The popular third-party Reddit app, Apollo, is facing closure due to Reddit's new API pricing plans. These pricing adjustments were initially presented as a measure to prevent large-scale use of Reddit's content for training AI systems. However, the implications of the increased prices have led to concerns that they would effectively eliminate third-party apps like Apollo. [1]

Figure 1. Reddit.

Figure 1 shows Reddit. Christian Selig, the creator of Apollo, expressed his realization that running the app would be financially unsustainable after discussing the pricing with Reddit. He highlighted the exorbitant costs involved, explaining that the app's usage would result in an annual expense of $20 million under the new API guidelines. Selig expressed disappointment in the pricing and noted Reddit's earlier assurances that the pricing would be reasonable, distinct from Twitter's approach. [1]

This situation has drawn parallels to Twitter's API price increases following its acquisition by Elon Musk, which adversely affected smaller projects, startups, helpful bots, third-party clients, researchers, and academics. The Reddit community is now experiencing a similar concern, leading to widespread anger and frustration. In response, numerous subreddits are planning a protest on June 12, with popular communities such as r/aww, r/videos, r/Futurology, r/LifeHacks, and many others intending to go dark. More than 2,740 subreddits, encompassing over 1.31 billion users, have agreed to participate in the protest. [1]

Christian Selig has recently announced the permanent closure of Apollo, acknowledging that the app has no viable future under Reddit's new pricing structure. In his detailed post addressing various concerns, Selig clarifies Apollo's use of Reddit's API, refuting accusations of inefficiency and scraping by open-sourcing the server code to demonstrate the app's practices. Despite support from the r/Blind community, Apollo will not qualify for the newly announced exception for accessibility apps. [1]

Apollo's closure is not an isolated incident, as other third-party apps like ReddPlanet and RIF (Reddit is Fun) have also announced their shutdowns. In contrast, Infinity for Reddit has released a paid version in an attempt to sustain its app. [1]

Since its launch in 2017, Apollo has gained popularity for its unique features, including customizable gestures, a media viewer, a full Markdown writing editor, and a design inspired by Reddit user feedback. Selig aimed to create an app that felt like it could have been developed by Apple itself, incorporating iOS features like Lock Screen widgets and Dynamic Island support. Ironically, Apollo was recently featured at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, even mentioned in Apple's keynote and during the Vision Pro announcement. [1]

Selig expressed his disappointment with Reddit's lack of interest in finding a resolution, stating that he no longer wants to be associated with the tactics employed. As a result, Apollo will be permanently shut down on June 30, 2023. Users who wish to support Selig during this transition can download his other app, Pixel Pals, which originated from a feature within Apollo. [1]

References:

1. https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/08/popular-third-party-reddit-app-apollo-is-shutting-down-as-a-result-of-reddits-new-api-pricing/

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Reddit API Pricing Sparks Controversy: Apollo, the Beloved Third-Party Reddit App, Forced to Shut Down, AnaTechmaz, pp.149