App Showcase: OpenPhone: Second Phone Number

What it does

OpenPhone provides a dedicated second phone number for business or personal use directly on your smartphone. The app functions as an all-in-one phone system for teams, allowing users to make calls, send text messages, and manage contacts separately from their primary phone line. It includes business-focused features like snippets for quick replies and international calling capabilities.

Where it shines

OpenPhone excels at integrating powerful business communication tools into a clean, mobile-first interface. At 02:35, the AI-assisted response generator offers smart, context-aware replies, which can significantly speed up customer interactions. The app also provides clear, actionable error messages. For example, when a message fails due to settings, a banner at 03:24 explains exactly why and how to fix it, guiding the user to the solution rather than leaving them guessing.

UX highlights

• AI-powered messaging: At 02:35, the app generates three distinct message suggestions, reducing the effort needed to reply.
• Quick Snippets: The ability to create and insert saved messages (02:41) is a powerful tool for anyone sending repetitive information.
• Actionable errors: Instead of a generic failure, the app diagnoses issues like disabled international messaging (03:24) and provides clear guidance.
• Contextual contact creation: After a conversation, adding the number as a contact is straightforward, with fields for role and company (03:51).
• Clean in-call UI: The call screen (03:39) is simple and shows advanced, business-tier features in a non-disruptive way.
• Inbox filtering: The inbox can be filtered by properties like company (04:41), helping users organize conversations efficiently.

Monetization & growth

Monetization is handled through a subscription model, introduced after the user has completed a comprehensive setup process. The paywall (01:41) appears late in the onboarding flow, after the user has already received their new phone number. It presents a single "Starter" plan with a 7-day free trial, focusing on a clear call to action. The app also uses subtle, contextual upsells within the interface. For example, during a call (03:39), premium features like "Transfer call" are marked with a "Business" tag, informing users of upgrade benefits without interrupting their workflow.

Who it’s for

This app is clearly designed for small business owners, freelancers, and teams who need to separate their work and personal communication without carrying a second device. The feature set, including snippets and team-based inbox management, points to users who handle a moderate to high volume of client or customer interactions. It's also suitable for individuals seeking a private second number for online services or personal projects.

Notes & opportunities

The onboarding process is thorough but creates significant friction with its double verification (email and phone) and mandatory address registration before the user can try the app. While necessary for compliance, this could lead to drop-off. The message failure for international numbers was handled well, but the initial default setting could be clarified earlier. Finally, the app could benefit from allowing users to choose or customize their new number, which would increase their sense of ownership from the start.