Why did you create yet another calculator app?
After switching from Android to an iPhone around iOS 14, I found the stock calculator app disappointing. It felt like a big step backward: “What do you mean I have to press equals to see the result?!” and “Why can’t I see the full expression or my past calculations?“
I couldn’t find a simple calculator in the App Store that didn’t have ads, require a subscription, or wasn’t overly complicated. So I decided it’d be the perfect first app…I mean, how hard could it be? Famous last words!! 🤣
Do you offer a free trial?
Unfortunately, no. the App Store doesn’t support free trials for one-time purchase apps. However, if you buy the app and find it’s not a good fit, Apple typically grants refunds if requested within an hour of purchase.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the beta version via TestFlight ↗. While it may have some bugs, it’ll let you experience the full product.
Why don’t you offer a free, ad-supported version?
Personally, I can’t stand ads—they’re distracting and take up valuable real estate, which is especially frustrating in mobile apps. I do realize people like to try before they buy, and if the App Store supported time-limited trials, I’d offer that. But since that’s not an option and I don’t want to support the ad industry, I decided to give it a fair, one-time price. If you’re on the fence, Apple usually allows refunds within a short period.
Does Dash Calc ever go on sale?
No, not even on Black Friday. I believe in fair, straightforward pricing where everyone pays the same, no matter when they buy. No waiting for sales, no buyer’s remorse if you just missed one. Just buy Dash Calc when you need it, knowing you’re getting the same deal as everyone else.
I also don’t use psychological pricing, which is why it’s a flat $4 USD. While $3.99 might result in more sales, I want its price to be as clear and honest as the app itself.
Why doesn’t it have any scientific or advanced math functions?
Personally, I’ve never needed trigonometry, square roots, or similar functions on a phone calculator. If I ever do, I’d use a spreadsheet or, these days, just ask an AI chatbot. My goal was to keep this calculator simple and fast—no bloat, just what most people need when on the go.
Why isn’t Dash Calc available in the European Union (EU)?
To protect my privacy. The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) requires an address in contact info, and Apple doesn’t allow PO boxes for organization developer accounts. Since this would mean publishing my home address, I’ve chosen to not sell in the EU. If these policies change, I’ll gladly reconsider.
What framework did you use to build Dash Calc?
Dash Calc is built entirely with SwiftUI. When I shifted careers from product design to indie development, I knew I wanted to create something within the Apple ecosystem. Since Apple is positioning SwiftUI as the future, I decided to fully embrace it.
I also set a personal goal to avoid using any third-party libraries or packages, so Dash Calc has no external dependencies.
While this approach led to a few headaches, it turned out to be a valuable learning experience.