April 1st, 2025

Launch HN: ASim (YC S21) – Mobile app that generates mobile apps

aSim is a mobile app that enables users to create shareable apps from their phones, simplifying development with various APIs, and is currently free while encouraging user feedback for improvements.

FrustrationExcitementCuriosity
Launch HN: ASim (YC S21) – Mobile app that generates mobile apps

aSim is a mobile application developed by Daniel and Daniel that allows users to create shareable mobile apps directly from their phones. The app aims to simplify the process of mobile app development, which has lagged behind web development tools that utilize large language models (LLMs). aSim enables users to build prototypes and simple applications asynchronously, making it accessible for those who may not have programming experience. The platform provides a variety of APIs to enhance app functionality, including LLM usage and image generation. Users can explore a range of apps created by beta testers, such as games and utility applications. The underlying technology involves generating a modified version of Typescript React Native, which is compiled into instructions for mobile devices. Currently, aSim is free to use, and the developers encourage feedback and suggestions for new features.

- aSim allows users to create mobile apps directly from their phones.

- The platform simplifies mobile app development compared to existing web tools.

- Users can access various APIs to enhance app functionality.

- The app is currently free and encourages user feedback for improvements.

- A variety of apps have already been created by beta users, showcasing its capabilities.

AI: What people are saying
The comments on the aSim app reveal a mix of user experiences and thoughts on its potential impact.
  • Users report technical issues, such as error messages and verification code problems.
  • There is enthusiasm for the app's potential, with discussions on its role in app distribution and monetization strategies.
  • Some users express interest in expanding the app's functionality to desktop applications.
  • Concerns about privacy and the requirement to provide personal information to use the app are raised.
  • Comparisons are made to other mobile app generators, indicating a competitive landscape.
Link Icon 19 comments
By @zkid18 - 2 days
love it. but that makes me think that development is no longer the bottleneck —distribution and positioning are. and my bet that the ASim fucntionality will find it place in the current media platfrom.

say, if tiktok launches an ai app store, it won’t be for complex software—it’ll start with low-friction, high-retention apps: ai-powered video enhancements (think face-swaps, lip sync, object replacement) or micro-utilities, something like ASim does.

for platforms, it’s obvious—more engagement, higher monetization, and a new vertical.

for creators, it’s a no-brainer—why funnel traffic to some app store when you can keep users inside tiktok, get them to install, and even monetize directly?

even the infamous 30% app store cut could be creatively sidestepped—imagine launching your own meme coin for in-app purchases instead.

By @ncr100 - 1 day
[Answered]

Does it play sound at this stage? or other media (eg video, beyond still images and text and UI?)

EDIT Thank you for making and sharing this -- it is pushing the future closer to today (euphemisms are my superpower lol jk)!

EDIT 2: I see the "Enable Sound API/Access" toggle in the Gear icon, below my generation. Exploring this now.

EDIT 3: Behold the HORROR (Works in Desktop Browser) English -> Morse code with "Sound": http://asim.sh/s/160375

- tip: beware of playing long morse code sequences, there is no stopping it.

By @bambax - 1 day
I tried and keep stuck in a loop between "Oops! Simulation failed" and "Try Fixing".

It's always the same error but it's not displayed in full: "Error: 297:3:invalid statement encou..." ('encountered' probably? but where? how? why not show the full error?)

Also, what are 'Agent' and 'Genius'? (two different app candidates?)

By @aaurelions - 2 days
Cool, aSim - it's a0.dev + Expo?
By @realprimoh - 2 days
Looks awesome! How do you plan to monetize down the road?
By @ddxv - 2 days
So where do the 'apps' you generate live? On my Google Play account or just inside of Asim?
By @leonhard - 2 days
Would like to try it out but I’m not receiving the verification code on my UK number.
By @pzo - 2 days
Looks like many of those mobile app generators these days:

https://asim.sh/

https://bolt.new/

https://replit.com/

https://a0.dev/

https://www.create.xyz/

https://www.tempo.new/

Seems like most (all?) are making react native apps using expo.

By @swyx - 2 days
congrats on launching. how are you handling backend needs? firebase? supabse? whats good/whats missing?
By @purple-leafy - 2 days
While that’s interesting, what I’m really after these days is a Mobile App that generates Mobile Apps that generate Mobile Apps

You can never have too many mobile app generators

By @sirjaz - 1 day
I'd love to see this adapted for desktop apps. Any plans on doing that?
By @asim - 2 days
Ironic that I end up competing with an AI app generator for work...
By @compootr - 2 days
nice april fools joke!
By @lukaskf - 2 days
This is so wild. Definitely one of the cooler uses of AI I have seen, especially for a consumer/app/game.
By @999900000999 - 2 days
Have to provide a number just to try someone else's app, hard pass.