What it does
Smart Cleaner is a comprehensive utility toolkit for iOS designed to help users reclaim storage space and organize their digital life. Its core function is to scan for and delete unnecessary files, including duplicate photos, similar videos, screenshots, and spam emails. Beyond cleaning, the app offers a suite of additional tools like file compression, a private vault for sensitive media, contact management for merging duplicates, and personalization features like custom charging animations.
Where it shines
Smart Cleaner excels at demonstrating its value upfront. The onboarding (00:01-00:20) uses a series of slick, animated mockups that visualize problems being solved, which is far more engaging than a static feature list. The duplicate photo cleaner (01:52) is also well-designed, with a clear "Best" photo suggestion and easy-to-use selection tools. The app's breadth is another strength, bundling multiple utilities like a secure Vault (05:05) and a video compressor (03:01) into one package.
UX highlights
- Animated Demos: The onboarding carousel (00:01) effectively simulates the app's cleaning power, showing storage bars shrinking and inboxes being cleared.
- AI-Powered Suggestions: When cleaning photos, the app automatically suggests the "Best" photo to keep from a set of duplicates (00:10), reducing cognitive load for the user.
- Contextual Permissions: The app requests access to photos (00:59) and contacts (07:23) right before the user engages with those specific features, making the request feel relevant.
- Clear Success States: After every major action, like cleaning files (01:28) or merging contacts (07:36), the app displays a large, clear "Succeed!" or completion screen, providing positive reinforcement.
- Comprehensive Filtering: The photo and video cleaning tools offer multiple ways to sort and filter, such as by date or file type (02:13), giving users granular control.
- Visual Feedback: Progress indicators are used effectively during cleaning (01:24) and compression (04:08), keeping the user informed about processes that may take time.
Monetization & growth
The app uses a subscription model gated by a paywall encountered early in the onboarding at 00:21. It offers a 3-day free trial, with a clear toggle to enable it, followed by a weekly or annual subscription. The "Best Offer" tag is used to guide users toward the preferred plan. After a successful cleanup, the app employs a custom in-app rating prompt (01:34) to encourage positive App Store reviews, a key growth tactic.
Who it’s for
This app is for iPhone users who frequently struggle with the "Storage Almost Full" notification. It targets individuals who have large photo and video libraries, cluttered inboxes, or disorganized contact lists. The inclusion of features like a secure vault and charging animations also appeals to users interested in privacy and personalization, broadening its audience beyond just those in immediate need of storage.
Notes & opportunities
While the animated onboarding is strong, the immediate App Tracking Transparency prompt at 00:00 is an abrupt and cold start to the user journey. A warm-up screen could smooth this out. Additionally, the email cleaning flow requires leaving the app to sign in via Google (08:16), which is a point of friction. The subsequent "This app is blocked" screen at 08:24 indicates a potential technical issue or misconfiguration that breaks a core feature flow.