I think there’s a misunderstanding - it’s not static, the exercises updated regularly and there are frequent updates, even if no server. As well as time and development costs, there are also ongoing costs from having an app live. If recurrent payments don’t work then there is a lifetime access option ($40), which is lower than many similar apps’ annual cost. I don’t think this is unreasonable at all.

I agree, hate how everything is a subscription now but $40 is a reasonable price for lifetime access.

For better or worse (mostly worse) developing an iPhone app isn't like making software for Windows XP where you ship it and it's done and will still run 20 years later with no additional work. There will no doubt be ongoing expenses and continued development work to keep it functional on new devices and new OS versions. So I get why subscriptions are a thing (especially since Apple has never allowed for paid upgrade pricing), the part I don't get is how so many of them think I want to spend $15/month forever on an IoT toaster that will revolutionize my bagel experience with AI.

The app is beautiful, but too expensive for me.