Customer Reviews (139)

Yah’s servantMur • 2025-03-15T00:10:45-07:00

I have been using the app for a little over two years and I love it! I would suggest adding a daily streak counter

TeeRobins1 • 2025-03-13T06:03:29-07:00

The search feature went from meh to much worse. Please fix.

Bdnwkdbdhab • 2025-03-10T09:13:14-07:00

I love this new update!!

Summary of Key Insights

The Cepher app is generally appreciated for its content, particularly the inclusion of books and accurate transliterations not found in other Bibles. However, users frequently report technical issues, a lack of essential features (especially audio), and usability problems. Sentiment is mixed, with many positive reviews offset by complaints about app functionality and the loss of notes/highlights after updates or phone changes. The overall rating distribution shows a significant number of 1-3 star reviews, indicating substantial room for improvement.

  • Strengths: Unique content (extra books, transliterations), search functionality.
  • Weaknesses: Frequent technical issues (blank screens, crashes), lack of audio, poor navigation, loss of data, limited functionality compared to free Bible apps.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed. Many users value the content but are frustrated by the app's limitations.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: Approximately 3.4 stars (calculated from the review distribution).
    • 5-Star Reviews: 34.5%
    • 4-Star Reviews: 23%
    • 3-Star Reviews: 23.7%
    • 2-Star Reviews: 6.5%
    • 1-Star Reviews: 12.2%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 139 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with more recent reviews (late 2024) highlighting compatibility issues with newer iPhones and iOS versions.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and categorization of user feedback, keyword extraction to identify recurring themes, and sentiment assessment based on review text and star rating.

Key User Pain Points

  • App Functionality Issues:
    • Blank Screen/Crashing: Numerous users report the app not working at all, displaying a blank screen, especially after updating their iPhone or iOS. This is a critical issue rendering the app unusable.
    • Missing Books/Lexicon: Some users experience the app repeatedly requiring them to re-download extra books and the lexicon, even after paying for the full version.
    • Lost Notes/Highlights: A significant pain point is the loss of notes and highlights after updates or when switching to a new phone.
    • Search Issues: The search feature is reported as unreliable and sometimes fails to find verses.
  • Lack of Audio: A very common request is for audio functionality, allowing users to listen to the scriptures.
  • Navigation Problems:
    • Difficult Page Turning: Users find it difficult to swipe to the next page or chapter.
    • Missing Chapter Display: The current chapter number isn't always displayed, making it hard to keep track of reading progress.
  • Compatibility Issues: The app seems to have compatibility issues with newer iPhones and iOS versions.
  • Daily Verse Issues: The daily verse doesn't update for some users.
  • Translation Concerns: Some users question the accuracy of certain translations.
  • Customer Support Issues: Some users report that the app support form doesn't work.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Audio Version: By far the most requested feature.
  • Cloud Sync/User Accounts: To save notes and highlights across devices and prevent data loss.
  • Improved Navigation: Easier page turning, chapter selection, and a persistent chapter display.
  • Cross-Referencing: Similar to Blue Letter Bible, with original language and meanings.
  • Landscape Mode: Support for landscape mode on iPads.
  • Family Sharing: Actual support for Family Sharing as advertised.
  • Spanish Language Support: A few users requested Spanish language support.
  • More Highlighting Colors: Greater variety of highlighting colors.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Unique Content: Users appreciate the inclusion of books like Enoch and Jubilees, as well as the accurate transliteration of Hebrew names.
  • Search Functionality: When it works, the search feature is considered valuable.
  • Note-Taking and Highlighting: The ability to take notes and highlight verses is appreciated.
  • Corrected Names of God: Many users specifically mention appreciating the corrected names of God.
  • Convenience: The app provides a convenient way to access the Cepher on the go.
  • Customer Service: Some users report positive experiences with customer service.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Fix Compatibility Issues: Address the blank screen/crashing issues on newer iPhones and iOS versions immediately.
    • Implement Cloud Sync/User Accounts: This is critical to prevent data loss and improve user experience.
    • Address Navigation Problems: Improve page turning and ensure the chapter number is always displayed.
    • Develop Audio Version: This is the most requested feature and would significantly enhance the app's appeal.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Improve Search Functionality: Ensure the search feature is reliable and accurate.
    • Fix Daily Verse Issue: Ensure the daily verse updates correctly.
    • Review and Correct Translations: Address any concerns about translation accuracy.
    • Enhance Highlighting: Allow highlighting of more verses and add a color wheel.
    • Improve Customer Support: Ensure the app support form works and respond to user inquiries promptly.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add Landscape Mode: Support for landscape mode on iPads.
    • Implement Cross-Referencing: Add cross-referencing capabilities similar to Blue Letter Bible.
    • Add Spanish Language Support: Add Spanish language support.
    • Capitalize Yah's Pronouns: Capitalize Yah's pronouns.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Audio Bible App with Enhanced Features: Create a Bible app that focuses on high-quality audio narration, combined with advanced features like cross-referencing, original language access, and personalized study plans.
  • Bible Study App with Collaborative Annotation: Develop an app that allows users to collaboratively annotate and share insights on scripture passages, fostering a community-driven learning experience.
  • Personalized Bible Translation App: Create an app that allows users to customize their Bible translation based on their preferred linguistic style and theological perspectives.

Trends and Observations

  • Recurring Requests for Audio: The consistent and frequent requests for audio functionality indicate a strong unmet need in the market.
  • Compatibility Issues with New Devices/OS: The app appears to struggle with maintaining compatibility with the latest iPhones and iOS versions, suggesting a need for more robust testing and development practices.
  • Data Loss as a Major Detractor: The loss of notes and highlights is a recurring and highly frustrating issue for users, highlighting the importance of data persistence and cloud syncing.
  • Comparison to Free Bible Apps: Users frequently compare the Cepher app to free Bible apps and expect it to offer comparable or superior functionality, given its paid status.

Conclusion

The Cepher app has the potential to be a valuable resource for those seeking a more comprehensive and accurate translation of the scriptures. However, the app is currently plagued by technical issues and lacks essential features that are expected in modern Bible apps. Addressing the prioritized action recommendations, particularly fixing compatibility issues, implementing cloud sync, and developing an audio version, would significantly improve the user experience and increase the app's appeal. Without these improvements, the app is likely to continue to receive mixed reviews and struggle to compete with free alternatives.

Overall Recommendation: Focus on fixing critical bugs and implementing essential features before investing in new content or marketing efforts. A stable, functional, and feature-rich app will be more likely to attract and retain users.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cepher/id1111754263?uo=2