When I released Kodist, I called it an open beta: everything in the app was free to use, with a tip jar for those who wanted to pitch in. It was my way of testing the waters — an anti-AI film camera is a strange pitch, and I wasn’t sure anyone would want it.
Turns out, some of you do. Kodist has found a niche traction that I honestly didn’t expect, and that’s all the signal I need. Today, Kodist is leaving open beta.
Here’s what changes:
The tip jar is gone. In its place is a one-time in-app purchase that unlocks every film in Kodist. No subscription, no consumables — pay once, and it’s yours.
It’s shareable with your family. The unlock supports iCloud Family Sharing, so one purchase covers everyone in your family group.
If you tipped — anything — the unlock is yours, free. Any tip, of any amount, counts. You supported Kodist when it was just an experiment, and the least I can do is make sure you never pay twice.
And to be clear: the default film stays free, forever. You can keep shooting with Kodist without paying a cent.
A tip jar is a lovely sentiment, but it makes an app feel like a side thing — for you and for me. A straightforward purchase means Kodist earns its keep, and in return, the app can receive more of my attention for maintenance and improvements. I hope this is the start of something great.
If you haven’t tried Kodist yet, it’s on the App Store — genuine lighting and grains, zero AI processing.