Next Up is a podcast-based alarm clock for iOS that syncs with native Apple Podcasts subscriptions.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users want to replace jarring standard alarm sounds with specific, engaging audio content to start their day.
For Podcast listeners who want to replace standard alarm sounds with specific audio content or news briefings.
What does it look like?
Key features
Triggers alarms using any of the 750,000 podcasts available on the Apple Podcasts platform.
Imports subscriptions and downloads directly from the native Apple Podcasts app to avoid duplicate management.
Includes a built-in sound generator for sleep assistance, independent of podcast playback.
How much does it cost?
The app operates as a free utility, though user reports indicate frustration with subscription transitions.
Velocity
Dormant developmentperformanceShow more...
Next Up - A Podcast Alarm has been inactive for 2,032 days, indicating a complete cessation of development. The last release was a minor update focused on performance and bug fixes for older iOS versions. There is no evidence of ongoing maintenance or feature development, and the app has remained in a stagnant state for several years.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate podcast-based alarm concept provides a peaceful and motivating wake-up experience for daily users and highly customizable settings allow users to tailor their morning audio experience to their personal preferences.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Podcast-based alarm concept provides a peaceful and motivating wake-up experience for daily users
- Highly customizable settings allow users to tailor their morning audio experience to their personal preferences
- Core alarm functionality fails to trigger or play selected podcasts, leading to missed wake-up calls
49 of 49 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Frustrated overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 2 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Next Up - A Podcast Alarm
How's the Utilities market?
Next Up operates in the Utilities category with a 3.8-star rating across 279 total ratings. The lack of updates since early 2021 signals a maintenance-mode posture that prevents competitive scaling.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Next Up - A Podcast Alarm
Where is it heading?
The market for alarm utilities is shifting toward high-reliability, low-friction experiences. Next Up remains exposed due to its lack of development, and the current failure rate of its primary function will likely lead to further rating erosion.
- The five-year update gap (last release 2021) suggests the app is in maintenance mode, which prevents it from addressing current iOS background-process limitations.
- Persistent reports of missed alarms and battery drain indicate the core utility is failing, which accelerates churn among the remaining user base.
The SWOT
- Native Apple Podcasts integration removes subscription management friction
- Persistent playback memory would resolve a top user request
Next best moves
Audit alarm trigger logic because users report missed wake-up calls → restore core reliability
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's biggest risk is not a competitor…
Read the full takeSince the last report: The app remains in a stagnant state with no functional updates or feature changes. The primary shift involves a more direct acknowledgment of the app's obsolescence in the FAQ and a consolidation of SWOT analysis points.
Bottom line
Next Up relies on a strong core concept, but the persistent failure of the alarm mechanism erodes user trust. If the developer cannot resolve the reliability issues, the app will continue to lose its remaining user base to more stable, modern alarm alternatives.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Next Up free to use?
Does Next Up work with Spotify podcasts?
Why does my alarm not go off?
What are some alternatives to Next Up?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
Report last updated