AI Cleaner - Storage Cleanup

What it does

AI Cleaner is a comprehensive utility for iOS devices focused on storage management. Its primary job is to scan for and remove unnecessary files, such as duplicate photos, large videos, and similar screenshots, to free up space. Beyond basic cleaning, it includes tools for video and photo compression, a secure vault for private media, and features for organizing and backing up contacts.

Where it shines

The app excels at turning tedious management tasks into simple, guided processes. The 'Faster Sorting' feature (00:09) automatically categorizes duplicates and similars, saving significant manual effort. The swipe-based photo sorting interface (03:03) is another high point, transforming a chore into a quick, almost game-like activity. Finally, the Secret Gallery's integrated cleanup flow (02:21), which prompts users to delete original files after securing them, cleverly connects privacy with the app's core storage-saving promise.

UX highlights

Immediate Problem Framing: The app opens directly to a dashboard showing high storage usage (00:00), instantly communicating its value and creating urgency.
Visual Feedback on Cleanup: After a cleanup, the storage gauge animates from a high percentage to a lower one (00:03), providing clear and satisfying visual feedback on the action taken.
Granular Control with Filters: The video compression tool includes robust filters (00:43) for sorting by size, date, and time period, allowing users to find the largest files quickly.
Intelligent Grouping: The 'Similars' feature (01:45) automatically groups related photos and pre-selects a 'Best' one, streamlining the decision-making process for the user.
Clear Action Prompts: The app uses clear, modal-based prompts for critical actions like deleting files after import (02:21) or backing up contacts before deletion (04:31), reducing the risk of accidental data loss.
Gamified Sorting: The Tinder-like swipe mechanic for archiving or keeping photos (03:03) makes a mundane task feel fast and engaging.

Monetization & growth

The app employs an aggressive, interruptive monetization strategy. While it offers free functionality, a full-screen paywall (00:20) appears frequently after the user completes a primary action, such as a scan. This soft paywall presents a single yearly subscription plan, emphasizing the features unlocked. A persistent 'Continue' button at the bottom of many screens also serves as a constant nudge toward the premium version. This strategy relies on creating high-intent moments and then gating the final, valuable action behind a purchase.

Who it’s for

AI Cleaner is for iPhone users who are struggling with limited storage space and feel overwhelmed by the process of manually cleaning their device. It targets individuals who have accumulated years of photos, videos, and contacts and need an automated or guided way to organize them. The app appeals to users looking for an all-in-one solution that combines cleaning, compression, and privacy features in a single package.

Notes & opportunities

While the app is feature-rich, the user experience can feel fragmented due to the frequent, full-screen paywall interruptions (e.g., 00:34, 01:18). This could lead to user frustration and churn. A less intrusive approach, such as showing the paywall only when a premium feature is explicitly tapped, might improve long-term retention. Additionally, the initial onboarding consists of two back-to-back system permission prompts without any warm-up, which could be jarring for less tech-savvy users and may lead to a higher rate of permission denial.