Customer Reviews (500)

Name.taken • 2025-03-24T10:50:38-07:00

I like the app, but there’s no audio.

Ycochiver • 2025-03-12T05:58:57-07:00

Excellent content terrible application performance. First half of every month absolutely zero audio available?

Msabrina2 • 2025-03-11T23:34:18-07:00

I have used this app for years and have loved it. I have the add-ons of the saints and the iMissal Bible, and it is still my source for daily inspiration. Minus two stars because for the past 18 months I’ve not been able to hear any audio in iMissal nor bookmark or highlight anything in the iMissal Bible without it closing itself. It’s very frustrating that my favorite app is just limping along. Cantcha please come back and fix the glitches!

iMissal Catholic App Review Analysis

1. Summary of Key Insights

iMissal Catholic is a generally well-regarded app, particularly for its comprehensive content and offline accessibility. However, the reviews reveal significant concerns regarding app maintenance and functionality, particularly regarding audio playback, Eucharistic prayer selection, and the stability of certain features. While many users praise its ease of use and value, a lack of recent updates and broken features are driving down user satisfaction. The overall sentiment is mixed, with a significant number of 5-star reviews offset by growing frustration over unresolved issues.

Key Strengths:

  • Comprehensive Missal content (Mass readings, prayers, liturgical calendar).
  • Offline accessibility (no WIFI/cellular required for core content).
  • Ease of use and navigation (when functioning properly).
  • Value for money (compared to printed Missals).

Key Weaknesses:

  • Persistent audio playback issues (frequent outages, stopping mid-reading).
  • Inability to select different Eucharistic Prayers (a long-standing bug).
  • Lack of recent updates and perceived abandonment by the developer.
  • Crashes and instability with certain features (especially Saint of the Day).
  • Broken support links and unresponsive developer.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many users remain loyal due to the app's core functionality, frustration is growing due to unresolved bugs and lack of updates.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.0 stars (weighted average based on the review distribution).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star (55.2%), 4-star (13%), 3-star (10.8%), 2-star (8.6%), 1-star (12.4%).

2. Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span a significant period, with many recent reviews indicating issues persisting for months or even years. Reviews range from 2013 to 2024.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on the expressed opinions.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently mentioned words and phrases to pinpoint common themes and issues.
    • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrences of specific issues and feature requests to prioritize recommendations.

3. Key User Pain Points

  • Audio Playback Issues: The most frequently mentioned problem is the unreliability of audio playback for daily readings. Users report frequent outages, audio stopping mid-reading, and the feature being unavailable for extended periods. This significantly impacts the app's usability, especially for users who rely on audio while commuting or performing other tasks.
  • Eucharistic Prayer Selection: Many users report being unable to select different Eucharistic Prayers, with the app often stuck on a single prayer (typically Eucharistic Prayer II). This is a long-standing bug that has not been addressed, causing significant frustration.
  • App Stability and Crashes: Several users report crashes, particularly when using the "Saint of the Day" feature or attempting to restore in-app purchases. This negatively impacts the overall user experience and perception of the app's reliability.
  • Lack of Updates and Support: A recurring theme is the lack of recent updates and the perception that the app has been abandoned by the developer. Users report broken support links and an inability to contact the developer for assistance.
  • Incorrect Readings and Content: Some users have reported inaccuracies in the daily readings or missing content, such as alternate readings for feast days or specific prayers.
  • Text Cut-off Issue: Recent versions seem to have text display issues on certain devices where the text is cut off.

4. Frequently Requested Features

  • Fix Audio Playback: Addressing the audio issues is the most urgent and frequently requested improvement.
  • Fix Eucharistic Prayer Selection: Resolving the inability to select different Eucharistic Prayers is another high-priority request.
  • Regular Updates and Maintenance: Users want to see regular updates to fix bugs, improve stability, and add new features.
  • Improved Support and Communication: Users desire a reliable way to contact the developer for assistance and feedback.
  • Rosary Section: A separate Rosary section is suggested for better usability.
  • More Language Options: Adding support for more languages, such as Spanish and French, is a recurring request.
  • More Prayers: Some users have requested specific prayers, such as the St. Christopher prayer.
  • iPhone 5 Compatibility: Several older reviews requested iPhone 5 screen optimization. This may be outdated, but highlights the need to keep up with device compatibility.

5. Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Content: Users appreciate the app's comprehensive content, including Mass readings, prayers, a liturgical calendar, and daily Bible verses.
  • Offline Accessibility: The ability to access core content without WIFI or cellular connectivity is a major selling point.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to use and navigate (when it's functioning correctly).
  • Value for Money: Users consider the app a good value compared to the cost of printed Missals.
  • Helpful for Lectors: The app is a valuable resource for lectors to prepare for Mass.
  • No Ads: The absence of ads is appreciated by users.

6. Prioritized Action Recommendations

PriorityIssueRecommendation
HighAudio Playback IssuesInvestigate and resolve the root cause of the audio playback problems. Implement robust testing to prevent future regressions.
HighEucharistic Prayer SelectionFix the bug that prevents users from selecting different Eucharistic Prayers.
HighApp Stability and CrashesAddress the crashes reported with the "Saint of the Day" feature and other areas of the app. Conduct thorough testing on various devices and iOS versions.
HighLack of Updates and SupportRelease an update addressing the most critical bugs. Establish a reliable support channel (e.g., email, in-app feedback form).
MediumIncorrect Readings and ContentImplement a rigorous content verification process to ensure the accuracy of daily readings and prayers.
MediumText Cut-off IssueAdjust text layout to properly wrap and fit different screen sizes.
LowAdd Requested FeaturesPrioritize and implement the most popular feature requests, such as a dedicated Rosary section and more language options.
LowModernize UI/UXConsider a UI/UX refresh to modernize the app's appearance and improve usability.

7. Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Homily Generator: An app that generates personalized homilies based on the daily readings, incorporating insights from Church teachings and user preferences.
  • Interactive Rosary App: A Rosary app with interactive features, such as guided meditations, customizable prayer intentions, and a virtual community for prayer.
  • Catholic Social Network: A social platform specifically for Catholics, facilitating connection, discussion, and shared prayer experiences.
  • Personalized Spiritual Formation App: An app that provides personalized spiritual guidance based on a user's faith journey, incorporating daily readings, reflections, and suggested practices.
  • Catholic Music Streaming Service: A streaming platform dedicated to Catholic music, featuring a wide variety of genres and artists.

8. Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment: Older reviews are generally more positive, while recent reviews express growing frustration due to unresolved issues.
  • Importance of Audio: The audio feature is highly valued, and its unreliability has a significant negative impact on user satisfaction.
  • Developer Responsiveness: The perceived lack of developer responsiveness is a major concern, eroding user trust and confidence in the app.
  • Device Compatibility: Maintaining compatibility with newer iOS versions and devices is crucial to ensure a positive user experience.

9. Conclusion

iMissal Catholic remains a valuable resource for many users due to its comprehensive content and offline accessibility. However, the app is currently plagued by significant bugs and a lack of recent updates, leading to growing user frustration. To maintain its position as a leading Catholic app, the developer must prioritize addressing the identified issues, improving support, and releasing regular updates. Failure to do so risks losing loyal users to alternative solutions. A focused effort on bug fixes, improved communication, and strategic feature additions will be essential for iMissal's continued success.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize bug fixes and developer responsiveness immediately. A strategic update plan is necessary to retain users and attract new ones.

10. Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/imissal-catholic/id307312433?uo=2