Popular Reddit App Apollo Closes Due to Costly API Changes
Apollo, a widely used third-party Reddit app, shuts down on June 30th because Reddit's new API pricing makes operation financially impossible. The sole developer also cites damaging allegations made by Reddit's CEO as a key reason for closing.
Popular third-party Reddit app Apollo shuts down on June 30th as creator Christian Selig states that Reddit's new API pricing makes it impossible to continue. Selig calculates that keeping the app running under the upcoming rules costs around $20 million per year, a completely unsustainable figure for a solo developer.
The situation worsens after a misunderstood conversation where Selig jokingly suggests Reddit cut him a check for $10 million to stop the app. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman reportedly tells moderators that Selig is threatening and coercing the company, an accusation that Selig says destroys any chance of recovering the working relationship.
This closure impacts approximately 50,000 paying subscribers and highlights the broader community backlash against Reddit's controversial API policy. Although Reddit offers free API access to certain accessibility apps, the loss of Apollo marks a significant shift in how users experience the platform.