14 DAY TRIAL // One of the top-downloaded apps in several countries, App Icons by Apalon Apps is a decent product that offers a way to replace your Home screen icons with custom-designed shortcuts, essentially giving you a way to redesign your iconography and refresh the look of your software.
The only problem is people are downloading the full version without reading through its description. Here’s the problem. Apalon sells a free version and a paid version for $1.99 / €1.79 (currently just $0.99 / €0.89). The latter includes a couple of extra features here and there and removes ads.
No one is holding a gun to people’s heads forcing them to download the paid version, but apparently some weren’t even aware that a free one existed. Regardless of the minute price, they feel scammed.
“Good app, but the icon skins do not open without you having the real app. Say I did one for Shazam, I could not delete the real Shazam app when I had the skin, and would have to have both.” - P.B And Jake, May 22, 2014.
“Beware! This app does not change icons. All it does is put hyperlink with an icon that then launches the app. This may sound ok but it launches safari every time. Pretty lame and not worth $2. Very disappointed.” - Frankiegoeshwood, May 22, 2014.
“This icon app is so fake they trick you, you can’t custom the original apps for example your messages, phone, internet, etc. The only apps yopu can custom are the apps you downloaded the ones that didn’t come with the phone like Facebook Twitter Instagram and etc. And plus say you custom Instagram but the old Instagram stays you will have two Instagram app so stupid doesn’t make no sense.” - Chachababyee, May 21, 2014.
These are just three of the dozens of reviews left for others as warning that Apalon Apps somehow wants to trick people into buying its product.
Developer Apalon Apps clearly states that its app lets you “Personalize your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with custom shortcuts and make your friends green with envy.” (emphasis ours)
Throughout the description Apalon cannot stress enough that people are merely getting a tool that puts “shortcuts” on their home screen:
“NOTE: App Icons does not replace the original icons, but creates shortcuts for efficient access to your apps, contacts, websites, etc. Please retain the original icons on your device for the custom made icons to work.”
A user could easily move all the real apps in a faraway screen inside various folders and be done with them, enjoying the custom icons forever. It seems this is something Apalon should have clarified.
In conclusion, this is one instance where you could ignore the negative comments (which usually speak the truth) and just think for yourself. Also, reading through an app’s full description is a very good idea if you’re unsure what it does.
That includes checking the language support, OS requirements, and device compatibility list. It’s just as much your job to know what you’re buying, as it is the developer’s job to market their app in an attractive way to boost sales. Think about that before you post your next raving review.
Disclaimer
This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s personal opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.