An iOS developer's AI expense tracker leads an app portfolio making $40,000 to $60,000 a month
Florian Vates says MonAi brings in 90% of his income after he partnered with a content creator.
Subject: MonAi (Florian Vates)Paid iOS apps
Case Overview & Background
Florian Vates worked as an iOS developer at an agency in Austria and built apps on the side, going half-time in 2025 and quitting in January 2026. He says his apps generate $40K to $60K a month, with MonAi, a minimalist expense tracker, making about 90%.
How AI Is Used
Step-by-Step Process
Released apps while employed, hoping just to earn back the $99 developer fee.
A content-creator partnership boosted MonAi.
Quit his job in January 2026.
Customer Acquisition & Distribution
Limitations, Risks & Failure Modes
What may not apply to you, and what could go wrong:
- Self-reported range
- Most income depends on one app
- App Store rules and fees apply
Key Takeaways
- Keep apps simple and anti-bloat
- Creator partnerships can drive app installs
- Side projects can replace a salary
Sources
Indie Hackers: Partnering up with a content creator to hit $50k/mo
Note: Interview by James Fleischmann.
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