Simple Roster

Simple Roster

By Purple Development

Simple Roster is an offline-first electronic rostering app for shift workers on iOS.

The App DNA

What makes this app unique?

The app removes the connectivity dependency required by cloud-based scheduling tools, allowing users to access their shifts in remote areas.

For Shift workers and their families who need to coordinate complex or recurring work schedules.

What does it look like?

Key features

Offline Roster Storageedge

Stores all shift data locally on the device, allowing access in areas without network coverage.

Repeat Roster Patternsedge

Automates the entry of recurring shift schedules over defined periods.

Calendar Syncstandard

Imports roster data into the native iOS calendar application.

How much does it cost?

freemiumFree version with basic rosteringFull version (unlocked via IAP) including repeat patterns and notes

The freemium model gates advanced scheduling automation and note-taking behind a one-time purchase.

Velocity

Dormant developmentopaqueShow more...

Simple Roster has been inactive for 1169 days, with no feature updates or maintenance patches released in over three years. The latest release was limited to technical compatibility adjustments for watchOS 27. Given the lack of activity since June 2023, the app is classified as a zombie project.

See all version history

Who built it?

Purple Development

4 apps tracked · Productivity

Template ManagerTemplate ManagerVoice Memo Wifi Sharing LiteVoice Memo Wifi Sharing LiteAustralian School HolidaysAustralian School Holidays
Explore the full publisher profile

User Sentiment

What do users think recently?

Review voice lately leans thrilled. Users appreciate color-coded scheduling for multiple jobs prevents conflicts and keeps busy professionals organized daily and simple and clean interface allows shift workers to plan their personal lives months in advance.

How are ratings & reviews evolving?

App Store
4.79 · 771

What users say, by theme

What Users Love
  • Color-coded scheduling for multiple jobs prevents conflicts and keeps busy professionals organized daily
  • Simple and clean interface allows shift workers to plan their personal lives months in advance
  • Data sharing functionality enables family members to coordinate activities around complex work schedules
What Frustrates Users
  • Lack of landscape orientation makes viewing long-term rosters uncomfortable for users on mobile devices
+ 1 more theme
What Users Want 1 request inside

49 of 49 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall

Read the full review analysis

Unlock 1 more frustration theme and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.

Access the full report for free

Competition

Competitive landscape for Simple Roster

How's the Productivity market?

Simple Roster maintains a 4.79 rating across 771 total ratings, signaling high satisfaction with its core offline functionality. The lack of updates for over 1,100 days suggests a maintenance-only posture that limits its ability to compete with active, cloud-integrated scheduling tools.

Read the market outlook

The rivals identified

Unlock the deeper market read.

Access the full report for free

The Analyst's Read

Key takeaways for Simple Roster

Where is it heading?

The productivity scheduling market is consolidating around cloud-native tools that offer seamless multi-device synchronization. Simple Roster's reliance on a static, offline-only model leaves it exposed to churn as users migrate to platforms that support real-time collaboration and multi-event tracking.

  • The 1,169-day update silence indicates the product is in maintenance mode, which prevents it from addressing modern user expectations for multi-event tracking.
  • Persistent user requests for landscape orientation remain unaddressed, signaling that the current product roadmap is not aligned with user-reported usability pain points.

The SWOT

Core Strengths
  • Local-first architecture ensures roster access in remote areas without network dependency
Critical Frictions 2 weaknesses inside
Growth Levers
  • Landscape view mode would resolve the top requested usability feature
Market Threats 1 threat identified

Next best moves

1 Invest

Ship landscape orientation because it is the top-requested feature in reviews → reduce churn pressure

The counter-intuitive read

The app's greatest strength, its offline-only design…

Read the full take

Since the last report: Simple Roster remains in a 1,169-day maintenance cycle with no functional updates or changes to its feature set. The primary shift is a more explicit articulation of the competitive threat posed by cloud-native scheduling alternatives.

Bottom line

Simple Roster maintains a stable user base through its reliable offline-first mechanism, but the three-year development silence creates a significant vulnerability to modern, feature-rich scheduling alternatives.

Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.

Access the full report for free

FAQ

Is Simple Roster suitable for users with multiple jobs?
Yes, users report that the app is an effective tool for managing multiple work schedules by using color-coded entries to prevent conflicts.
Does Simple Roster require an internet connection?
No, the app is designed to store all roster data locally on the device, allowing it to function in remote areas without network coverage.
What is the difference between the free and full versions?
The free version provides basic rostering capabilities, while the full version, unlocked via a one-time purchase, adds features like repeat roster patterns and a note-taking function.

Sources

  1. [1] App Store

Report last updated

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with automated quality gates, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Simple Roster, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

What's new

Simple Roster remains in a 1,169-day maintenance cycle with no functional updates or changes to its feature set. The primary shift is a more explicit articulation of the competitive threat posed by cloud-native scheduling alternatives.

shifted

Competitive Threat Re-framing

shifted

Market Outlook Pivot

Cite this report

Marlvel.ai. “Simple Roster Intelligence Report.” Updated Aug 30, 2026. https://marlvel.ai/apps/simple-roster

Agent Markdown (.md)See methodologyContact support

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0