Reddit will implement a brand new API coverage on July 1 that might cost extreme charges to builders of third-party apps for the web site, thereby ensuing within the shutdown of many standard functions corresponding to Reddit is Enjoyable (RIF), Sync for Reddit, Apollo, and ReddPlanet. Apps like BoostForReddit and BaconReader haven’t outrightly confirmed their shutdown but. The brand new API pricing plans will find yourself costing third-party apps tens of millions of {dollars} annually to maintain their companies working which is financially untenable for any indie developer.
A number of third-party Reddit apps introduced at this time that their apps will shut down on June 30. Amongst these apps, a few of the main ones are Apollo, Sync for Reddit, Reddit is Enjoyable, Infinity for Reddit, and ReddPlanet. These third-party apps helped customers on iOS and Android smartphones to entry Reddit simply and with a customized person interface earlier than Reddit had its cell app. Even after the official app launched, many customers favoured the flexibleness of third-party apps.
The brand new paid API that Reddit introduced final month is the foremost motive behind these apps shutting down. Apollo, an iOS-exclusive app, mentioned that they have been compelled to close down operations as a result of the brand new pricing would make them pay over $20 million (roughly Rs. 160 crore) per 12 months, which is far more than these third-party apps can afford.
With these new API restrictions, the third-party apps wouldn’t even be allowed to run commercials or present any specific content material on their platform, amongst different imposed guidelines. Apps like Bacon Reader and Enhance for Reddit haven’t but introduced an official shutdown of operations.
Reddit had beforehand mentioned that they don’t wish to limit API entry for third-party apps. However the brand new API pricing is an extreme quantity for any small-time software builders. Apollo developer Christian Selig identified that irrespective of the fee and API worth didn’t match up. Reddit mentioned on Wednesday that they may work on an exemption for a few of these apps which are non-commercial.
