13 KiB
13 KiB
iOS Side Projects with Strong MRR Potential
Research Report | February 20, 2026
Executive Summary
This report identifies 7 high-potential iOS app categories that naturally fit subscription-based revenue models. These categories are selected based on:
- Proven user willingness to pay subscriptions
- Underserved or evolving niches
- Technical feasibility for solo founders
- Strong retention characteristics
1. AI-Powered Voice & Audio Tools
App Concept
An AI voice cloning/note-taking app that records, transcribes, summarizes, and extracts action items from meetings, voice memos, or lectures. Think of it as "Voice Memos with AI superpowers."
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Clear value tiers: Free tier with limits (5 min recordings), Pro tier for unlimited + AI features, Business tier for team collaboration
- Recurring necessity: Knowledge workers need this continuously
- Network effects: Teams can share transcripts, increasing stickiness
- Charging range: $6.99-$19.99/month based on features
Target Audience
- Primary: Consultants, executives, journalists, students
- Secondary: Healthcare providers, legal professionals, podcasters
- TAM: ~50M knowledge workers in US alone
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $4.5B voice recognition market (2024), growing at 17% CAGR
- Competition: Otter.ai ($16.99/mo), Rev (pay-per-use), Notion AI
- Gap: Simpler, mobile-first experience without desktop bloat
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium-High)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI for modern iOS UI
- Whisper API or on-device transcription (Core ML)
- OpenAI/Claude API for summarization
- iCloud/Core Data for sync
- Background audio recording
Build Time: 3-6 months solo Key Challenges: Audio processing efficiency, transcription accuracy, battery optimization
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 1,000 subscribers × $9.99 = $9,990/month
- Realistic: 5,000 subscribers × $12.99 = $64,950/month
- Success: 15,000 subscribers × $14.99 = $224,850/month
2. Specialized Health & Wellness Trackers
App Concept
A hyper-focused health tracker for specific conditions: migraine tracking with trigger analysis, fertility/period tracking with advanced symptom prediction, or gut health monitoring with meal correlation.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Healthcare is sticky: Users don't switch health apps lightly
- Insurance/savings value: Data justifies $10-20/month (cheaper than one specialist visit)
- Regulatory moat: Specialized knowledge creates barriers
- Charging range: $9.99-$14.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Chronic condition sufferers seeking patterns
- Secondary: Health optimizers, biohackers
- TAM: 40M+ Americans with chronic migraines; 10M+ TTC actively
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $13.4B digital health app market (2024)
- Competition: Flo ($9.99/mo), Migraine Buddy, Cara Care
- Gap: More intelligent insights, better data visualization, open data export
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI/HealthKit integration
- Machine learning for pattern recognition
- Custom data visualization
- CloudKit for sync
- Local notifications/reminders
Build Time: 2-4 months solo Key Challenges: ML model accuracy, HIPAA considerations if handling medical data
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 800 subscribers × $9.99 = $7,992/month
- Realistic: 3,000 subscribers × $12.99 = $38,970/month
- Success: 10,000 subscribers × $14.99 = $149,900/month
3. AI Photo Enhancement & Restoration
App Concept
A photo enhancement app specifically for old photo restoration, colorization, and upscaling using on-device AI. Target: family historians, genealogists, estate managers.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Project-based but recurring: People discover new photos regularly
- High perceived value: Restoring family memories worth $10-30/month
- Seasonal spikes: Holidays, anniversaries drive usage
- Charging range: $4.99-$12.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Genealogy enthusiasts (15M+ Ancestry.com users)
- Secondary: Family historians, estate managers, photography hobbyists
- TAM: 30M+ active genealogy researchers
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $9.2B photo editing app market
- Competition: Remini ($9.99/week!), MyHeritage In Color, Adobe Photoshop
- Gap: Simpler workflow, one-tap restoration, affordable pricing
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI + Core Image
- Core ML / Create ML for on-device models
- Photo library integration
- In-app purchases/subscriptions
- Background processing
Build Time: 4-6 months solo Key Challenges: Model training/optimization, GPU memory management, high-quality results
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 2,000 subscribers × $5.99 = $11,980/month
- Realistic: 8,000 subscribers × $9.99 = $79,920/month
- Success: 25,000 subscribers × $12.99 = $324,750/month
4. Niche Productivity & Focus Tools
App Concept
A "digital bodyguard" app that blocks distractions across apps, enforces screen time limits, and provides deep work analytics. Differentiation: Works at the OS level, not just browsers.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Addiction economics: Fighting phone addiction = recurring need
- Results-driven: Users see immediate impact on productivity
- Business model: Free trial → annual subscription (better retention)
- Charging range: $4.99-$9.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Remote workers, knowledge workers, ADHD community
- Secondary: Students, digital minimalists
- TAM: 35M+ remote workers in US, growing 15% annually
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $98B productivity software market
- Competition: Freedom ($8.99/mo), Opal, Screen Time (built-in)
- Gap: Better iOS integration, smarter blocking, analytics
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI + Screen Time API (iOS 16+)
- VPN tunneling for app blocking
- Local notifications
- Swift Charts for analytics
- iCloud sync across devices
Build Time: 2-4 months solo Key Challenges: iOS limitations on deep system access, Screen Time API restrictions
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 1,500 subscribers × $4.99 = $7,485/month
- Realistic: 6,000 subscribers × $6.99 = $41,940/month
- Success: 20,000 subscribers × $8.99 = $179,800/month
5. Specialized Photography Assistants
App Concept
A photography assistant app for specific niches: food photography lighting guide, real estate photo staging guide, or astrophotography planning with AR overlays.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Professional value: Saves time/money for creators
- Skill development: Continuous learning platform
- Equipment tie-in: Affiliate revenue + subscriptions
- Charging range: $7.99-$14.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Content creators, small business owners, real estate agents
- Secondary: Photography enthusiasts, influencers
- TAM: 50M+ content creators globally
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $16.8B creator economy tools market
- Competition: PhotoPills ($9.99), Sun Surveyor, niche YouTube tutorials
- Gap: Simplified workflow, integrated AR, actionable guidance
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI + ARKit
- Core Location + MapKit
- Core Motion
- Photo library integration
- Cloud-based scene analysis
Build Time: 4-6 months solo Key Challenges: AR precision, real-time calculations, sensor accuracy
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 500 subscribers × $9.99 = $4,995/month
- Realistic: 2,500 subscribers × $12.99 = $32,475/month
- Success: 8,000 subscribers × $14.99 = $119,920/month
6. Habit & Routine Coaching Apps
App Concept
A habit tracker that goes beyond checkboxes: AI-powered routine building with personalized coaching, accountability partnerships, and behavioral science integration.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Behavioral lock-in: Users invest in building streaks/habits
- Community value: Accountability partners increase retention
- B2B potential: Corporate wellness programs
- Charging range: $4.99-$12.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Self-improvement enthusiasts, goal-setters
- Secondary: Corporate wellness programs, coaching clients
- TAM: $17.9B self-improvement market
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $12.4B habit tracking/mHealth market
- Competition: Streaks ($4.99), Fabulous, Habitica, Noom
- Gap: Personalized AI coaching, better UX, community features
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
Core Stack:
- SwiftUI + WidgetKit
- Core ML for habit prediction
- CloudKit for sync
- Social features (GameKit or custom)
- Local notifications
Build Time: 3-5 months solo Key Challenges: Retention mechanics, ML model for predictions, community features
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 2,000 subscribers × $4.99 = $9,980/month
- Realistic: 8,000 subscribers × $7.99 = $63,920/month
- Success: 25,000 subscribers × $9.99 = $249,750/month
7. Privacy-First Security & Encryption Tools
App Concept
A "digital vault" app for sensitive documents, passwords, crypto keys, and private notes with zero-knowledge architecture and on-device encryption only.
Why It Has MRR Potential
- Security anxiety: Growing demand for privacy tools
- Trust premium: Users pay for security they can verify
- Compliance angle: B2B sales for GDPR/SOC2 compliance
- Charging range: $3.99-$9.99/month
Target Audience
- Primary: Privacy-conscious individuals, journalists, activists
- Secondary: Small businesses, crypto holders, legal professionals
- TAM: 40% of consumers concerned about data privacy (1.2B+ people)
Market Size & Competition
- Market: $223B cybersecurity market (small slice for consumer)
- Competition: 1Password ($7.99/mo), Bitwarden, Standard Notes
- Gap: Simpler UX, true zero-knowledge, better iOS integration
Technical Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Core Stack:
- Swift + SwiftUI
- CryptoKit for encryption
- Keychain Services
- Face ID / Touch ID integration
- CloudKit (encrypted) or no-cloud architecture
- App Extensions (Share Sheet, AutoFill)
Build Time: 4-8 months solo Key Challenges: Security audits, key management, compliance, browser extensions
MRR Potential Estimate
- Conservative: 1,000 subscribers × $4.99 = $4,990/month
- Realistic: 5,000 subscribers × $6.99 = $34,950/month
- Success: 15,000 subscribers × $9.99 = $149,850/month
Summary Comparison Table
| Category | Complexity | Build Time | Est. MRR (Realistic) | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Voice Tools | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3-6 mo | $64,950/mo | Medium |
| Health Trackers | ⭐⭐⭐ | 2-4 mo | $38,970/mo | Medium-High |
| Photo Restoration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4-6 mo | $79,920/mo | Low-Medium |
| Focus/Blockers | ⭐⭐⭐ | 2-4 mo | $41,940/mo | Medium |
| Photo Assistants | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4-6 mo | $32,475/mo | Low |
| Habit Coaching | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3-5 mo | $63,920/mo | High |
| Privacy Vault | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4-8 mo | $34,950/mo | Medium |
Recommendations for Solo Founders
🏆 Top 3 Picks for MRR Potential + Feasibility
- AI Voice Tools - High demand, clear value prop, manageable complexity
- Photo Restoration - Underserved niche, high willingness to pay
- Habit Coaching - Strong retention, growing market, good unit economics
🎯 Best for Beginners (Lower Complexity)
- Health Trackers - HealthKit makes core features straightforward
- Focus/Blockers - Screen Time API provides foundation
🚀 Highest Upside (Higher Risk)
- AI Voice Tools - AI wave creates tailwinds
- Privacy Vault - Growing concern, pricing power
Key Success Factors
- Start Narrow: Solve one problem really well before expanding
- Freemium Done Right: Free tier should be useful but limited; paid should feel essential
- Annual Subscriptions: Push for annual billing to improve retention and cash flow
- Build in Public: Share progress on Twitter/Reddit to build an audience before launch
- Iterate Fast: Ship MVPs in 4-8 weeks, then add features based on user feedback
Resources
Technical Resources
- Apple's Subscription Guidelines
- RevenueCat - Subscription infrastructure
- Superwall - Paywall optimization
Market Research
- AppFigures - App store intelligence
- Sensor Tower - Market data
- Substack - Build an audience pre-launch
Report generated: February 20, 2026