Tapbots, the renowned developer of iOS applications, is stirring up excitement with the announcement of a new app for Bluesky, a social network with over 32 million users. This new app, named Phoenix, is set to launch sometime later this summer, as revealed on Bluesky’s website.
The company behind the popular Mastodon client Ivory, Tapbots has a history of success with apps like Tweetbot. Despite their focus on Bluesky, Tapbots reassures users that they are not abandoning their work in the fediverse, the open social web. However, development on Ivory will slow down temporarily as they shift their efforts towards Phoenix.
Ivory, which made its debut in 2023, aimed to provide an alternative to Mastodon’s official social app by incorporating features from Tweetbot and embracing the federated nature of the fediverse. Integrated with ActivityPub, Ivory connected users to various federated social apps, including Mastodon, PeerTube, Pixelfed, and more.
On the other hand, Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, attracting former Twitter users who sought alternatives after the platform’s transformation. Tapbots recognized the need to support both Mastodon and Bluesky to sustain its business, acknowledging the challenge of catering to two distinct user bases.
In response to this split audience, Tapbots decided to develop a dedicated app for Bluesky users, citing the importance of offering a tailored experience. While maintaining a cross-posting feature for users active on both networks, Tapbots aims to enhance the user experience on Bluesky with the upcoming Phoenix app.
As the team shifts focus to Phoenix, the development of Ivory will experience a slowdown. Tapbots assures users that both apps will receive significant improvements once Phoenix is launched, promising concurrent development to enhance user satisfaction.
While details on Phoenix’s monetization strategy remain undisclosed, it is likely to follow a subscription model similar to Ivory’s. Currently priced at $1.99 per month or $14.99 per year, Ivory offers in-app purchases for premium features, a model that may extend to Phoenix upon its launch in summer 2025.
MacStories was the first to report on Phoenix’s impending release, generating anticipation among tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the new app’s arrival. Before long, Phoenix will enter a limited public alpha phase, inviting users to experience its features firsthand.
In the midst of this exciting development, Sarah, a seasoned reporter at TechCrunch, brings a wealth of experience to her coverage of the tech industry. With a background in I.T. across various sectors, including banking, retail, and software, Sarah’s insights offer a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of technology.
As the tech world eagerly awaits the arrival of Phoenix, Tapbots continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape. With a commitment to enhancing user experiences and supporting diverse user bases, Tapbots remains at the forefront of app development, poised to make a significant impact with the launch of Phoenix.
