Customer Reviews (500)

rocket3teser • 2025-03-14T22:47:45-07:00

Hopefully you come up with a lifetime version.

Bobocabo • 2025-02-28T06:45:40-07:00

Have used for 15 years now. Love it.

Eetmahbalz • 2025-01-22T16:51:02-07:00

I’ve been passively using this app for years because it’s usually inaccurate. All of the sudden I tried to use it today and I had to create an online account for it- BLIP!- IM OUT!

Summary of Key Insights

The Currency app, a long-standing currency converter on the App Store, enjoys generally positive sentiment, as evidenced by a high number of 5-star reviews. Users appreciate its simplicity, ease of use, and offline functionality, making it a valuable tool for international travelers. However, several recurring issues negatively impact user experience, including frequent resets of custom currency lists, intrusive ads, and occasional inaccuracies in exchange rates. The subscription model is also a point of contention for some users who prefer a one-time purchase option. There are also complaints of the app freezing or crashing.

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and simple interface
  • Offline functionality
  • Wide range of supported currencies

Key Weaknesses:

  • Frequent resets of custom currency lists
  • Intrusive ads in the free version
  • Occasional inaccuracies in exchange rates
  • Subscription model is unpopular with some users
  • App freezing and crashing issues

Overall Sentiment: Positive

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (Implied): High (based on score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 73.8% (369/500)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 6% (30/500)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 4.4% (22/500)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 3.4% (17/500)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 12.4% (62/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but likely represents a range of reviews over a considerable period, given the app's age.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review of individual comments, keyword extraction (identifying recurring themes and issues), sentiment assessment (categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on the language used).

Key User Pain Points

  • Frequent Resets of Custom Currency Lists: This is the most frequently mentioned issue. Users report that their customized list of currencies is often reset to the default, requiring them to re-add and re-order their preferred currencies. This is extremely frustrating and time-consuming.
  • Intrusive Ads: While users understand the need for ads in the free version, many find them too intrusive, especially when they interfere with typing or accidentally redirect them to other apps. Some ads are also reported as inappropriate.
  • Subscription Model: The $19.99/year subscription price is considered too high by some users, especially compared to apps with one-time purchase options. Some users who previously paid for ad removal feel cheated by the shift to a subscription model.
  • Inaccurate Exchange Rates: Several users have reported that the exchange rates displayed by the app are not always accurate, leading to potential financial miscalculations.
  • App Freezing/Crashing: Some users experience freezing or crashing issues, particularly after updates or on specific devices like iPads.
  • Widget Issues: Some users have issues with the widget, stating it displays default currencies instead of user selected ones.
  • Base Currency Cannot Be Changed: One user specifically mentioned the inability to change the base currency as a severe flaw.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Lifetime Purchase Option: Many users would prefer a one-time payment option for ad removal and full features instead of a recurring subscription.
  • Historical Value Charting: Some users would like to see a chart showing the historical fluctuations of currency exchange rates.
  • Alerts: Users would like to receive notifications when a currency reaches a specific exchange rate.
  • More Currency Options: Some users would like to see more obscure or specific currencies included.
  • Manually Input Exchange Rates: A user suggested an option to manually input exchange rates to reflect local exchange houses.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: The app is widely praised for its simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to quickly convert currencies.
  • Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app offline is a major advantage for travelers who may not have constant access to the internet.
  • Wide Range of Currencies: The app supports a large number of currencies, making it useful for travel to many different countries.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Users appreciate the app's speed and efficiency in providing currency conversions.
  • Customization: The ability to customize the currency list and order is a valued feature.
  • Long-Standing Reputation: The app's long history and consistent performance (until recently) have built a loyal user base.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix the Currency List Reset Bug: This is the most critical issue and should be addressed immediately. Implement robust data persistence to prevent custom currency lists from being lost.
  • Reduce Ad Intrusiveness: Re-evaluate the ad placement and frequency. Consider less disruptive ad formats or offer a lower-priced ad-free option. Remove inappropriate ads.
  • Improve Exchange Rate Accuracy: Ensure the app uses reliable data sources and updates exchange rates frequently. Provide a clear disclaimer about potential discrepancies.
  • Address Freezing/Crashing Issues: Investigate and fix the freezing and crashing issues reported by users, particularly on iPads and after updates.
  • Fix Widget Issues: Ensure the widget displays the user's selected currencies.

Medium Priority:

  • Offer a Lifetime Purchase Option: Consider offering a one-time purchase option for users who prefer it over a subscription.
  • Implement Historical Value Charting: Add a feature to display historical currency exchange rate data.
  • Add Alert Functionality: Allow users to set up notifications for specific exchange rate thresholds.
  • Improve Support: Respond to user inquiries and address their concerns promptly.
  • UI/UX Improvements: Address button size complaints and general UI feedback.

Low Priority:

  • Expand Currency Options: Consider adding less common currencies based on user demand.
  • Manual Exchange Rate Input: Explore the feasibility of allowing users to manually input exchange rates.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Currency Conversion App with Focus on Accuracy and Transparency: Develop an app that prioritizes accuracy by using multiple reliable data sources and clearly displaying the data source and update frequency.
  • Subscription-Free Currency Converter: Create a currency converter app with a one-time purchase model and a focus on essential features without unnecessary bloat.
  • Currency Conversion App with Social Features: Integrate social features that allow users to share exchange rates and travel tips with each other.
  • AI-Powered Currency Conversion App: Use AI to predict future exchange rate fluctuations and provide personalized currency conversion recommendations.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring "Reset" Issue: The issue of the app resetting currency preferences has been a persistent problem for a significant period, indicating a potential architectural flaw.
  • Negative Sentiment Towards Subscription Model: A clear trend of dissatisfaction with the subscription model, particularly among long-time users who previously paid for ad removal.
  • Importance of Offline Functionality: The ability to use the app offline is consistently highlighted as a crucial feature, especially for travelers.
  • Mixed Feedback on Updates: Updates sometimes introduce new issues or remove desired features, leading to user frustration.
  • Language Preferences: Reviews are primarily in English, but also include comments in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and other languages, indicating a global user base.

Conclusion

The Currency app remains a popular and useful tool, particularly for travelers. However, the recurring issues with currency list resets, intrusive ads, and the subscription model are negatively impacting user experience and driving some users to seek alternatives. Addressing these issues should be a top priority to retain existing users and attract new ones. Offering a lifetime purchase option, improving the accuracy of exchange rates, and fixing the currency list reset bug would significantly enhance the app's value and competitiveness.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/currency/id284220417?uo=2