Air Apps

By Milan Stevanović

Introduction

  • AirApps stands as a beacon of innovation and versatility in the app development industry. Renowned for their diverse range of applications, such as the widely acclaimed Translate Now app, featured in Apple’s 2023 WWDC keynote, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of what mobile apps can achieve.
  • My journey with AirApps, particularly as a Product Manager for the pioneering “Hello AI” app, an early adopter of OpenAI’s GPT APIs, marked a pivotal chapter in my career. This role offered a unique vantage point to observe and contribute to the evolving landscape of iOS app development.

The Challenge of Managing Multiple iOS Apps

  • Juggling multiple iOS applications under the AirApps umbrella presented a distinct set of challenges. Each app, with its unique user base and functionality, demanded a tailored approach to both development and management.
  • Striking a balance between innovation, user experience, and technical efficiency was crucial. This environment was not just a test of my technical skills but also a trial of my ability to adapt and strategize in a rapidly changing digital world.

Building a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) and SDK

  • In the fast-paced app publishing industry, agility and efficiency are paramount. To keep pace, we developed a versatile Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) and SDK.
  • This framework became the backbone of our rapid development process, offering essential features like offline/online sync, user accounts, and profiles. Designed to be plug-and-play, it significantly accelerated the development timeline for our entire suite of apps, ensuring that we stayed ahead in the competitive app market.

Collaboration with the Engineering Team

  • My background in iOS development was instrumental in fostering a productive collaboration with the engineering team.
  • Understanding the nuances of iOS development and the specific needs of the engineers, I could bridge the gap between technical requirements and product vision. This synergy ensured that our solutions were not only technically sound but also aligned with our strategic objectives.

Conclusion

  • My time at AirApps was more than a mere tenure; it was a journey of growth, learning, and adaptation. It underscored the importance of versatility in the tech industry, especially in roles that intersect technical development and product strategy.
  • As the industry continues to evolve, experiences like these shape not only the products we develop but also the professionals we become.