Customer Reviews (500)

Unparadise • 2025-03-21T06:37:52-07:00

I discovered iA writer a few years ago and fell in love with it after a few hours of usage. It’s clean and distraction free UI allows me to focus on the thoughts in my mind and how they flow on my screen. It’s a please to see the app keep improving with the ability to connect notes and so on. I want to thank everyone behind the development of this great app sincerely! I hope the team would consider making table editing easier similar to org mode in Emacs. Thank you!

App-le09 • 2025-03-20T20:19:05-07:00

Platform was where I wanted it.

Chastity White Rose • 2025-03-09T14:40:25-07:00

I am really into writing in Markdown and have downloaded just about every notes app that supports it. iA writer is one of my main 3 writing apps. The ability to export documents into various formats is one of main reasons I keep coming back to it. iA writer is the only non-free Markdown editor I use but I particularly find that the mobile interface is just more convenient compared to the limitations of Joplin and Simplenote which don’t match their PC equivalents. The fact that iA writer works well with iCloud helps because it means the files are still accessible without being forced to launch the app if I don’t want to.

iA Writer App Review Analysis

1. Summary of Key Insights

iA Writer is generally well-regarded as a minimalist, distraction-free writing app, particularly praised for its clean interface, focus mode, and Markdown support. The app's core strength lies in its ability to provide a focused writing environment, enabling users to concentrate on content creation. However, the reviews reveal recurring issues related to cloud syncing (especially with Dropbox and iCloud), stability (crashing, data loss), and specific feature requests like improved organization, more customization options, and enhanced table editing. While many users appreciate the simplicity, others find it limiting and request features found in more robust writing applications. Recent updates, particularly those involving AI integration and icon changes, have elicited mixed reactions, with some users appreciating the innovation and others feeling it deviates from the app's original purpose.

Key Strengths:

  • Clean, distraction-free interface
  • Focus mode
  • Markdown support
  • Fast performance
  • Cross-platform syncing (in theory)
  • Non-subscription model

Key Weaknesses:

  • Cloud syncing issues (iCloud & Dropbox)
  • Stability problems (crashing, data loss)
  • Limited organizational features
  • Lack of customization options (fonts, themes)
  • Inconsistent mobile and desktop experiences
  • Mixed reactions to recent updates (AI, Icon)

Overall Sentiment: Mixed Positive. While a significant portion of users are highly satisfied, the negative reviews highlight critical issues that impact usability and trust.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Total Reviews: 500
  • Overall Rating (Implied): Approximately 4.03 stars (weighted average)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 54%
    • 4-star: 11.6%
    • 3-star: 7.8%
    • 2-star: 7%
    • 1-star: 19.6%

2. Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews from the Apple App Store
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with a concentration on more recent updates (2023-2024).
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on language used.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to pinpoint common themes and issues.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouping reviews based on recurring topics (e.g., syncing problems, feature requests, design preferences).
    • Quantitative Analysis: Calculating star rating distribution to assess overall satisfaction.

3. Key User Pain Points

  • Cloud Syncing Issues: Frequent complaints about lost work, syncing conflicts, and difficulties connecting to or reliably syncing with iCloud and Dropbox. Impact: Data loss is a critical issue, eroding trust and hindering productivity.
  • App Instability: Crashes, freezes, and an inability to open files are recurring problems, especially after updates. Impact: Disrupts workflow and leads to frustration.
  • Limited Organization: Lack of robust folder management, collapsable headings, and table of contents features makes it difficult to work with longer documents. Impact: Hinders the use of iA Writer for larger projects.
  • Lack of Customization: Limited font choices, theme options, and inability to customize the keyboard bar. Impact: Reduces user personalization and accessibility.
  • Inconsistent Experience: Discrepancies between the mobile and desktop app features and interfaces. Impact: Creates a disjointed user experience across devices.
  • Negative Reaction to Icon Change: Many users dislike the new icon, finding it difficult to recognize. Impact: Affects app discoverability and user loyalty.
  • Pasting Issues: Users experience difficulty pasting content into the app. Impact: Frustrates users and disrupts workflow.
  • Problems with AI Integration: While some appreciate the AI features, others find them distracting or poorly implemented. Impact: Mixed, with potential to alienate core user base.

4. Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Table Editing: Easier table creation and editing, similar to org mode in Emacs.
  • Collapsable Headings: Ability to collapse sections of text under headings for better organization.
  • Word Count Goals: Setting and tracking daily writing goals.
  • Non-CSS Template Designer: Easier creation of custom export templates without coding.
  • True Black Dark Mode: A fully black dark mode for OLED screens to save battery.
  • Apple Watch App: Ability to view and jot down notes on Apple Watch.
  • Folder Bookmarking: Easy access to frequently used folders in cloud services.
  • Index Card View: Similar to Scrivener's Cork Board or Notion's Gallery for rearranging scenes or chapters.
  • App Lock: Password or Face ID protection for privacy.
  • Realtime Formatting: Ability to see formatted text/math all the time similar to Typora.
  • Image support: Embedding and managing local images.
  • OneDrive Support: Native integration with OneDrive.
  • RTL Language Support: Right-to-Left language support in the iOS version, matching the Android version.

5. Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Clean and Simple Interface: Users consistently praise the app's minimalist design and distraction-free writing environment.
  • Focus Mode: The focus mode is highly valued for its ability to help users concentrate on the current sentence or paragraph.
  • Markdown Support: Strong support for Markdown formatting is a key selling point.
  • Fast Performance: The app is generally considered fast and responsive.
  • Cross-Platform Syncing: Many users appreciate the ability to sync their documents across multiple devices (though reliability is a concern).
  • Non-Subscription Model: The one-time purchase model is preferred over subscription-based alternatives.
  • Keyboard Customization: Custom keyboard layout and formatting shortcuts.
  • Fountain Template Support: Useful for screenwriters.
  • Quick Sync: Files sync quickly across devices.
  • GPT authorship features: The authorship features to differentiate AI-generated content are valued.

6. Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighCloud Syncing IssuesThoroughly investigate and fix syncing problems with iCloud and Dropbox. Implement robust error handling and data recovery mechanisms. Provide clearer status indicators for sync progress.
HighApp InstabilityAddress crashing and freezing issues, especially after updates. Conduct thorough testing on various devices and iOS versions before releasing updates.
HighData LossImplement robust auto-saving and backup mechanisms to prevent data loss in case of crashes or syncing issues.
MediumLimited OrganizationAdd features like collapsable headings, improved folder management, and a table of contents generator.
MediumLack of CustomizationOffer more font choices, theme options, and customizable keyboard shortcuts.
MediumInconsistent Mobile/Desktop ExperienceEnsure feature parity and consistent interface design across mobile and desktop apps.
MediumNegative Reaction to Icon ChangeConsider reverting to the old icon or offering an option to choose between the new and old icons.
MediumPasting IssuesInvestigate and resolve problems with pasting content into the app.
LowTable EditingImprove table creation and editing features.
LowWord Count GoalsImplement a feature to set and track daily writing goals.
LowNon-CSS Template DesignerDevelop a user-friendly interface for creating custom export templates without requiring coding knowledge.
LowTrue Black Dark ModeAdd a fully black dark mode option for OLED screens.
LowApple Watch AppConsider developing a companion app for Apple Watch.
LowFolder BookmarkingAllow users to bookmark frequently used folders for quick access.
LowIndex Card ViewExplore the possibility of adding an index card view for organizing content.
LowApp LockImplement password or Face ID protection for enhanced privacy.
LowRealtime FormattingConsider adding an option for realtime formatting.

7. Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Reliable Cloud Syncing Service for Markdown Editors: A service that focuses solely on providing robust and seamless syncing for Markdown files across different platforms and apps.
  • Customizable Keyboard for Mobile Writing: A keyboard app designed specifically for writers, offering extensive customization options for shortcuts, formatting, and text expansion.
  • AI-Powered Writing Assistant with Privacy Focus: An AI writing tool that integrates seamlessly with iA Writer, providing suggestions and improvements while respecting user privacy.
  • Markdown Editor with Enhanced Organization Tools: A Markdown editor that combines the simplicity of iA Writer with advanced organization features like mind mapping, project management, and collaborative editing.
  • Template Marketplace for Markdown: A platform for creating and sharing custom export templates for Markdown documents, catering to different writing styles and publishing platforms.

8. Trends and Observations

  • Importance of Syncing Reliability: A stable and reliable syncing experience is crucial for user satisfaction.
  • Desire for Customization vs. Simplicity: There's a tension between users who appreciate the app's simplicity and those who want more customization options. Balancing these needs is key.
  • Mixed Reaction to AI Integration: While some users find AI features helpful, others see them as a distraction from the core writing experience.
  • Recurring Complaints About Dropbox and iCloud Syncing: These issues persist over time, suggesting underlying technical challenges.
  • Emphasis on Privacy and Security: Some users express concerns about privacy and request features like app lock.
  • Language Preferences: While most reviews are in English, there are some reviews in other languages like Chinese and Spanish, suggesting a global user base.
  • Negative Impact of Forced Updates: Forced updates that remove features or introduce bugs can lead to user dissatisfaction.

9. Conclusion

iA Writer remains a popular choice for writers seeking a distraction-free environment and strong Markdown support. However, persistent issues with cloud syncing, stability, and limited organizational features detract from the overall user experience. Addressing these pain points and carefully considering feature requests will be crucial for maintaining user loyalty and attracting new users. The developers should proceed cautiously with new features like AI integration, ensuring they align with the app's core mission and don't compromise its simplicity and reliability. Ultimately, improving the stability and reliability of the app should be the top priority.

10. Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ia-writer/id775737172?uo=2