Phone Cleaner: Cleanup App

What it does

This is a utility app designed to help users free up storage space on their iPhone and iCloud. Its core functions include identifying and deleting duplicate or similar photos and videos, compressing large video files to reduce their size, and cleaning up unnecessary calendar events. The app also provides tutorials on how to manually clear the cache of other popular applications.

Where it shines

The app excels at simplifying the tedious task of cleaning a media library. The 'Smart Selection' feature for duplicate photos (01:15) is a standout moment. By automatically flagging the 'Best' photo and pre-selecting the rest for deletion, it transforms a potentially long review process into a quick, one-tap confirmation. The animated feature demonstrations during onboarding (00:09 - 00:20) are also very effective, quickly conveying the app's value without forcing the user to read walls of text.

UX highlights

Animated Onboarding: The app uses short, looping animations to demonstrate its cleaning features (00:09), which is more engaging than a static carousel.
Reduced Cognitive Load: The 'Best Photo' badge and pre-selection of duplicates (01:19) significantly cuts down on decision fatigue for the user.
Clear Categorization: After scanning, files are neatly organized into logical categories like 'Duplicate Photos', 'Similar Photos', and 'Blurred Photos' (01:13), allowing users to tackle cleaning in manageable chunks.
Visual Feedback: The app provides clear 'Cleanup Complete!' screens (01:34) that quantify the amount of storage saved, reinforcing the value of the action just taken.
One-Tap Actions: Many complex tasks are simplified into single taps, such as the 'Select All' button (01:16) for quick deletions.
Direct Manipulation: Users can manually select or deselect any item, giving them full control despite the app's smart suggestions.

Monetization & growth

The app employs a soft paywall strategy. The user completes a brief onboarding flow and lands on the main dashboard. However, the first attempt to use a primary feature, like 'Smart Clean' (00:40), triggers permission requests and then immediately presents a paywall (00:49). This paywall offers two plans: a weekly subscription with a 3-day free trial and a lower-priced monthly subscription. The user must subscribe to proceed, effectively gating all core functionality behind payment.

Who it’s for

This app is for iPhone users who are struggling with limited storage space and feel overwhelmed by the process of manually cleaning their device. It's particularly useful for people who take a lot of photos and videos, often resulting in numerous duplicates or similar shots. The simple, guided interface makes it accessible even for less tech-savvy users who want a straightforward solution to free up space without complex configurations.

Notes & opportunities

The 'app cache cleaning' feature (03:41) is a bit misleading. It presents itself as a tool within the app but is actually just a static tutorial on how to perform the action manually in other apps' settings. While this provides some value, it could create a mismatch in user expectations and potentially lead to disappointment. A more transparent label like 'Cache Cleaning Guides' might manage expectations better.