Netbot, One Of The Great App Apps For iOS, Is Now Free

Netbot, one of the standout iOS clients for the App.net (ADN) platform, is now available for free, marking a major opportunity for iPhone and iPad users to experience a premium social app without cost. Developed by Tapbots—the renowned team behind the acclaimed Tweetbot for Twitter—Netbot delivers a polished, intuitive interface built specifically for the ADN ecosystem. If you're exploring alternative social media platforms with fewer ads and a more privacy-focused structure, this is the app to start with.

Tapbots officially announced the price drop, noting that the decision to make Netbot free was intended to “spur adoption of App.net.” This strategic move not only opens the door for more users to experiment with the platform, but also reflects the broader mission behind ADN—to support a sustainable, developer-friendly social networking model.

Wondering what makes Netbot different from other social networking clients? Much like its predecessor Tweetbot, Netbot emphasizes user experience, elegant design, and seamless navigation. It’s a client built for users who value performance, customization, and clarity. Whether you're posting updates, following developers, or engaging in conversations with early adopters, Netbot is optimized to showcase the potential of a premium, paid-access social network.

App.net initially gained traction when Tapbots threw their support behind the platform, helping legitimize ADN in the eyes of the tech community. Their involvement generated a spike in visibility and downloads, especially when Netbot debuted at $4.99. However, despite the hype, adoption of the App.net platform has been slower than expected.

By making Netbot free, Tapbots is leveraging the App Developer Incentive Program—a payout model that rewards developers based on user satisfaction metrics. With more than $20,000 distributed monthly to participating developers, the incentive potentially offers greater long-term revenue than direct app sales, especially in a market where discoverability and user loyalty are critical.