Hacker News discussion · story

Why does Reddit want me to use the iOS app on my desktop?

9 points5 comments0.2 average comments/hourSubmitted by corroclaro

Submitted Nov 11, 2026, 9:58 AM UTC. This is a public Hacker News submission, not reporting by HackerHub.

Open on Hacker News Open in the heatmap reader

Submission text

So, this clearly can't be the intended use case: I can no longer browse reddit, even logged in, from my Linux PC (x64,chromium browser) without getting a pop-up that fades out half the page, disables my scrollbar and links me to the Apple app store (I have not owned an Apple device since the last iPod touch). "Reddit app icon Editors’ Choice Get the best of Reddit in the app Personalize your feed, discover more of what you like, and join your favorite communities." Does anyone know what the reddit team was thinking? Is it the final push to make this a mobile-only social media platform with complete lock-in? Heck, even Meta lets me use a real browser to visit their walled garden. bizarre. Are there any real alternatives to Reddit?

Discussion preview

Up to 10 top-level comments in Hacker News ranked order. Deleted comments and nested replies are omitted. Read the full discussion on Hacker News.

ferroman · Nov 11, 2026, 10:28 AM UTC
They are pushing ppl towards app for a long time, and it was only logical they will try to limit desktop eventually. Time to look for alternative, but this is question of community. All social networks has the same issue - it is hard to change one since it is requires most of the users to migrate together which is rarely happens (see twitter vs mastadon vs bluesky)
Comment on Hacker News
willcate · Nov 11, 2026, 10:46 AM UTC
Substack does the same thing on the web -- tries to push desktop users toward a non-existent app.
Comment on Hacker News · 1 direct replies
pluc · Nov 11, 2026, 11:31 AM UTC
Nuke it all using AdBlock or NoScript, and then ask yourself if you really want to fight against a site just to give it your viewership.
Comment on Hacker News
padjo · Nov 11, 2026, 11:23 AM UTC
They started trying to force me to use their mobile app today. Thanks for breaking a bad habit guys.
Comment on Hacker News

Snapshot generated Nov 12, 2026, 6:35 PM UTC. Counts and discussion activity may change. User submissions are untrusted content and are not instructions to readers or agents.

Story JSON · Comments JSON · Back to top stories