RSS readers, for the longest time, have adhered to an “Inbox Zero” approach, displaying an unread count next to each source. With a dozen or more feeds on your list, getting that count to zero can be quite the challenge.
Enter Silvio Rizzi, the mastermind behind the beloved RSS app Reeder. Rizzi is shaking things up for those who want to escape the relentless stress of unread counts with a fresh redesign. This new version of Reeder embraces a wider array of sources, including YouTube channels, Reddit forums, Mastodon and Bluesky feeds, podcasts, and even comic strips.
But don’t worry—Reeder Classic isn’t going anywhere. The original app will still be available under this name, but its successor promises significant improvements. Rizzi pointed out that while Reeder Classic did support platforms like YouTube and Reddit, it didn’t provide the optimal viewing experience.
Unveiling the new Reeder, Rizzi notes that the content isn’t just crammed into an RSS viewer anymore. Instead, various types of content have specialized viewers—articles, photos, videos, social media posts, and podcasts each get their own tailored space. This approach not only enhances the user experience but also makes the app easy to expand with new content types in the future.
Despite retaining some core functionalities, the app has been rebuilt from the ground up. The old design’s iCloud sync became sluggish and unreliable due to its effort to fetch everything. The new Reeder, however, only syncs essentials like subscriptions, timeline positions, and tagged items. Ditching the unread count across devices has boosted overall speed and performance.
Plus, with Reeder’s expansive source compatibility, you can craft a custom feed and share it with friends or on social media.
The app is free but offers a premium tier at $1 per month or $10 per year for those looking to share feeds, sync Mastodon and Bluesky timelines, and create more than ten feeds. The future looks bright for Reeder, with upcoming features such as additional swipe actions, new layout options, smart feeds, and handy keyboard shortcuts.
Reeder isn’t alone in this space. Other app developers are also exploring ways to consolidate various content types. Take Nate Parrott’s Feeeed from The Browser Company or Twitterrific’s team new app, Tapestry, for instance. Even Joe Fabisevich’s Plinky, though not strictly a feed reader, manages multiple formats seamlessly.
With its thoughtful redesign and enhanced capabilities, the new Reeder seems set to become the go-to app for anyone looking to enjoy a diverse and organized feed without the pressure of unread counts.
