The Most Useless and Overpriced Mobile Apps You Won’t Believe Exist
Have you ever scrolled through the app store and thought, “Who would actually download this?” Well, you’re not alone. Today, I want to take you on a tour of some of the most bizarre, useless, and outrageously overpriced mobile apps ever created. These apps are so out there, they’ll make you question the very fabric of the digital world!
Let’s dive right in.
1. “Yo” — The App That Does (Almost) Nothing
Back in 2014, an app called “Yo” made headlines for its astonishing simplicity. Imagine a messaging app where the only thing you can send to your contacts is the word “Yo.” That’s it — no emojis, no pictures, no additional text. Just “Yo.”
At first glance, it seems ridiculous, right? But here’s the kicker: “Yo” went viral. People were fascinated by its minimalist approach to communication. Some even viewed it as a social experiment, pondering whether this was the future of digital interactions.
The app was created by developer Or Arbel in just eight hours as a joke. Yet, it managed to secure over $1 million in investment funding! Media outlets couldn’t stop talking about it, and it became the tech world’s topic du jour.
Building on its popularity, another developer launched an app called “Hodor,” inspired by the beloved character from Game of Thrones. Instead of sending “Yo,” you could send “Hodor” to your friends. It was a quirky homage that resonated with fans, especially those touched by the character’s storyline.
2. “I Am Rich” — The $1,000 App That Did Nothing
Next up is the infamous “I Am Rich” app. Designed for those wanting to showcase their wealth — or perhaps their gullibility — this app appeared on the Apple App Store in 2008 with a staggering price tag of $999.99.
So, what did you get for nearly a thousand dollars? A glowing red gemstone displayed on your screen and a mantra that read:
“I am rich, I deserve it, I am good, healthy & successful.”
And that’s all. No functionality, no hidden features — just a digital badge of opulence (or foolishness). To top it off, the word “deserve” was misspelled in the mantra!
Believe it or not, eight people purchased the app before Apple removed it from the store. One buyer claimed it was an accidental purchase and received a refund. The app sparked debates about the ethics of app marketplaces and the value of digital goods.
3. “Nothing” — An App That Truly Does Nothing
If you thought it couldn’t get any more pointless, let me introduce you to the “Nothing” app. Priced at $0.99, this app lives up to its name by doing absolutely nothing.
When you open it, you’re greeted with a blank screen displaying the word “Nothing.” No buttons to press, no settings to adjust — just pure digital emptiness.
Get Nima Akbarpour’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Surprisingly, over a million people downloaded this app on the Android Market, and it garnered a high rating. Some users, intrigued by its simplicity, decided to experiment. By inputting the famous Konami Code (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A), they unlocked a hidden surprise: a ten-hour looped video of a dancing cartoon banana.
Others discovered that shaking their phones would change the app’s background colour. If they persisted, they’d receive a cheeky message advising them to “Stop shaking, do nothing!”
4. “iFrenchKiss” — An Unusual Way to Practice Kissing
Now, here’s an app that truly pushes the boundaries of practicality: “iFrenchKiss.” As the name suggests, this app claimed to help users practice their kissing skills and even provided feedback on their technique.
How did it work? Users were instructed to kiss their phone screens. The app would then supposedly analyse the kiss and rate it based on certain criteria.
While the concept might raise eyebrows (and hygiene concerns), tens of thousands of people downloaded “iFrenchKiss” before it was eventually removed from the App Store. The removal was reportedly due to health and safety concerns — after all, our phones aren’t exactly the cleanest surfaces!
A quick reminder: studies have shown that phones can be several times dirtier than a toilet seat. So, it’s best to keep your lips away from your device and perhaps practice your smooching skills elsewhere.
5. “RunPee” — A Helpful App Amidst the Absurdity
After exploring these useless apps, let’s end on one that might actually be useful. Ever been in a movie theatre, desperately needing a restroom break but worried about missing a crucial scene? “RunPee” has you covered.
This app tells you the optimal times to dash to the bathroom during a movie without missing significant plot points. It even provides a brief summary of what happens while you’re away, so you’re always in the loop.
For avid moviegoers, “RunPee” can be a real game-changer. It’s a practical solution to a common problem — a refreshing contrast to the other apps we’ve discussed!
In Conclusion
The world of mobile apps is vast and varied, filled with innovations that can either enhance our lives or make us scratch our heads in disbelief. While some developers aim to solve real problems, others create apps that are, well, utterly pointless.
It’s fascinating to see what gains traction in the digital age. Whether it’s an app that sends a single word, a costly digital gem, or an app that does nothing at all, there’s apparently a market for everything.
Thanks for joining me on this quirky journey through the world of bizarre mobile apps. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with friends who could use a laugh. Stay curious, stay savvy, and until next time!
As I continue sharing the English versions of my podcast episodes, I hope you’ll join me in exploring the intriguing, amusing, and sometimes downright strange facets of technology.
If you’re interested in the original Persian version of this content, you can listen to the episode here: Spotify, Castbox, Apple Podcast
