Tapbots, the well-known developer behind Tweetbot and Ivory, has revealed plans to launch a new iOS and Mac app called Phoenix, designed specifically for Bluesky’s rapidly expanding social network. The Bluesky app is expected to debut in the summer of 2025, with a limited public alpha release preceding its full launch.
A Strategic Expansion to Bluesky
With Bluesky surpassing 32 million users, Tapbots has identified a growing demand for high-quality third-party clients tailored to the platform. The company, which gained prominence with its Twitter client Tweetbot before the app was rendered obsolete following Twitter’s transition to X, later pivoted to developing Ivory, a premium Mastodon client. Now, Tapbots is broadening its scope once again with Phoenix, catering to Bluesky users while continuing its work on Ivory.
Technology
Bluesky operates on the AT Protocol, a decentralized networking standard distinct from Mastodon’s ActivityPub. This difference in underlying technology is one of the reasons Tapbots has chosen to develop a separate Bluesky app rather than integrate support into Ivory. The company believes that a standalone Bluesky app will provide a better user experience than a multi-network client.
Balancing Development Between Two Platforms
Despite this expansion, Tapbots insists it is not shifting focus away from Mastodon. The company acknowledges, however, that developing Phoenix will temporarily slow down Ivory updates.
“It would be a lie if we said Ivory would be in full development while we are trying to get Phoenix up and running,” the company stated on its website. Nevertheless, Tapbots remains committed to Mastodon, describing it as their “home on the social web” and expressing confidence in the long-term potential of ActivityPub. Once Phoenix is launched, the company plans to work on both apps concurrently, introducing improvements across both platforms.
Addressing a Split User Base
Since Twitter’s acquisition by Elon Musk and its transformation into X, many users have migrated to alternative platforms such as Mastodon and Bluesky. Tapbots notes that this shift has fragmented its customer base, making it challenging to sustain operations with a single Bluesky app. Supporting both networks is a necessary step for the company’s continued success.
“To continue to thrive as a company, we must support both [Bluesky and Mastodon],” Tapbots stated. “Unfortunately, we can’t survive on Mastodon alone.”
Planned Features and Monetization Model
Phoenix is expected to follow a similar monetization strategy to Ivory, which currently offers a subscription model priced at $1.99 per month or $14.99 per year. While Tapbots has not officially confirmed Phoenix’s pricing structure, a comparable approach is likely.
Additionally, the company plans to introduce a cross-posting feature between Mastodon and Bluesky, allowing users to maintain an active presence on both platforms without relying on a single unified app.
Bluesky App: Looking Ahead
As Bluesky continues to gain traction, the launch of Phoenix positions Tapbots as a key player in the evolving social media landscape. While Mastodon remains a priority, this expansion signals the company’s commitment to adapting to the shifting dynamics of decentralized social networking.
For those eager to stay updated, Tapbots has launched an official Phoenix account on Bluesky, where users can follow the latest developments ahead of the app’s release.
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