Developer Christian Selig has unveiled a game-changing update for Apollo. This update not only allows users to decline automatic refunds on their subscriptions but also provides an opportunity to show some support to Selig in this trying time.
Apollo for Reddit Amassed Over 900,000 Daily Active Users and 5 Million Downloads
Apollo for Reddit, a third-party client popular for its sleek design and user-friendly experience, has amassed an extensive following over the years.
Its streamlined interface and enhanced accessibility have made it the go-to choice for many Redditors - with many proclaiming they would let go of Reddit altogether if they couldn't enjoy the platform through Apollo. With an impressive 900,000 daily active users and approximately 5 million global downloads, the app has unquestionably made its mark in the Reddit ecosystem.
However, the app's impressive trajectory was abruptly interrupted when Reddit recently announced its intention to levy substantial fees on third-party developers seeking API access.
For Selig, the decision would translate into an annual cost of $20 million for running Apollo alone - which is a lot!
This figure exceeds the revenue generated from the premium plans of Apollo for Reddit, rendering the app's sustainability impossible under the new API model. Selig's attempts to negotiate with Reddit aren't making any progress, and it looks like Apollo's days are numbered.
Selig's predicament, shared by numerous developers caught in the crosshairs of Reddit's API changes, elicited sympathy from the tech community.
Over 3,100 subreddit communities, including some of the platform's behemoths such as r/aww, r/gaming, r/Music, r/Pics, and r/todayilearned, participated in a 48-hour "go dark" movement, temporarily shutting down their subreddits to protest against Reddit's policies.
Related Article: Third Party App Apollo is Shutting Down Due to Reddit's New API Pricing
Apollo Will Be Around For a Few More Days; Gifts Redditors with "Goodbye Apollo Wallpaper Set"
Apollo now allows users to opt out of the automatic pro-rated refund. These refunds come straight out of dev pockets, and it's a hefty bill, tallying up to a staggering $250,000.
So, declining that refund could make all the difference for Appolo.
Selig has collaborated with a team of visionary designers to create the "Goodbye Apollo Wallpaper Set." This one-of-a-kind collection is a tribute to Apollo, to ensure that their loyal user base of Redditors will remember the app long before it's gone. The Apollo Wallpaper Set is comprised of phone, tablet, and desktop wallpapers.
The proceeds from this creation will go directly towards offsetting the huge refund costs. Apart from that, Selig has also unlocked previously paid features within the app, ensuring that users can revel in the full Apollo experience, free of charge.
Additionally, over a dozen new icons have been injected into the mix, a treasure trove of visual delights that Selig had planned to release over the next year. And that's not all-theming is now available for all, creating a vibrant playground for customization enthusiasts.
The best part? Redditors can still use Apollo for a couple more days!
Read More: Several Reddit Communities Have Gone Dark, Some Doing So Indefinitely
