## Why This Matters Now

In today's fast-paced app economy, entrepreneurs are constantly searching for opportunities to disrupt the market. One of the most promising strategies is identifying existing applications that users continue to pay for despite their dissatisfaction. This presents a unique chance for innovators to step in, improve the user experience, and capture a loyal customer base. With the rise of powerful AI tools, rebuilding these apps has never been easier or faster.

The recent experience shared by an entrepreneur who built their own TV remote app illustrates this trend perfectly. Frustrated by predatory pricing and poor functionality in existing apps, they turned to Claude Code, an AI development tool, to create a better solution in just 15 minutes. This story highlights a growing movement among entrepreneurs who are leveraging AI to solve everyday problems and build businesses around them.

The Playbook for Rebuilding Apps

Greg Eisenberg has outlined a detailed playbook for anyone looking to tap into this lucrative opportunity. His approach emphasizes a few key strategies:

Finding the Right Apps

To kick off your app rebuilding journey, start by identifying existing applications that people pay for but dislike. Tools like Sensor Tower can help you discover apps generating $50,000 to $100,000 per month in stable categories, such as productivity tools and niche professional apps. Look specifically for apps with sub-4-star ratings; this indicates that while users are frustrated, they also find the app valuable enough to keep paying for it. This duality presents a ripe opportunity for improvement.

Missing Features and Outdated Designs

Next, focus on apps where users have expressed a need for features that should ideally be free, or where the user interface (UI) is outdated. Apps that remain profitable but have not updated in months can be a goldmine. They often serve a loyal user base that is yearning for a more modern solution. By addressing these gaps, you can capture the attention of users looking for a better alternative.

Rebuilding with AI Tools

The rebuilding process can be streamlined significantly using AI tools like Claude Code. Entrepreneurs can simply provide screenshots of the existing app and describe the desired functionality. The AI will then generate a new version of the app tailored to their specifications. This can save time and reduce the complexity traditionally associated with app development. Instead of spending countless hours on coding, you can focus on refining the user experience.

Publishing Made Easy with Manus

With platforms like Manus now offering app publishing capabilities, the barriers to entry are lower than ever. Entrepreneurs can build their apps and publish them without the need for extensive coding knowledge or wrestling with cumbersome tools like Xcode. This democratization of app development means that anyone with a good idea can bring it to market quickly and efficiently.

Testing and Feedback

Manus allows users to test their apps on their phones via TestFlight, making it easier to gather user feedback and iterate on their designs. This rapid prototyping can lead to quicker market entry and the ability to pivot based on real user needs—a crucial factor in today’s competitive app landscape.

Marketing and Distribution Challenges

While building an app may be straightforward, entrepreneurs must still contend with the challenges of marketing and distribution. Identifying the right audience and effectively promoting the app can be obstacles that require strategic planning. In the livestream, it was emphasized that while the building phase is becoming easier, successful marketing remains a critical differentiator for new apps.

Tap into Existing User Frustrations

To effectively market your app, consider tapping into existing frustrations that users have with current offerings. Highlight how your app addresses these pain points and improves upon the existing solutions. Develop a clear value proposition that resonates with potential users, and leverage social media and app store optimization to increase visibility.

Conclusion

The landscape of app development is shifting as AI tools and platforms lower the barriers to entry. By identifying apps that users dislike but still pay for, leveraging powerful AI tools to rebuild them, and utilizing easy publishing platforms, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to disrupt the market. With careful attention to marketing and user needs, the potential for success in this space is significant. Now is the time to innovate, improve, and capture the attention of frustrated users seeking better solutions.