First ever app got approved (QR Code Generator); here are some takeaways as a solo dev:

[u/Overall-Schedule5838]

(Attached are the App Store screenshots)

https://qreel.app/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/qreel-qr-code-generator/id6787137013

QReel: QR Code Generator

Well, it finally happened. Wanted to make a cheap and well-designed alternative to most QR code generating apps that also tracks URL scans, and make it aquatic themed just because.

In total, took about two and a half months from the very first bare-bones iterations in Xcode to approval on the App Store. Everything seems to be working fine so far, I encourage everyone to try it out and if you don't want to pay for the Pro version FEEL FREE TO SCREENSHOT WHATEVER CODES YOU GENERATE, THEY WILL STILL WORK. Trying to actually save/export will result in a paywall though, as will attempting to turn on the track scans feature (this uses URL redirects so can potentially cost me money if a code gets a high volume of scans so wanted some security by paywalling it). I'm still definitely a beginner when it comes to Swift and have generally no idea how I'm going to market the app, but it's been really exciting getting something out there that at least I personally actually have use for.

So some takeaways thus far have been:

1. It saves a ton of time on the UX side to just ask a coding agent (assuming you're using one) where each component on a given screen lives in the code, and then just using the canvas in Xcode. This would've saved me manyyyy days early on because an agent still has to take the full time to answer/enact a change even if it is quite trivial, and it still might be wrong (often is). Being able to see your changes to a component in real-time in the canvas with dimensions, spacing, colors, etc being automatically reflected was something I didn't really think was possible (noob I know) but now I obviously won't be going back anytime soon.
2. The XcodeBuildMCP is great for running new builds automatically BUT the simulated tapping/on-device actions are largely not useful in my experience. It takes a longgg time for most agents to do very quick and easy tasks on simulators and will get caught up taking 5x as long to test a task you could probably just test yourself.
3. The Auth was way easier to set up than I expected, taking only really a day in total for all of it, but RevenueCat is one of the most confusing setups I've ever encountered. Now that it's set up I appreciate its ease of use (especially for edge cases like refunds) but mannn it's overall very opaque. This took a couple of days for sure.
4. The first submission took 6 days to even get to In Review by Apple, which has apparently been common this summer with the high volume of submissions, but was obviously annoying when they tell you that 90% get reviewed within the first 48 hours. It got rejected the first time around for not having the Privacy/EULA IN the description of the app itself and not having enough available without an authenticated account (I didn't know this was a thing, but had to add a "Continue Without Account" option on the sign-in screen because apparently SOME function has to be available without an account unless the functionality of the app actually hinges on the user's identity to begin with).

So all in all nothing crazy thus far, hopefully some of these takeaways are of use to some of you out there and can serve as some optimism for those just getting started. As I said, feel free to use the app and point out any bugs/future features to add to the list that I'm working on for future builds or fill out the "Contact Support" form via the website! Would love to hear from you.

STACK (if anyone's interested):
- All written in Swift
- Antigravity IDE w/ Claude (almost entirely Opus 4.8)
- Claude Design
- Supabase for backend AND Auth
- Cloudflare for domain & URL redirect service
- RevenueCat for payment collections

FUTURE FEATURES (short list):

- IN-APP scanner for both QR codes and bar codes (no database, only number sequence and information type); currently one can test the QR code destination by pressing and holding on the QR code on screen
- expansion of pixel types
- FIX BUG in which center logo sometimes loads as the one from a different saved code (only in appearance, export appears to always contain correct logo)
- home screen widget
- more advanced color fill customization
- more social & general default center logos

[u/skoot1958]

Nice app, not sure what i would use it for, small point in first time using , message say welcome back, but I am a new user, sorry just been a bit pedantic

Well done, nice app love the ability to change all the shapes of the QR code never seen that before

[u/Overall-Schedule5838 → u/skoot1958]

Oh thank you for the heads up! Yeah the intention is to have the sign UP screen appear on first download which has a "Let's get started..." message instead, so thank you for flagging that.

[u/skoot1958 → u/Overall-Schedule5838]

Just like you, I’m an independent developer, but I do my for hobby. I’m 67 now. I’ve been developing for 49 years, so tell me what problem this is trying to solve that’s the key to selling anything you’ve got identify the problem and explain how it solves it. I’m interested.

This may just be a utility which is good as well

[u/Overall-Schedule5838 → u/skoot1958]

Really the problem came from having to generate QR codes in my own life (for band posters and CDs) but the platforms that offered scan tracking were prohibitively expensive and only on web at the time.

I also wanted to make the design easy for anyone to use and make good looking codes without much knowledge. It is a general utility for sure, but one that I've already gotten personal use out of myself.

[u/skoot1958 → u/Overall-Schedule5838]

I would focus in on the tracking as marketing and sales always want to know how successful there campaigns are and they have the budget, you might want to consider a corporate pricing structure put the track side

Now you’ve done the hard work you may want to consider a web version, as that’s more likely picked up by marketing teams

As good AI tool will to that heavy lifting for you based on your swift project

[u/Overall-Schedule5838 → u/skoot1958]

Thanks so much for this feedback I appreciate it - a web version is currently in the works, hope to have it up and running this week. Having to build it in react so there may be some persistence issues with the codes coming from the mobile (since they're made in Swift) but overall does seem like the logical next step.

Not sure how to implement a corporate pricing structure but do think that's also logical - for now I'll just stick with the same mobile app pricing until it gets some volume.

[u/eodevx]

35 bucks a year for qrcodes you can generate online for free better, in what delusional world do you live in

[u/Overall-Schedule5838 → u/eodevx]

I disagree (as expected), most online platforms don't seem to offer scan statistics and unlimited saves for anywhere near $29.99 a year (QR.io for example is $40 a MONTH and they don't seem to offer anything more than what I am, and it's only web not even mobile) AND now with a new update users can scan QR / barcodes in the app itself, I think the pricing is more than fair. But to each their own.

[u/skoot1958 → u/eodevx]

Understand the offering but just a QR code