Saturn: A New iOS App for Mastodon That Aims to Beat Twitter

The developer behind the popular Mastodon client Mammoth, Shihab Mehboob, has launched a new app called Saturn. This app is designed to enhance the Mastodon experience with a unique "Highlights" feature that summarizes the user's timeline and displays popular content. Saturn promises to provide a more user-friendly way to navigate the decentralized social network, addressing a key challenge for Mastodon newcomers.

Saturn's "Highlights" Feature: A Simple and Effective Approach

Saturn's "Highlights" feature is designed to help users quickly find interesting content on Mastodon, without relying on algorithms like those used by Twitter and its competitors. This feature leverages a simple native checker that identifies posts and accounts with high likes and reposts, bringing them forward in the app. Saturn goes beyond just highlighting content from followed accounts, also including content reposted into the user's feed.

• This approach provides a personalized overview of popular content, even from accounts the user doesn't follow directly.
• It avoids the use of AI or machine learning, addressing concerns within the Mastodon community about the potential for algorithmic manipulation.

Saturn's Approach to Mastodon vs. Twitter

Unlike platforms like Twitter and Meta's Threads, which employ algorithms to curate content for each user, Saturn prioritizes chronological timelines. It offers a more traditional social media experience, placing emphasis on a chronological order of posts.

• Saturn provides a more transparent and less curated experience, allowing users to see content in the order it was posted.
• This approach aligns with Mastodon's core principles of decentralization and user control.

Saturn's Features: More Than Just a Twitter Alternative

Saturn boasts a range of features that aim to make the Mastodon experience more engaging and accessible. In addition to the "Highlights" feature, Saturn offers:

• Post Capabilities: Users can share images, videos, GIFs, polls, custom emoticons, drawings, and spoiler text.
• Customizable Navigation Bar: Saturn allows users to customize the bottom navigation bar to quickly access popular posts, latest news, suggested accounts, communities, trending tags, feed, firehose, community posts, lists, bookmarks, and their profile.
• Chronological Timelines: Saturn prioritizes chronological timelines, offering a clear and transparent feed.
• Support for Apple's Features: Saturn integrates with iOS 18 features like App Intents, Control Center Widgets, Translations, Pencil gestures, and Live Activities for Apple Watch.

Saturn's Premium Subscription: Additional Features and Benefits

Saturn utilizes a premium subscription model, offering additional features and benefits to users who choose to subscribe. For $12.99 per year or $39.99 as a one-time purchase, Saturn's premium subscription unlocks:

• Smart Highlights Discovery: Users can access the "Highlights" feature to discover popular content.
• Lurker Mode: Users can browse timelines without accidentally liking content.
• Speed Dial for Messaging: Quick access to frequently contacted users.
• Unlimited Account Support: Manage multiple Mastodon accounts within the app.
• Push Notifications: Stay updated on new content and interactions.
• Custom Themes and Icons: Customize Saturn's appearance to match user preferences.
• Social Sharing: Easily share content to other social media platforms.
• Shortcuts, Widgets, and More: Additional features to enhance the user experience.

Saturn's Focus on iOS Design and Integration

Saturn prioritizes a seamless iOS integration, leveraging Apple's latest features and design principles. The app is optimized for iOS 18 and offers a user-friendly interface that is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

• Saturn seamlessly integrates with the iOS ecosystem, offering a native experience for iPhone and iPad users.
• The app's design is modern and intuitive, providing a streamlined and enjoyable user experience.

Saturn's Potential Impact on the Mastodon Ecosystem

Saturn's launch could have a significant impact on the Mastodon ecosystem. The app's focus on user experience, intuitive features, and seamless integration with iOS could attract a wider audience to the decentralized social network.

• Saturn aims to simplify the Mastodon experience for new users, making it easier to find interesting content and engage with the community.
• The app's focus on user-friendliness and customization could make Mastodon a more appealing alternative to Twitter for iOS users.