I built a podcast app that automatically skips ads - looking for beta testers

Hey r/iosapps,

I am putting the finishing touches on a podcast app called earsay that automatically detects and skips ads as you listen. No manual chapter markers, no crowdsourced timestamps, no cloud processing - it uses a machine learning model that runs entirely on your iPhone.

How it works:

• The model analyzes audio in real-time as you listen
• When it detects an ad, it skips automatically
• Everything happens on-device. Your listening data never leaves your phone.

It also has the usual podcast app features: voice boost, silence skip, variable speed (0.5x-2x), offline downloads, etc.

Why I built it:

I got tired of the 5-minute ad blocks in my favorite shows. I love the creators and I know ads pay the bills, but when you're binge-listening to a back catalog, it gets exhausting.

Looking for beta testers:

The app launches in early 2026, but I'm opening up limited beta spots now. If you're interested in trying it out and giving feedback, you can sign up at https://earsay.app/t=1 - just click "Request Beta Access" near the bottom and tell me a bit about your podcast listening habits.

I will be looking for both technical and other feedback like how the app could automatically surface sponsors and/or creator subscriptions (i.e. Patreon et al.) in more helpful ways than blasting your ear canal when you are trying to sleep.

Happy to answer any questions. The app is not yet on the store so I don't have an app store link. The app will be free for use with one podcast, and pricing for unlimited podcasts is TBD. It will be a single lifetime IAP unlock.