Nicolas Papegaey
@nicolaspapegaey.com
Solopreneur | Indie iOS Dev 👨💻 | Ex-Product Owner
Just got back from 3 weeks of vacation.
Am I rested? Absolutely not! (thanks kids 😅)
But I’m back to shipping apps!
Curious: do you feel more tired after vacations too?
Am I rested? Absolutely not! (thanks kids 😅)
But I’m back to shipping apps!
Curious: do you feel more tired after vacations too?
September 2, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Just got back from 3 weeks of vacation.
Am I rested? Absolutely not! (thanks kids 😅)
But I’m back to shipping apps!
Curious: do you feel more tired after vacations too?
Am I rested? Absolutely not! (thanks kids 😅)
But I’m back to shipping apps!
Curious: do you feel more tired after vacations too?
There’s something magical about solo shipping iOS apps.
No meetings.
No stakeholders.
Just you, your vision… and the App Store reviewers 🙏
No meetings.
No stakeholders.
Just you, your vision… and the App Store reviewers 🙏
August 7, 2025 at 6:32 AM
There’s something magical about solo shipping iOS apps.
No meetings.
No stakeholders.
Just you, your vision… and the App Store reviewers 🙏
No meetings.
No stakeholders.
Just you, your vision… and the App Store reviewers 🙏
Took a golf lesson with my wife this week.
With the kids home this week, things have been a bit intense lately.
So just having 1 hour of fresh air, quiet, time together (and smashing a few golf balls) felt amazing.
What did you do this week to disconnect?
With the kids home this week, things have been a bit intense lately.
So just having 1 hour of fresh air, quiet, time together (and smashing a few golf balls) felt amazing.
What did you do this week to disconnect?
August 3, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Took a golf lesson with my wife this week.
With the kids home this week, things have been a bit intense lately.
So just having 1 hour of fresh air, quiet, time together (and smashing a few golf balls) felt amazing.
What did you do this week to disconnect?
With the kids home this week, things have been a bit intense lately.
So just having 1 hour of fresh air, quiet, time together (and smashing a few golf balls) felt amazing.
What did you do this week to disconnect?
My last app just went through Apple’s “Boost Week”.
Got 22 downloads...
I was expecting better 😅
Got 22 downloads...
I was expecting better 😅
August 1, 2025 at 3:31 PM
My last app just went through Apple’s “Boost Week”.
Got 22 downloads...
I was expecting better 😅
Got 22 downloads...
I was expecting better 😅
ASO feels like a mystery these days… so I’m running a few experiments.
On one of my apps, I:
• Reduced keyword count (inspired by @adamlyttle)
• Added localizations with better keyword fit
• Made sure the main keyword pops in the screenshots
Let’s see what happens 🤞
On one of my apps, I:
• Reduced keyword count (inspired by @adamlyttle)
• Added localizations with better keyword fit
• Made sure the main keyword pops in the screenshots
Let’s see what happens 🤞
August 1, 2025 at 6:26 AM
ASO feels like a mystery these days… so I’m running a few experiments.
On one of my apps, I:
• Reduced keyword count (inspired by @adamlyttle)
• Added localizations with better keyword fit
• Made sure the main keyword pops in the screenshots
Let’s see what happens 🤞
On one of my apps, I:
• Reduced keyword count (inspired by @adamlyttle)
• Added localizations with better keyword fit
• Made sure the main keyword pops in the screenshots
Let’s see what happens 🤞
They say: stick to the tech you know.
But is that still true with AI agents doing half the work?
I only know Swift/SwiftUI, but I’ve got some SaaS ideas…
Should I stay in my comfort zone, or buy @marc_louvion’s course and code my first SaaS like a hero? 😅
But is that still true with AI agents doing half the work?
I only know Swift/SwiftUI, but I’ve got some SaaS ideas…
Should I stay in my comfort zone, or buy @marc_louvion’s course and code my first SaaS like a hero? 😅
July 31, 2025 at 6:32 AM
They say: stick to the tech you know.
But is that still true with AI agents doing half the work?
I only know Swift/SwiftUI, but I’ve got some SaaS ideas…
Should I stay in my comfort zone, or buy @marc_louvion’s course and code my first SaaS like a hero? 😅
But is that still true with AI agents doing half the work?
I only know Swift/SwiftUI, but I’ve got some SaaS ideas…
Should I stay in my comfort zone, or buy @marc_louvion’s course and code my first SaaS like a hero? 😅
Thinking about bringing one of my iOS apps to Android 🤔
Still deciding between Flutter and React Native + Expo.
I’m leaning toward the second option, it could help me learn tools I might reuse for the web later on.
If you’ve tried both, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Still deciding between Flutter and React Native + Expo.
I’m leaning toward the second option, it could help me learn tools I might reuse for the web later on.
If you’ve tried both, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
July 30, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Thinking about bringing one of my iOS apps to Android 🤔
Still deciding between Flutter and React Native + Expo.
I’m leaning toward the second option, it could help me learn tools I might reuse for the web later on.
If you’ve tried both, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Still deciding between Flutter and React Native + Expo.
I’m leaning toward the second option, it could help me learn tools I might reuse for the web later on.
If you’ve tried both, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Someone please explain… how is this possible?! 😅
- No reviews
- Just launched ?
- 66 mb with no analytics?
Yet this JPG to PDF app ranks #1 for half the keywords I tracked 🙃
ASO is definitely too obscure for me...
- No reviews
- Just launched ?
- 66 mb with no analytics?
Yet this JPG to PDF app ranks #1 for half the keywords I tracked 🙃
ASO is definitely too obscure for me...
July 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Someone please explain… how is this possible?! 😅
- No reviews
- Just launched ?
- 66 mb with no analytics?
Yet this JPG to PDF app ranks #1 for half the keywords I tracked 🙃
ASO is definitely too obscure for me...
- No reviews
- Just launched ?
- 66 mb with no analytics?
Yet this JPG to PDF app ranks #1 for half the keywords I tracked 🙃
ASO is definitely too obscure for me...
Just crossed 2,000 active subscribers across my apps 🎉
No big launch. No viral moment.
Just consistent work, small wins, and listening to users.
No big launch. No viral moment.
Just consistent work, small wins, and listening to users.
July 29, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Just crossed 2,000 active subscribers across my apps 🎉
No big launch. No viral moment.
Just consistent work, small wins, and listening to users.
No big launch. No viral moment.
Just consistent work, small wins, and listening to users.
This weekend, I installed Cursor for the first time.
The goal? Build a landing page for one of my apps and see if I can bring in some traffic from Google.
Mission accomplished during Sunday nap time 😴
I’m honestly impressed by how fast it went!
The goal? Build a landing page for one of my apps and see if I can bring in some traffic from Google.
Mission accomplished during Sunday nap time 😴
I’m honestly impressed by how fast it went!
July 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM
This weekend, I installed Cursor for the first time.
The goal? Build a landing page for one of my apps and see if I can bring in some traffic from Google.
Mission accomplished during Sunday nap time 😴
I’m honestly impressed by how fast it went!
The goal? Build a landing page for one of my apps and see if I can bring in some traffic from Google.
Mission accomplished during Sunday nap time 😴
I’m honestly impressed by how fast it went!
Planned to ship an app update today…
But surprise: my daughter’s nanny is off for 2 weeks!
That’s indie life when you work from home: you’ve got the freedom and the flexibility 🥲
But surprise: my daughter’s nanny is off for 2 weeks!
That’s indie life when you work from home: you’ve got the freedom and the flexibility 🥲
July 28, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Planned to ship an app update today…
But surprise: my daughter’s nanny is off for 2 weeks!
That’s indie life when you work from home: you’ve got the freedom and the flexibility 🥲
But surprise: my daughter’s nanny is off for 2 weeks!
That’s indie life when you work from home: you’ve got the freedom and the flexibility 🥲
Posted daily this week.
Not the first time I’ve tried, but this time it felt sane.
I had fun. I learned things.
Looking forward to keeping it up.
Have a great Sunday and see you tomorrow!
Not the first time I’ve tried, but this time it felt sane.
I had fun. I learned things.
Looking forward to keeping it up.
Have a great Sunday and see you tomorrow!
July 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Posted daily this week.
Not the first time I’ve tried, but this time it felt sane.
I had fun. I learned things.
Looking forward to keeping it up.
Have a great Sunday and see you tomorrow!
Not the first time I’ve tried, but this time it felt sane.
I had fun. I learned things.
Looking forward to keeping it up.
Have a great Sunday and see you tomorrow!
I started golf thinking it’d be just a hobby.
Turns out it’s a mindset upgrade:
– Focus on the next shot
– Let go of the last one
– Show up again tomorrow
Just like indie dev.
Turns out it’s a mindset upgrade:
– Focus on the next shot
– Let go of the last one
– Show up again tomorrow
Just like indie dev.
July 26, 2025 at 6:30 AM
I started golf thinking it’d be just a hobby.
Turns out it’s a mindset upgrade:
– Focus on the next shot
– Let go of the last one
– Show up again tomorrow
Just like indie dev.
Turns out it’s a mindset upgrade:
– Focus on the next shot
– Let go of the last one
– Show up again tomorrow
Just like indie dev.
I’m more consistent with my indie app business than with my fitness.
And that’s… not great.
My weight keeps yo-yoing. Still under 25 BMI, but not where I want to be.
6 hours of sleep per night doesn’t help either 🫠
If you’ve been there too, I’d love to hear what worked for you 😅
And that’s… not great.
My weight keeps yo-yoing. Still under 25 BMI, but not where I want to be.
6 hours of sleep per night doesn’t help either 🫠
If you’ve been there too, I’d love to hear what worked for you 😅
July 25, 2025 at 2:59 PM
I’m more consistent with my indie app business than with my fitness.
And that’s… not great.
My weight keeps yo-yoing. Still under 25 BMI, but not where I want to be.
6 hours of sleep per night doesn’t help either 🫠
If you’ve been there too, I’d love to hear what worked for you 😅
And that’s… not great.
My weight keeps yo-yoing. Still under 25 BMI, but not where I want to be.
6 hours of sleep per night doesn’t help either 🫠
If you’ve been there too, I’d love to hear what worked for you 😅
I used to work as a Product Owner in a structured environment with a regular salary. Now, as a solo indie developer, I handle everything from building to marketing. It's less certain but far more meaningful. Every download, every review, every DM feels personal.
July 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I used to work as a Product Owner in a structured environment with a regular salary. Now, as a solo indie developer, I handle everything from building to marketing. It's less certain but far more meaningful. Every download, every review, every DM feels personal.
A few months ago, most of my reach came from X.
Now? It’s Threads.
And not just reach: real engagement, replies, actual conversations.
Same posts. Same tone. Different platforms, different energy.
(Not premium on X, in case that plays a role.)
Anyone else noticing this shift?
Now? It’s Threads.
And not just reach: real engagement, replies, actual conversations.
Same posts. Same tone. Different platforms, different energy.
(Not premium on X, in case that plays a role.)
Anyone else noticing this shift?
July 24, 2025 at 6:30 AM
A few months ago, most of my reach came from X.
Now? It’s Threads.
And not just reach: real engagement, replies, actual conversations.
Same posts. Same tone. Different platforms, different energy.
(Not premium on X, in case that plays a role.)
Anyone else noticing this shift?
Now? It’s Threads.
And not just reach: real engagement, replies, actual conversations.
Same posts. Same tone. Different platforms, different energy.
(Not premium on X, in case that plays a role.)
Anyone else noticing this shift?
Not every day is productive when you build apps with kids around.
Some days: you ship 💪
Others: you clean banana from your keyboard 🥲
It’s okay.
Long-term momentum beats short-term output.
Some days: you ship 💪
Others: you clean banana from your keyboard 🥲
It’s okay.
Long-term momentum beats short-term output.
July 23, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Not every day is productive when you build apps with kids around.
Some days: you ship 💪
Others: you clean banana from your keyboard 🥲
It’s okay.
Long-term momentum beats short-term output.
Some days: you ship 💪
Others: you clean banana from your keyboard 🥲
It’s okay.
Long-term momentum beats short-term output.
My best app ideas rarely show up in front of a screen.
They come when I move, explore, do something new.
A good reason to get out of your comfort zone.
They come when I move, explore, do something new.
A good reason to get out of your comfort zone.
July 23, 2025 at 6:31 AM
My best app ideas rarely show up in front of a screen.
They come when I move, explore, do something new.
A good reason to get out of your comfort zone.
They come when I move, explore, do something new.
A good reason to get out of your comfort zone.
I used AI (ChatGPT) to generate most of the visuals for my latest app: icon, illustrations, screenshots.
Honestly? I'm amazed by the results.
Feels like we crossed a new threshold.
Honestly? I'm amazed by the results.
Feels like we crossed a new threshold.
July 22, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I used AI (ChatGPT) to generate most of the visuals for my latest app: icon, illustrations, screenshots.
Honestly? I'm amazed by the results.
Feels like we crossed a new threshold.
Honestly? I'm amazed by the results.
Feels like we crossed a new threshold.
Turning 41 today 🎂
1 year ago, I was laid off.
Today, I’m building apps solo from home, surrounded by kids, coffee, and chaos.
It’s definitely not easy.
But for the first time in a long time, it finally feels like my life.
That’s a pretty cool birthday gift.
1 year ago, I was laid off.
Today, I’m building apps solo from home, surrounded by kids, coffee, and chaos.
It’s definitely not easy.
But for the first time in a long time, it finally feels like my life.
That’s a pretty cool birthday gift.
July 22, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Turning 41 today 🎂
1 year ago, I was laid off.
Today, I’m building apps solo from home, surrounded by kids, coffee, and chaos.
It’s definitely not easy.
But for the first time in a long time, it finally feels like my life.
That’s a pretty cool birthday gift.
1 year ago, I was laid off.
Today, I’m building apps solo from home, surrounded by kids, coffee, and chaos.
It’s definitely not easy.
But for the first time in a long time, it finally feels like my life.
That’s a pretty cool birthday gift.
Every indie dev should have a “7-day challenge app”.
Not because it’ll be your best app.
But because it will teach you more than 3 months of overthinking.
Here’s what mine taught me 🧵
Not because it’ll be your best app.
But because it will teach you more than 3 months of overthinking.
Here’s what mine taught me 🧵
July 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Every indie dev should have a “7-day challenge app”.
Not because it’ll be your best app.
But because it will teach you more than 3 months of overthinking.
Here’s what mine taught me 🧵
Not because it’ll be your best app.
But because it will teach you more than 3 months of overthinking.
Here’s what mine taught me 🧵
My fastest app yet: built and shipped in 7 working days.
Apple approved it on the first try 🙌
(Yes, I know some of you do it in 1 day… let me have my moment 😄)
Apple approved it on the first try 🙌
(Yes, I know some of you do it in 1 day… let me have my moment 😄)
July 21, 2025 at 7:21 AM
My fastest app yet: built and shipped in 7 working days.
Apple approved it on the first try 🙌
(Yes, I know some of you do it in 1 day… let me have my moment 😄)
Apple approved it on the first try 🙌
(Yes, I know some of you do it in 1 day… let me have my moment 😄)
I build iOS apps solo from home: no team, no VC, no shortcuts. Just me, my Mac, and a few hours a day between kids, music, golf, and family. I'm not chasing a unicorn; I'm creating a life with meaningful work and time for loved ones. It's not always efficient, but it feels right.
July 19, 2025 at 6:27 AM
I build iOS apps solo from home: no team, no VC, no shortcuts. Just me, my Mac, and a few hours a day between kids, music, golf, and family. I'm not chasing a unicorn; I'm creating a life with meaningful work and time for loved ones. It's not always efficient, but it feels right.
I aimed to publish my second identifier app in 7 days, despite summer holidays and kids around. I succeeded within workdays, enjoying quick progress. It's a big improvement from the two months spent on the last one! 😅
July 18, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I aimed to publish my second identifier app in 7 days, despite summer holidays and kids around. I succeeded within workdays, enjoying quick progress. It's a big improvement from the two months spent on the last one! 😅
I’ve been quiet on here lately: partly because of summer, partly because of kids… and mostly because I’ve been focused on building.
I’m still working solo on my iOS apps, balancing family, focus and freedom.
I’ll get back to sharing more regularly here.
See you around 👋
I’m still working solo on my iOS apps, balancing family, focus and freedom.
I’ll get back to sharing more regularly here.
See you around 👋
July 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I’ve been quiet on here lately: partly because of summer, partly because of kids… and mostly because I’ve been focused on building.
I’m still working solo on my iOS apps, balancing family, focus and freedom.
I’ll get back to sharing more regularly here.
See you around 👋
I’m still working solo on my iOS apps, balancing family, focus and freedom.
I’ll get back to sharing more regularly here.
See you around 👋