# Your App Could Have Been a Webpage (So I Fixed It for You) Discover why some apps should just be simple web pages instead. - **Source:** [Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com)](https://brifing.si/source/13c923cd-6d99-442b-9b8b-1181f4d8cd91) - **Published:** 2026-07-11 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fae96c06-deed-4289-8661-a6afba1bb091 ## The Problem of Unnecessary Apps Many companies unnecessarily use mobile apps to share simple information. This takes up space on users' devices while ignoring faster and more accessible web page alternatives. ## Poor User Experience The travel app in the example only displays text and PDF links. This content could be more accessible and user-friendly on a webpage. The app's extra size and ads frustrate users. ## Data Tracking and Privacy Concerns The app tracks user data to show ads. Such apps violate user privacy, while web pages offer a more transparent and secure alternative. ## Technical Analysis and Reverse Engineering The author analyzed the app's network traffic and discovered it uses a simple JSON API. This data can easily be displayed on a webpage, offering users more features. ## Transforming into a Webpage The author created a lighter and more functional webpage using the app's data. This page allows users to access content faster and more securely. ## Critique of App Culture Many companies develop unnecessary apps, worsening user experience. Web technologies offer more accessible and efficient solutions, but app mania overlooks these opportunities. ## Sources covering this story - https://danq.me/2026/07/09/your-app-could-have-been-a-webpage/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._