Reviewing your Shipaton apps
Rating and reviewing your Shipaton app in App Store and Play Store.
Writing by Perttu Lähteenlahti
111 posts on React Native, app monetization, design and cognitive science, written here and for 
RevenueCat and 
Expo.
How not to ship slop
AI is useful, but it will happily help you ship average work with a finished-looking surface — here is how to keep it from setting your bar.
App.js 2026 recap
A recap of App.js 2026 with a sponsor's, speaker's, and participant's perspective.
202629
Seven more ways to win Shipaton
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatYou may not need another app. One useful integration, growth experiment, or sharper audience could put the app you're already building in contention for another prize.
How Gurwi won Shipaton’s Build in Public Award
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatHow Gurwi turned building in public into millions of views, customer growth, outside funding, and a $15,000 Shipaton award.
The late submitter's guide to getting through app review
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatEverything you need to get your app approved by the App Store and Play Store review before the Shipaton deadline
How to submit your app for Shipaton
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatA detailed walkthrough of the five Devpost steps, what to prepare, and how to make sure your app gets judged
Announcing Shipaton 2026: Ship an app, win big, join the fun
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatShipaton 2026 is here: ship a new iOS or Android app this August–September and compete for over $1 million in prizes. Register now at shipaton.com.
Move your rating prompt out of onboarding — or risk rejection
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatApple is now rejecting apps that ask for a rating during onboarding. Here's what changed, why it matters, and how to prompt for reviews the right way.
Why we removed “always decline” as a refund preference
·RevenueCat
RevenueCat"Always decline" refunds is gone from RevenueCat. Here's why it was working against you.
How to build a “name your price” paywall
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to build a “name your price” paywall in React Native using RevenueCat. Create multiple price tiers, connect them to a single entitlement, and let users choose how much they want to pay.
Why are React Native apps making more money?
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatReact Native apps consistently earn more than Flutter and native apps. See what 2026 RevenueCat data reveals about conversion, RPI, LTV, and why React Native teams win.
How to invoice Apple for App Store proceeds
Apple gives you a CSV, not an invoice. Drop in your App Store Connect financial report and get the invoice your accountant needs, in your browser.
Best way to build a mobile app that makes money in 2026
·Expo
ExpoAn opinionated take on the best Expo stack, what data tells about app monetization, and why you should still choose React Native to win
How to check if an iOS app is installed in Expo and React Native
Check whether another app is installed on iOS from Expo or React Native with Linking.canOpenURL, including the config plugin and URL scheme setup.
How to add trial notifications to your subscriptions
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to send trial reminders using RevenueCat and either remote or local push notifications on iOS and Android.
Announcing Paywall rules: show or hide paywall components
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatConditionally show paywall components based on offers, packages, and custom variables. Build smarter, context-aware paywalls without maintaining variants.
We made our whole company vibe code apps — here's what we learned
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatAI makes building apps easier than ever. But shipping and monetizing them? That’s where things get hard — lessons from RevenueCat’s internal hackathon.
Animating titles in browser tabs with JavaScript
Make your titles dance in the browser tab with JavaScript using document.title. and setInterval.
Animating favicons with Canvas and JavaScript
Use the HTML5 Canvas API to draw animated favicons — loading spinners, progress indicators, and notification pulses — all in the browser tab.
Why We Replaced "mailto:" Links with a Contact Modal (and How We Built It)
Mailto links assume everyone has a mail app set up. We swapped ours for a contact modal, and here's how we built it with Next.js and Framer Motion.
RevenueCat now integrates with Appstack
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatConnect Appstack attribution data with RevenueCat subscription events. Measure campaign LTV, target paywalls by acquisition source, and close the loop on paid UA.
How to use App Store Connect (ASC) CLI
ASC CLI lets you manage builds, submissions and localizations from your terminal instead of App Store Connect's web UI. Here's how to get started.
How to personalize your paywalls with Custom Variables
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to use RevenueCat's Custom Variables to personalize paywalls in React Native. Pass customer data from your app to create tailored paywall experiences that convert better.
Announcing the Shipyard: Creator Contest 2026 winners
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatExplore the winning apps of Shipyard: Creator Contest
Running custom built paywalls alongside RevenueCat Paywalls
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to run a custom built paywall alongside RevenueCat paywalls to enable A/B testing, targeted offers, and advanced onboarding logic while keeping entitlements and purchases fully managed by RevenueCat.
RevenueCat React Native SDK adds React Native Web support
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatReact Native apps can now handle subscriptions across iOS, Android, and web using a single RevenueCat SDK and entitlements system. With React Native Web support, web purchases flow through RevenueCat Web Billing (powered by Stripe) into the same backend as native purchases, so entitlement checks stay consistent across platforms. That means users can subscribe on the web and unlock access instantly on mobile — without custom cross-platform logic or separate billing systems.
You can still win Shipyard — multiply your changes by shipping to another brief
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLess than a week left to Shipyard? You’re not too late. Explore practical app ideas for three creator briefs, learn how AI tooling speeds up development, and see how to ship a competitive MVP before the deadline.
How to submit your app for Shipyard
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to submit your iOS or Android app to Shipyard, including TestFlight and Google Play testing requirements, RevenueCat integration, demo video rules, and judging criteria.
How to win Shipyard
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatBuild a winning MVP for RevenueCat’s Shipyard hackathon. Learn how to pick the right idea, ship fast, get users, and pitch your app.
What I'm reading in 2026
Overengineered approach to tracking how many books I've read in 2026, with filtering, auto generated images, and progress bars
How to add subscriptions to a Bolt app
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatHow to add subscriptions to your Bolt + React Native app using RevenueCat and EAS Build. Full guide to setup, paywall logic, and Android deployment.
202535
How to monetize your app without ads
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatAds rarely pay off for indie apps. Explore proven monetization models like subscriptions, consumables, and in-app currencies to build sustainable revenue.
Detect If Another iOS App Is Installed Using SwiftUI
How to check if another iOS app is installed using canOpenURL and custom URL schemes in SwiftUI. Includes Info.plist setup and working code examples.
Throttling and memoizing App Store scraper calls
How to handle rate limits and memoization when scraping the app-store-scraper package.
How to make money with your Android app
Ads, one-time purchases, subscriptions or virtual currencies? The main ways to make money from an Android app, and how to pick the right one for yours.
Help test Netli.fyi, a Netlify client for iOS (and soon Android)
Netli.fyi is a native iOS app for Netlify: your sites, build logs and domains in your pocket. It's in beta, and I'd love your help testing it.
React Query + FlatList: Fix Flickering and Layout Shifts
Stop FlatList flickering and layout shifts when using React Query. Patterns for loading states, skeletons, and keeping the list mounted.
How to run a holiday sale in Play Console for Android subscription apps
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to plan and launch a holiday subscription sale in Google Play Console using offer phases, promo codes, eligibility rules, and RevenueCat testing.
App Store Mini Apps Partner Program: What you need to know
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatApple’s new Mini Apps Partner Program offers a 15% IAP rate for apps hosting third-party mini apps. Here’s what changed and what app teams should know.
Understanding Apple's Retention Messaging API
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatHere's how RevenueCat can automate Apple's Retention Messaging API for you, including localization, performance monitoring, and real-time delivery within Apple's 700 millisecond window.
How to configure RevenueCat Redemption links in React Native
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to use RevenueCat redemption links with Expo Linking and Expo Router to let web billing purchases unlock instantly in your app. Step-by-step tutorial with code examples for seamless cross-platform subscriptions.
Building a tip jar feature with RevenueCat
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to add a tip jar to your app in under 15 minutes using RevenueCat. This step-by-step React Native guide shows you how to set up Test Store products, build a paywall, and launch your tip jar live on the App Store and Google Play — no subscription required.
Why we chose native paywalls
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatWhy RevenueCat Paywalls are fully native — not WebViews. Faster load times, better accessibility, safer purchasing, and remote configuration without compromise.
Google Play’s AI revamp: What apps need to know (and do next)
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatGoogle Play is rolling out AI-driven search, a new You tab, and curated spaces. Here’s what apps should do to stay discoverable and retain users.
How to build a win-back campaign with RevenueCat Web Billing
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to build a win-back campaign using RevenueCat Web Billing and Zapier. Automate emails, send discounted web paywall links, and bring churned subscribers back while saving on App Store fees.
How to hack your app store ratings
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to hack your App Store and Google Play ratings ethically by prompting users at the right time. Discover how ratings affect growth, why good apps don’t always score well, and how to build a happiness engine that captures satisfied users without spamming them.
How to win Shipaton part 4: pitching your app
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to win Shipaton by pitching your app with story-driven videos and descriptions that stand out and meet Devpost submission rules.
How Shipaton turned Mansour Mahamat's hobby app in to a business
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatFrom Shipaton project to global business: discover how Mansour Mahamat built BJJ Evolve, grew with TikTok, and turned passion into product.
How to win Shipaton part 3: growing your app
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to grow your Shipaton app: from acquiring first users to ASO, retention, and feedback loops. Win with momentum, not just big numbers.
How to win Shipaton part 2: building fast
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to go from idea to launch fast with the 4-8-24 method. This guide shows how to prototype, polish, and release your app before the deadline.
What I’m building for Shipaton 2025
Three apps, one Shipaton: A behind-the-scenes look at what I’m building during RevenueCat’s 2025 hackathon — from saunas to CMS tools to Netlify on the go.
How to monetize your AI app with virtual currencies
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to monetize AI apps using RevenueCat's virtual currencies. This guide walks through building a coin-based paywall in React Native, complete with backend logic to securely track and spend credits.
How to win Shipaton, part 1: coming up with an idea
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatDon’t know what to build for Shipaton? A 45x hackathon winner breaks down how to find and validate app ideas that solve real problems
How Rudrank Riyam won Shipaton’s Build in Public Award by sharing every step
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatHow indie dev Rudrank Riyam used Shipaton to launch Meshing, build in public, and win the Build in Public Award.
From first app to WWDC winner: Leandro Tolaini’s Shipaton story
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatComputer science student Leandro Tolaini had never built an app before joining Shipaton. One year later, he’s a Swift Student Challenge winner and WWDC invitee. Learn how building in public helped him grow fast, ship his first product, and find his place in the iOS dev community.
A beginner’s guide to implementing an ad-free subscription in your Flutter app
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatA step-by-step guide to adding an ad-free subscription to your Flutter app using RevenueCat and AdMob. Includes full code, setup tips, and best practices.
A beginner’s guide to implementing ad-free subscriptions in your React Native app
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to implement an ad-free subscription in your React Native app using RevenueCat and AdMob. A step-by-step guide for iOS, Android, and Expo.
How to build a Blinkist-style paywall using RevenueCat webhooks and Zapier
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatLearn how to uild a trust-first paywall like Blinkist using RevenueCat and Zapier. Automate trial reminders without custom code.
App.js 2025 recap
A personal recap of App.js 2025: speaking about in-app purchases, highlights from Krakow, favorite talks, and why this conference remains one of my top picks.
RevenueCat Flutter SDK adds web support
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatRevenueCat's Flutter SDK now supports web apps, enabling cross-platform subscription management from a single codebase.
Build a single Expo app with subscriptions on iOS, Android, and Web using RevenueCat
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatBuild cross-platform subscriptions for iOS, Android, and Web in 30 minutes using one React Native codebase with RevenueCat’s Web Billing SDK.
Vibe coding is prototyping for the masses
Vibe coding is closer to prototyping than to engineering. Why that matters, and how it puts domain experts in charge of building software.
How to use environment variables in Netlify functions
Learn how to correctly manage and access environment variables in Netlify Functions.
How to Add In-app Purchases to Your React Native App
Comprehensive look at in-app purchases and how to add them to your React Native app
20246
React Native In-App Purchases with RevenueCat: iOS & Android Guide
Add in-app purchases and subscriptions to a React Native app with RevenueCat: products, entitlements, customerInfo, and testing on iOS and Android.
React Native WebRTC
Full article version of the talk I gave at RTC.ON Conference 2024 about getting started with WebRTC in React Native
In-app purchases with Expo and RevenueCat
·Expo
ExpoA complete guide to implementing in-app purchases in your Expo app using RevenueCat.
Is Se7en Based on a Book? Reviewing the screenplay and novelization
Yes and no: Se7en has a novelization, but the movie came first. How the screenplay changed through rewrites, and how the book compares.
GraphQL conditional queries: using skip and variables in Apollo
How to skip an Apollo GraphQL query until its variables exist, with a small variablesOrSkip helper that keeps TypeScript happy.
How to style contents in dangerouslySetInnerHTML with Tailwind
How to style HTML content in React with Tailwind CSS when using dangerouslySetInnerHTML by writing custom selector using arbitrary variants.
20234
How to get the old Slack UI back
How to switch back to the old Slack desktop UI on Mac and say goodbye (at least temporarily) to the current UX catastrophe.
How to Add Custom Items to the React Native Developer Menu (DevSettings)
Add your own debug actions to the React Native Dev Menu with DevSettings.addMenuItem(), plus what each built-in option and shortcut does.
Localizing dates in React Native the right way
Stop hardcoding date formats. How to format dates for each user's locale in React Native with Intl.DateTimeFormat and react-native-localize.
Building the RevenueCat Fortress: protecting your payments against outages
·RevenueCat
RevenueCatDiscover how we enhance system resilience with RC Fortress — shielding our customers from service disruptions.
20215
What is usability evaluation
What usability evaluation means, the three ISO 9241 measures (effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction), and how to tell if a product really works.
Critique of the Bayesian brain hypothesis
Where the Bayesian brain hypothesis falls short: the critiques of its task selection, its model selection, and what it actually adds to theory.
Designing for healthier life
Four approaches to designing digital services that persuade your user to live a healthier life
Introduction to JAMstack: a Way of Building Modern Websites And Web Applications
What JAMstack is, how prerendering and decoupled services make websites faster and safer, and where the approach falls short.
I built a React Native App to Manage Netlify Hosted Sites
Introducing Netli.fyi, a React Native app for managing your Netlify-hosted sites from your phone — checking deploys, build status, and site details on the go.
20209
20 things about 2020
20 things about 2020 from my perspective. I think there are easier ways to brag about your accomplishments than trying to mask them under an annual review.
The golden ratio as a model of aesthetic experience in UI design
Does the golden ratio actually predict what people find beautiful? A look at the psychology research, and what it means for UI design.
Nyxo.app website is now open source
We open sourced the website of Nyxo, our sleep coaching app. What's in the repo, why we did it, and how you can build on it.
Understanding the basics of user research
An introduction to user research: how to gather data about your users, check that it holds up, and turn it into insight about what they need.
Using styled-components with TypeScript
Make styled-components nicer with TypeScript: IntelliSense in VS Code, typed theme variables through declaration merging, and type-checked props.
Fix 'VirtualizedLists should never be nested inside plain ScrollViews' in React Native
Seeing 'VirtualizedLists should never be nested inside plain ScrollViews'? Fix the warning with ListHeaderComponent and ListFooterComponent.
Build a clock face with SVG in React Native
Building a clock face with hour markers in React Native using react-native-svg, with support for both light and dark themes.
Creating a static websites with Swift and Publish
How to build and deploy a static website using Publish, a static site generator for Swift. Covers setup, theming, Markdown content, and deploying to Netlify.
🚀 Product Ideas: Democratizing Relaxing Content With ASMR
Create what is essentially a Spotify for ASMR. For the following reasons:
201912
Successful rapid prototyping with React Native
This article is based on a lighting talk I gave at React Day Berlin in 2019. Learnings are from prototyping Nyxo app.
Books About the Tech World
Eight books that explain how startups, investors and tech companies really work, for anyone getting into tech without an engineering or business degree.
VCs and Deep Tech: im14andthisisdeeptech
Every investor wants deep tech, so every startup claims to be it. Most are the r/im14andthisisdeep version. One simple question tells them apart.
Running React Native apps on specific iOS simulators
There is no need to start Xcode to test on different React Native apps on different device simulators. You can do that easily with the simulator flag.
App Store release checklist
Checklist for publishing React Native app to Apple App Store successfully.
Iowa Gambling Task
How the Iowa Gambling Task uses a simple card game to study decisions under uncertainty, and what it shows about how we weigh risk and reward.
Crosstalk in stereoscopic displays - why 3D movies look weird
Why 3D movies sometimes look off: what crosstalk is in stereoscopic displays, what causes the ghosting, and how screens try to reduce it.
What I read in 2018
Every book I read in 2018, from fiction to biographies, with short thoughts on each. Several came from Business Insider's list of 100 biographies.
That’s How I Got to Memphis
If you love somebody enough You’ll follow wherever they go That’s how I got to Memphis
Too Old to Learn Code
I thought 23 was too old to learn to code. Since then I've founded three companies and won about half of the 70 hackathons I entered.
What is Strategy?
Most people think a strategy is just a plan. A good one has three parts: a goal, an honest diagnosis of where you are, and a plan to get from one to the other.
Designing a winning hackathon concept
I went to over 70 hackathons between 2015 and 2018 and won 40 of them. This is the strategy behind most of those wins, written down.
20183
Automating social cards for Gatsby.js
Learn how to automatically generate Open Graph sharing images for your Gatsby.js blog by building a custom plugin using Jimp for image manipulation.
Hackathon Diaries: Energy efficiency hackathon
Exploring solutions for sustainable energy use at the Energy Efficiency Hackathon, with innovative projects focused on energy conservation.
Hackathon Diaries: Royal Hackaway
My weekend at Royal Hackaway, a 24-hour hackathon in London: what we built, what I learned, and a few tips if it's your first hackathon.
20173
Hackathon Diaries: Kuohu creative hackathon
A journey through the Kuohu Creative hackathon, highlighting creative projects and innovative problem-solving approaches.
Hackathon Diaries: Talking plants with Fiskars
An entry from the Hackathon Diaries series, where we explore how technology meets nature with Fiskars and plant communication.
Hackathon Diaries: Oulu 5GFWD hackathon
Reflections on the Oulu 5GFWD hackathon, exploring 5G innovations and groundbreaking tech solutions.
20152
The role of designers' subjective interpretations in human-centered design
Human-centered design is never neutral. How designers' own interpretations shape what gets made, and why that's worth taking seriously.
What are Touchpoints in service design?
Touchpoints are where an intangible service becomes something you can see and touch. How service design research defines them, and how they're used today.
Posts written for another publication are marked with its logo and open on that site. I revisit and revise old posts often, so if something here is wrong, unclear, or sparks a thought, tell me.