What it does
Simple Cleaner is a utility app designed to help iPhone users reclaim storage space. Its core function is to scan the device for various types of clutter, including screenshots, similar photos, duplicate videos, and large files. The app categorizes these files and provides tools to easily review and delete them in bulk, aiming to streamline the often tedious process of manual phone cleanup.
Where it shines
The app excels at making the cleaning process feel productive and manageable. The multi-step scanning animation (00:57) turns a boring wait into an informative progress report, showing the user exactly what's being analyzed. Another highlight is the "Daily Cleanup" feature (02:57), which gamifies photo management with a fast, swipe-based interface. This turns a chore into a quick, almost addictive daily habit.
UX highlights
- Structured Cleanup: The app breaks down a massive task (cleaning gigabytes of files) into manageable categories like "Similar Photos" and "Duplicate Photos" (01:39), reducing cognitive overload.
- Smart Defaults: In the duplicate photo view (01:44), the app pre-selects all but the "Best Photo" for deletion, saving the user significant time and effort.
- Interactive Visuals: The main dashboard uses a large, clear circular progress bar to visualize storage usage (00:43), providing an at-a-glance status update.
- Contextual Prompts: The app intelligently asks for user feedback (02:42) and an App Store rating (02:50) immediately after a successful cleanup, capturing user sentiment at its peak.
- Clear Action States: Buttons and toggles provide clear feedback. For example, selected categories for cleanup are marked with a checkmark, and the total space to be freed is constantly updated at the top of the screen (01:54).
- Feature Discovery: The app includes a "Discover" tab (05:07) that neatly organizes advanced features like widgets, Apple Watch extensions, and a secret photo space, encouraging deeper engagement beyond the initial cleanup.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is introduced early and aggressively. After a simulated scan during onboarding, the user immediately hits a paywall at 00:18. The offer is a 3-day free trial that converts into either a weekly or annual subscription. The annual plan is heavily incentivized with a "Saved 80%" badge and a price-per-week breakdown to make it seem more affordable. After a successful cleanup, the app employs a growth loop by prompting for an App Store rating, aiming to improve its visibility and attract more organic downloads.
Who it’s for
This app is for iPhone users who feel overwhelmed by their device's storage and lack the time or patience for manual file management. It targets individuals who accumulate a large number of photos and videos, such as parents, content creators, or frequent travelers. The simple, automated approach makes it accessible to less tech-savvy users who want a one-tap solution to a common problem.
Notes & opportunities
The initial "Storage Full!!" screen (00:02) feels like a dark pattern that could erode trust for some users. While it creates urgency, it's not based on an actual device scan. Additionally, the app's main dashboard constantly shows large, fluctuating numbers for junk files (00:43 onwards), which could be confusing. Clarifying what these numbers represent after a cleanup could improve user confidence in the app's effectiveness.