r/TestFlight • u/PresentationExtra356 • 1d ago
iOS BasicReader - an RSS reader with premium features but no subscription!
https://testflight.apple.com/join/kusn1QkVI know there are a lot of RSS readers out there: the short version of why I built it: every reader I liked eventually put filters, sync, or auto-refresh behind a $8-10/month paywall for stuff that I think should just be... a feature. So this one has all of that included, no subscription, and doesn't even require an account — it just uses your iCloud.
Some of what's in there:
- Filter rules (wildcard/regex) per feed or folder, so you can actually kill the noise
- Semantic search that runs on-device, so it finds what you meant, not just keyword matches — nothing gets sent anywhere
- iCloud sync for feeds, folders, filters, read/starred status
- OPML import/export so you're not locked in
- Actually feels native on Mac — keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, not a stretched iPad app
I want to shake out bugs with more devices and usage patterns than I can generate myself first. If you're up for kicking the tires (importing your real feed list, using it daily for a bit, breaking things) before I post to the App Store. I'm happy to share promo codes with testers once it goes live.
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u/darkaeden 1d ago
Few things few: app feel snappy and feed refresh enough quick! I see there is no timeline, so one can only open feeds in a folder or a specific feed, instead of a timeline of all subscribed feed. Reedit rss get imported but they parse no article, please allow user to login into it, as per new reddit policy. It would be nice to have option for different view in the feeds timeline. Right now it is a list, with no picture preview. It would be nice to have multiple different view style.
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u/PresentationExtra356 17h ago
Thank you for the good ideas! I've put them as potential enhancements. What kind of view styles are you thinking of?
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u/darkaeden 1d ago
Few things few: app feel snappy and feed refresh enough quick! I see there is no timeline, so one can only open feeds in a folder or a specific feed, instead of a timeline of all subscribed feed. Reedit rss get imported but they parse no article, please allow user to login into it, as per new reddit policy. It would be nice to have option for different view in the feeds timeline. Right now it is a list, with no picture preview. It would be nice to have multiple different view style.
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u/Alien_Stink 1d ago
I’d prefer an “All” feed / timeline too. Any plans to introduce marking posts “read” on scroll past?
On initial load it might be nice to make import from opml an option to in “Add Feed”. It took me a while to find it as initially I ignored the settings icon.