App Showcase: Tape Measure・AR Ruler App

What it does

This app transforms an iPhone into a virtual measuring tool using augmented reality. It allows users to measure lengths, create floor plans, and check if surfaces are level, all through the device's camera. The core function is to provide quick, convenient measurements without needing a physical tape measure.

Where it shines

The app's primary strength is its focused utility. Once past the initial paywall, the AR measurement tool is straightforward. The app quickly detects surfaces, indicated by yellow dots (00:38), allowing the user to start measuring immediately. The live feedback as the line is drawn (00:43) is clear and responsive, providing an intuitive sense of control. The simple action of tapping a button to save the measurement as an image (00:54) is a practical touch for anyone needing to document dimensions.

UX highlights

• Immediate Calibration: The app prompts the user to 'Move iPhone slowly' (00:34), providing clear instructions for the AR system to calibrate and find a surface.
• Minimalist Measurement UI: During measurement, the interface is uncluttered. The focus is on the camera view, the measurement line, and the large numerical display, minimizing distractions.
• One-Tap Save: After completing a measurement, a simple camera icon allows the user to capture the screen, and a download button saves it to their photo library after a permission prompt (00:54).
• Clear Tool Switching: The 'Tools' menu (01:02) presents a clean list of all available functions like Length, Floor Plan, and Bubble Level, making it easy to navigate between different utilities.
• Haptic Feedback: While not visible, this type of AR interaction often uses haptic feedback when points are placed, which can make the experience feel more precise and tactile.
• Direct Permissions: The app asks for camera and photo library access only when those features are first needed (00:28 and 00:54), providing context for the request.

Monetization & growth

The app employs an aggressive, paywall-first monetization strategy. Immediately upon opening, users are met with a hard paywall at 00:06 that gates all functionality. It presents a 7-day free trial that converts to a monthly subscription as the default, pre-selected option. To encourage a longer commitment, an annual plan is offered with a 'SAVE 81%' discount and its price is broken down into a small daily cost (00:07), a common tactic to reduce sticker shock.

Who it’s for

This app is designed for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, contractors, real estate agents, or anyone who needs to take quick measurements on the go. Its use case is very specific and task-oriented. Users are likely looking for an immediate solution to a problem, like checking if a piece of furniture will fit in a space or getting rough dimensions for a room layout. The simplicity of the tools suggests it's for casual to semi-professional use rather than precision engineering.

Notes & opportunities

The hard paywall at the start is a significant point of friction and will likely deter users who want to test the app's accuracy before committing. While this filters for serious users, offering a single free measurement or a limited-use trial could improve conversion by demonstrating the app's core value first. Additionally, the app encounters a detection problem at 01:41, highlighting the potential for AR technology to be unreliable in certain environments, which could frustrate paying users.