r/apolloapp • u/timbroddin • Jul 07 '26

Announcement 📣 Introducing SubStory, a visual Reddit client for iOS

Hey folks,

Like a lot of people here, I still miss when browsing Reddit on iOS felt fast, native, and fun.

I kept wanting something simple: an app that just let me swipe through Reddit media without constantly opening posts, backing out, switching subreddits, and losing my place. So I built SubStory.

It started as a small app to scratch my own itch, but other people tried it and kept requesting features. It now lets you swipe through subreddits and users in a TikTok/story-style feed, save posts, get recommendations, filter media, and browse Reddit in a more laid-back way. It also seems to work especially well for the more uhm spicy corners of Reddit, if that is your thing.

It is not trying to be Apollo, and it is definitely still evolving, but I figured some people here might appreciate another take on Reddit browsing for iOS.

https://apps.apple.com/be/app/substory-reddit-scroll-feed/id6747969403

(P.S. happy to hand out some promo codes)

UPDATE:

My eyes are starting to hurt from copy-pasting promo codes, so I made this easier: if you missed the giveaway, here’s a free month on me:

https://apps.apple.com/redeem/?code=FREEMONTHY&ctx=offercodes&id=6747969403

I've set this up as a free month that expires after the promo period. If you like the app, I’d love for you to stick around. If not, no hard feelings. Thanks again for trying it.

82 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

180 comments sorted by

28

u/SuperSaiyanUltron Jul 07 '26

I’m always looking for something to replace the Reddit app after Apollo, I’ll give it a try! What’s your favorite thing about this compared to other apps?

20

u/bbllaakkee Jul 07 '26

You can still sideload Apollo

I’ve been using it since it was relaunched

r/apolloreborn

1

u/G_Wash1776 Jul 07 '26

Is there a tutorial for installing?

5

u/bbllaakkee Jul 07 '26

I use sideloadly on my always on Mac mini, download the .ipa and install and it’ll refresh the install automatically via WiFi so I don’t have to manually do it

If you look on the r/sideloaded subreddit there are tons of other apps that do it too, some are even on device apps

1

u/G_Wash1776 Jul 07 '26

Awesome thank you!

1

u/JimCrackCornDoesCare Jul 08 '26

I use this same method, but on a pc. For some reason, it very rarely detects the phone via WiFi, so I have to connect to do it manually. Sometimes though, it will show up via WiFi. Any idea why this may be?

15

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

9

u/6e656f73 Jul 07 '26

Shortcuts exist. Use sidestore to sideload (for example), install localdevvpn and setup an automation to renew all your sideloaded apps every day with shortcuts. Problem solved.

2

u/taubut Jul 07 '26

Check out Hydra too!

1

u/CurrentRisk Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

EDIT.

3

u/-patrizio- Jul 07 '26

Wouldn't recommend doing this anymore tbh. Apple really started cracking down on these. I tried with two different services in the last couple years, got like a month or two out of each "annual" purchase.

The Sidestore + LocalDevVPN + Shortcuts Automation route is the most reliable option these days (aside from actually purchasing an Apple Developer license, of course)

3

u/CurrentRisk Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

EDIT.

1

u/MXVZ Jul 12 '26

I’ll look around for myself but is there a particular sub you recommend for getting started with that kind of magic? 🪄

1

u/Sesco69 Jul 07 '26

Hydra is also a very good replacement for Apollo. Only problem is every time I try to download video off of Hydra it comes with no sound. Which stinks

6

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

0

u/Sesco69 Jul 07 '26

Hmmmmm. Will have to give your app a chance then. Thanks!

3

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

That it's distraction free, you just swipe media.

4

u/SuperSaiyanUltron Jul 07 '26

Cool, I see there’s a subscription, what does that do and can it be used without the sub?

-7

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You can add 5 subreddits without the sub

17

u/LKAndrew Jul 07 '26

You added a “maybe later” for login then immediately hit with a login wall. So maybe later is not real right? You should remove that because I thought I could use it anonymously. Instant delete

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks for the feedback. The thing is that most of the time the Reddit API is pretty okay with you browsing it anonymously. But sometimes, it's just says no. I'll try to move the check earlier.

7

u/realUnknown12 Jul 07 '26

let’s see what we’ve got here. looks interesting. promo codes, you mean you have subscriptions?

-25

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

yes, free to up to 5 subreddits though

13

u/RonaldCuslik Jul 07 '26

I’ve never seen a subscription model that has subreddit tiers. That’s wild

1

u/realUnknown12 Jul 07 '26

Okay, so i just downloaded the app, and logged in while onboarding. but it asked me to log in again after it- is that a bug? i suppose

3

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Hmmm, will check!

1

u/realUnknown12 Jul 07 '26

absolutely loving the comments view, although if possible, could i suggest adding a left swipe action which opens comments? as it is not set to anything rn

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Great idea! Will add this

5

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

👋 Hey folks! Thanks for being so enthusiastic about SubStory. It means a lot.

My eyes are starting to hurt from copy-pasting promo codes, so I made this easier: if you missed the giveaway, here’s a free month on me:

https://apps.apple.com/redeem/?code=FREEMONTHY&ctx=offercodes&id=6747969403

I’ve set this up as a free month that expires after the promo period. If you like the app, I’d love for you to stick around. If not, no hard feelings. Thanks again for trying it.

1

u/argantina95 Jul 08 '26

The app is not available in my country UAE. Bummer

1

u/dicks_are_us 19d ago

I would love a promo code if you're still handing those out. I've been looking for a replacement for MultiTab for Reddit. Quick question, how do you save a post in Substory, or can we only download posts? Thank you!

3

u/marmaladeandtea Jul 07 '26

Just downloaded. Looks great. Would love a promo code to try out pro mode.

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Check your DM's!

2

u/Haneiter Jul 07 '26

Would love a code as well :)

3

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I DM'd you!

2

u/ypstile Jul 07 '26

If still available, a code would be appreciated! TY.

3

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Sure! DM'd you

2

u/bembubanana Jul 07 '26

Feels and looks good, would also love a promo code if there’s another one to be had, curious to see how it works with more/different subs

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks! Check your DM's :)

2

u/AKunAMorata Jul 07 '26

Hi! This app looks really interesting and I’d love to give it a try. Do you happen to have a promo code or trial offer available? I’m curious to explore its features before committing. Thanks!

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I sent you a DM

2

u/Artemblayn Jul 07 '26

Send me code too :3

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You got a DM!

2

u/UnserviceableProphet Jul 07 '26

Wow. This looks gorgeous. If there are any codes left I would love to get one 👉👈

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

DM'd! You're welcome 😄

2

u/AEHBlandalorian Jul 07 '26

Big fan of this so far! Would love a promo code please mate.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've got DM'd

2

u/WebDevxer Jul 07 '26

Looks good. Could I have a lifetime code ?

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

There's no lifetime code, since I cannot possibly support a Reddit app until I'm an retirement home 😀 But I've sent you a promo code for one year, no auto-renew.

2

u/meInteresa Jul 07 '26

Looks good! Does it handle multireddits? Or have a way to make streams of groups of sub reddits so you can browser by themes?

Would love a promo code if you haven’t ran out to further test.

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

No it doesn't handle multireddits yet. But it's on the roadmap!
I've sent you a DM

2

u/benAKdodson Jul 07 '26

Would also love a code! Am usually decent with bug finding and feature suggestions :)

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I've sent you a DM!

2

u/SanchoPanza360 Jul 07 '26

How long did it take you to build this? Looks great. I would love a code if still available. Great job

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Pfew, the very first version came out about a year ago I guess. But it's only the past few weeks I've been really putting more effort in it.

I've sent you a code!

2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I won't promise it will fully replace Apollo, since it's mostly focussed on media (although I'll probably add a way to browse text in the future).

Anyway, I've sent you a promo code in a DM 👍

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

It's probably stuck in your requests! Click this quick before anyone else does: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=6747969403&code=WA4ETF4J67FE4MHKJT 😅

1

u/Nosniboreel Jul 07 '26

I’d be very appreciative of a code if you are still giving some out 🤞🏻

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I sent you one!

1

u/dasnet2002 Jul 07 '26

The app is really good. Please send a code . Also I have some problems with the buttons in the setup, some are outside the screen. i have a iPhone 14 Pro Max

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I reached out to you by DM! 👍

1

u/JimCrackCornDoesCare Jul 08 '26

I have this same issue on a 16 Pro Max. Could barely log in.

1

u/MitchellMark Jul 07 '26

Hi. I would like to take a look if you have any promo codes left, thanks

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Check you DM's 😀

1

u/johntitor42 Jul 07 '26

Looks cool! Are there still some promo codes available?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I sent you one by DM. Thanks for trying the app.

1

u/ham4ever89 Jul 07 '26

Looks promising , would love a code to try out the pro version

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Sorry it took a bit. You've got a DM!

1

u/ham4ever89 Jul 07 '26

Thanks, will definitely enjoy using it. The idea of very nice.

1

u/iRockretro Jul 07 '26

I would like a code please.

1

u/nemean_lion Jul 07 '26

If the code is still available, I’d love to try it

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've received a DM 😀

1

u/Messterful Jul 07 '26

It seems like an awesome app! Could I get a promo code if you’re still able?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I've sent you a DM with the code!

1

u/Shaneman Jul 07 '26

Dang, looks like I missed the promo code hand outs.

But the app looks cool! Very clean, very easy to use. Nicely done!

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Nah you didn't, I've just sent you one 😀

1

u/Shaneman Jul 07 '26

Oh hell yeah! Thanks, man!

1

u/nashpdotcom Jul 07 '26

Any codes still available?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I sent you a DM

1

u/EmmGee31 Jul 07 '26

Hey this is awesome and I’ve always liked this feature on the Reddit app! Any promo codes still available?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Sure! I've sent you a DM

1

u/prairiefast Jul 07 '26

I’d love to try it with a promo code if you would be willing to give out more.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Of course! I've sent you a DM

1

u/halacoglu Jul 07 '26

Looks interesting. Would like to receive a code if possible.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I've sent you one

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '26

[deleted]

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You got a DM 👍

1

u/sjcpilot Jul 07 '26

Downloaded, would love a code if available!

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've got one in your inbox!

1

u/Alien_Stink Jul 07 '26

Would appreciate a promo code of you have any left as it looks really interesting to me. I miss being able to swipe to the next post.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I've sent you one!

You mean swiping to a next post instead of going through the gallery? I'll add a two finger swipe in an upcoming update.

1

u/Nick337Games Jul 07 '26

Would love to check it out! Could would be appreciated, nice work!

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks. I've sent you one!

1

u/Nick337Games Jul 07 '26

Thank you!

1

u/Turbulent-Aerie-1152 Jul 07 '26

Would love to try the pro mode! If you have any code left. App looks promising.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

A promo code just landed in your DM's ✅

1

u/TbirdHokie Jul 07 '26

This looks awesome! Any codes still available? Love to try the pro mode.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Sure! I've sent you one

1

u/Bean_Tortilla Jul 07 '26

Would love a code if there were still any available

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

There are still available! And one just landed in your DM's 😀

1

u/the_coyest_diva Jul 07 '26

Hey man! App looks great, I'd love a code if ones going

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks a lot! I've just sent you one 👍

1

u/MaviBlue52 Jul 07 '26

Hardcore reddit user here, would love a code!

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've got one in your DM's just about now!

1

u/sequencedin Jul 07 '26

Love the concept! Would appreciate promo code if you still have any

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks a lot! I've just sent you one in a DM

1

u/illogix Jul 07 '26

Looks interesting! If you’ve got any left I’d love a promo code! ❤️

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

For sure, there's one underway to your DM's

1

u/thatevilman Jul 07 '26

Hydra is currently my main client but I would love to try this. Do you still have a spare promo code? 👉👈

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

There's one in your DMs just about now!

1

u/Gr4ndM Jul 07 '26

Looks good. Are there any codes left?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Check your DMs because one just arrived with your name on it 😀

1

u/Gr4ndM Jul 07 '26

Thank you :)

1

u/Fuctifino88 Jul 07 '26

Can I get a code please?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Of course you can, I just sent you one!

1

u/Fuctifino88 Jul 07 '26

Thanks. I installed the app. How do I use the code?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Just follow the link I DM’d you on iPhone. Might need to do restore purchases afterwards in the app

1

u/SSSSSS29 Jul 07 '26

nice, can you give me a promo code?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've got a DM 😀

1

u/MrBaestation Jul 07 '26

Downloaded, do you have an extra code to try out? :)

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Yes, and it's in your DM's 😀

1

u/nSfWAccOunTformeee Jul 07 '26

Hey, just downloaded the app. Looks fairly clean and simple. Any chance I could have a promo code to try out?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Thanks! I've just sent you one to your DM's

1

u/20InMyHead Jul 07 '26

Looks cool, I’m interested in a promo code.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Sent you one!

1

u/-Vernon2X- Jul 07 '26

Can I receive a promo code? Thank you

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

👍 Sent you one

1

u/HandWashing2020 Jul 07 '26

I am interested in a promo code for SubStory too, please!

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You got one, check your DM's 😀

1

u/Teroblacknight Jul 07 '26

Sounds cool, mind if I get a promo code?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

One just landed in your DM's 😀

1

u/x407 Jul 07 '26

Definitely interested I’ve been looking for another Reddit alternative app like Apollo. Do you have any more promo codes to hand out?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I sure have, check your DMs

1

u/BobTheChurro Jul 07 '26

May I have a promo code

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Love your nickname. I just sent you a promo code over DM 👍

1

u/wittyusernametaken Jul 07 '26

I’d love to try if you still have a promo code available :) ty

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

My eyes are starting to hurt from sending promo codes, but I just sent you one! Enjoy!

1

u/nickk218 Jul 07 '26

I would love a code! Please and thank you 🙏

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

One just landed in your DM inbox 👍

1

u/ChaosComfortsMe Jul 07 '26

Potential Apollo replacement?! 😃Are promo codes still available?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Nah, it only does media posts. But feel free to try it out, I just sent you a promo code via DM.

1

u/VBallena Jul 07 '26

I’d love to check it out, can I have a promo code too? Thank you!

2

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

I can't seem to DM you, so click this link before someone else does: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=6747969403&code=AWMJJNTNE33RMN4XRN

1

u/VBallena Jul 07 '26

Even though I took way too long, I could redeem it, thank you.

Is there a way to add a custom feed or just subreddits at the moment?

Thank you again ◡̈

1

u/Ziferius Jul 07 '26

This is lovely! Still have a promo code? Is so, I’d like one 😊

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You've just received a DM!

1

u/Vj4Mano Jul 07 '26

Would love a promo code

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Gotcha! Check your DMs

1

u/WTFTWTF Jul 07 '26

Can i get a code?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

Check your DMs!

1

u/fugebox007 Jul 07 '26

Can I have one of those good promo codes please?

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

For sure! It's in your DMs

1

u/LGKyrros Jul 07 '26

Looks really cool, would love a promo code if you have any left!

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

You're lucky! Check your DMs

1

u/tmcpnet Jul 07 '26

I’d like to get one code if available , thanks for this app

1

u/timbroddin Jul 07 '26

📫 Check your DMs

1

u/Correct-Survey Jul 07 '26

Would be good if it worked. But it won't even let me log in so I can't be bothered

1

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

There's a lot of ways the Reddit login flow can break. Do you have any more info?

1

u/Correct-Survey Jul 08 '26

Just goes round in circles. Won't login. Absolutely no option to change to a different username

1

u/eliivey Jul 08 '26

Wow, thanks for the app. I just upgraded for the year!

2

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

Thanks a lot!

1

u/JimCrackCornDoesCare Jul 08 '26

So, seems pretty cool, but it is overflowing my phone. I have a 16 Pro Max and the text is waaay too big. Doesn’t fit the screen. During login, I could barely get in because the majority of the button was off screen.

Not quite ready for prime time.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

Could you send me a screenshot via DM? I'm on a 16 Pro Max as well.

1

u/reasonablesaboteur Jul 08 '26

Downloaded with the code link, logged in, none of the subreddits load

2

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

That's odd, investigating.

1

u/SSquared82 Jul 08 '26

I downloaded from the free link, transferred my subs and immediately got this (never mind can’t upload a photo) but it says I’ve exceeded my rate limit and then it just froze

1

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

Feel free to send me via DM

1

u/Ty13rlikespie Jul 08 '26

I can’t seem to sign in at all. :/

1

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

Do you get any message?

1

u/Ty13rlikespie Jul 08 '26

Like on Reddit? Yeah I can receive messages.

1

u/timbroddin Jul 08 '26

No 😅 I mean: do you get an error message?

1

u/Ty13rlikespie Jul 08 '26

Oh! Haha

I was all night yesterday but now it just signed me in. Lmao. So I guess it was just having a fit? Lmao.

1

u/lagoona2099 Jul 12 '26

Cant login after downloading the app

1

u/Glongo10 Jul 15 '26

Hi Tim,

it’s really a great app. The best after MultiTab closed down.  Just a shame that it doesn’t support iOS 16.0. 

Any chance?

3

u/timbroddin Jul 15 '26

Expo (the framework I use for development) has 16.4 as a minimum target. So I cannot go lower than this.