Let s talk about a dirty secret in software development: Apps that refuse to leave when you delete them.
You drag an app to the Trash, empty it, and you think you re done. But months later, you find 2GB of hidden cache files, random Launch Daemons, and preference files still lurking deep in your ~/Library folder.
Why is this considered normal? Why don't apps clean up after themselves?
Lately, it feels like every single app update comes with a forced "AI-powered" feature. The other day, I saw an AI integration for a basic calculator app. Are we losing our minds?
When I was building OptiClear (a Mac storage cleaner), I got a lot of "advice" from other makers: "You should add an AI smart-cleaner!" "Use an LLM to analyze the junk files!"
If you look at the top Mac cleaning utilities today, they all share a similar design language: they look like a 2005 spaceship dashboard.
They have spinning radars, giant red warning signs flashing "YOUR MAC IS IN DANGER", and custom UI elements that look nothing like macOS. It s designed to create panic and force a purchase.
When I started building OptiClear, I decided to take the exact opposite approach. I wanted the UI to be almost... boring.
