Drink Buddies is a free iMessage sticker app providing cute, beverage-themed illustrations (boba, coffee, lassi). It targets social media users who enjoy 'kawaii' aesthetics to enhance their chats. While the app has a positive sentiment due to its art quality, it is currently a legacy project that has not been updated since 2018, leading to technical stagnation and user confusion regarding uninstallation.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Social media users and messaging enthusiasts who enjoy using cute, food-and-drink-themed visual assets to express themselves in chats.
What does it look like?
Key features
Allows users to send custom drink-themed stickers directly within iMessage conversations
Curated library of illustrations featuring coffee, boba tea, and mango lassi
How much does it cost?
The app follows a simple, free-to-use model without visible in-app purchases or subscription tiers, likely serving as a portfolio piece or hobby project.
Velocity
Dormant developmentShow more...
The app has not received a single update in over 7 years, indicating that development has ceased. There is no evidence of recent feature releases, bug fixes, or performance improvements. The project appears to be in a zombie state with no active maintenance or development momentum.
Who built it?
Neil Sardesai
13+ apps tracked · Stickers
Step Two
Arial Attack
Tap to Escape: A One Button Adventure
Kahunas
Ryze
Troponin Nutrition
R5 Online
Strong Will Fitness
Pursuit Coaching
Trained By Jaimo
ALL IN Coaching
BalancedbodiesUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews excited. Users appreciate visual appeal & cuteness and social engagement.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Visual Appeal & Cuteness
- Social Engagement
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Drink Buddies
How's the Stickers market?
The rivals identified
By Imagineer Co.,Ltd.
A dominant category leader that defines the 'cute food' aesthetic with a massive rating count and active maintenance that dwarfs this app's legacy footprint.
- Leverages established San-X character IP (Sumikko Gurashi) to drive organic discovery, whereas target relies on generic, unbranded food illustrations.
- Maintains a consistent release schedule (1 update in the last 6 months) ensuring full compatibility with the latest iOS iMessage features, while this app has been stagnant since 2018.
- Positions as a lifestyle brand with a broader character ecosystem, moving beyond simple stickers into a 'collectible' digital experience.
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Drink Buddies
Where is it heading?
- Last updated in 2018 (v1.1.2) — indicates a legacy project in maintenance mode.
- Positive mood regarding art quality — core assets remain competitive despite age.
- High-frequency 'Uninstallation Confusion' complaints — unaddressed UX friction damaging the brand.
The SWOT
- High-quality 'kawaii' art style that drives positive sentiment
- Strong social engagement value (users report stickers bring joy to recipients)
- Simple, free-to-use model with no monetization friction
- Expansion to Android/WhatsApp to meet user demand
- Adding instructional onboarding to reduce 'scam' accusations
- Monetizing through seasonal or limited-edition drink packs
Next best moves
Add 'How to Use/Delete' guide to App Store screenshots
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Active maintenance and iOS compatibility updates (available in Sumikko Gurashi) +2
Bottom line
Users report: Drink Buddies is a high-quality art asset library trapped in a neglected technical shell. If I were the PM, I would prioritize fixing the uninstallation UX to stop the 'scam' accusations and then leverage the existing 'kawaii' appeal to expand into cross-platform sticker markets like WhatsApp.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Drink Buddies good for boba tea fans?
How does Drink Buddies compare to Sumikko Gurashi?
Why can't I delete Drink Buddies stickers from my iPhone?
Is there an Android version of Drink Buddies?
Report last updated