Airport1. This might surprise you, but 90% of my travel planning is done by my wife. I barely know or remember the travel milestones. This evening, I was wondering whether there were any Apple Stores in Singapore. Oh boy. There are three, and I can visit two of them. I can’t wait.

  1. It will be a long ride with two long flights, with the first starting from Montreal, Canada, to Istanbul. ↩︎

My late father passed away in 2021, but only today did I convince myself to delete his Facebook account. It’s a weird feeling. He would have been 98. 😔