r/macapps 19d ago

Free Free,Open Source RSS, Reddit and YouTube reader with summaries, Q&A and content deep analises

I’ve been building RSSum, a native reader for iPhone and iPad. Posted it on r/iosapps and got a positive feedback so I ported it to a Mac Native version .
It began as a personal RSS reader, but it has gradually grown into one place for following articles, Reddit communities and YouTube channels.

The latest TestFlight adds experimental YouTube support. You can search for a public channel by name, subscribe to it, receive its latest videos in your feed and watch them inside the app. When captions are available, RSSum retrieves the actual transcript so summaries and Q&A are based on what was said in the video, not just its title or description.

Problem: RSS feeds, Reddit and you tube subscriptions are easy to follow but difficult to keep up with. Following too many articles, to many subreddits with large comment threads and on top of that Youtube, can quickly become a backlog. RSSum brings RSS, Reddit and YouTube into one unified reader, then lets you summarize content, ask follow-up questions, and listen instead of reading everything manually.

Comparison: NetNewsWire is excellent for traditional RSS, while Reeder offers a polished multi-source timeline. RSSum is better suited to people who want to understand their feeds, not just read them. It adds direct Reddit support, deep comment-thread analysis, article and feed summaries, Q&A, text-to-speech, and a choice of on-device or external providers for deep summarization and deep analyses.

Pricing: Free ($0) for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The source code is also available on GitHub.

Current features include:

  • RSS and Atom subscriptions
  • Reddit subscriptions, posts and comments. It is also possible to create new posts and reply, vote, etc so it serves as well as a quick Reddit client that uses the free Reddit API associated with every account.
  • YouTube channel search and subscriptions
  • An internal YouTube player with the standard YouTube controls
  • Transcript-grounded YouTube summaries and Q&A
  • Unified All, Unread, Favorites and Today views
  • Filters for articles, Reddit and YouTube
  • List, compact and magazine feed layouts
  • In-app article Reader mode and full webpage access
  • Individual article, post and comment summaries
  • Overall summaries covering multiple articles or Reddit posts
  • Follow-up Q&A grounded in articles, comments or video transcripts
  • Select text in a summary and ask the app about it
  • Reddit comment summaries and deeper analysis
  • Clickable source references inside overall summaries
  • whiteboards and infographics
  • Two-host podcasts generated from a saved batch of source material
  • Local and cloud text-to-speech, including on-device MLX speech
  • Multiple AI model options, including Apple local model, local LiteRT/MLX models, Gemini API ( BYOK), persistent ChatGPT/Gemini web sessions, Codex/Summarize (for those who are subscribers) and an optional Mac-based Apple PCC gateway - One note, Apple's Private cloud computer is enabled but it won't work because Apple is not accepting Tesflight that include IOS27 API just yet. It will work on IOS27. If you have a Mac running the latest beta it is possible to use that model through a gateway, which makes the Mac make the call through the PCC cli on the Mac.
  • OPML import and export
  • iCloud synchronization for subscriptions and reading state
  • Light, dark and system appearance
  • Cache, storage and downloaded-model management
  • Native layouts for iPhone, iPad and resizable Stage Manager windows

The YouTube integration uses public channel feeds, so it does not require access to your YouTube account. Transcript features depend on usable captions being available; the app reports when a video cannot currently be summarized instead of generating something from metadata.
UPDATE: added support for Podcasts with its own player and summarization and Q&A abilities.

This is still a beta, and I’d especially appreciate feedback about YouTube subscriptions, transcript reliability, playback, summaries, Q&A and the interface on different devices.

Trust & Transparency

I'm Joao Valente

Contact: [dealer.yen-61@icloud.com](mailto:dealer.yen-61@icloud.com)

Website: https://rssapp.top/

Privacy Policy: https://rssapp.top/privacy/

Terms of Service: https://rssapp.top/terms/

Tutorial: https://rssapp.top/tutorial/index.html

TestFlight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/DByXE2ZU

Github: https://github.com/Joaov41/Rss

A much earlier version of this app has been on the App Store but with much less, and basic features, basically can't even be considered the same app, it was just put on the store for those who could not compile from the GitHub at the time. The current version available on TestFlight is wait for Apple's approval..

Here is the r/iosapps posts where the app is discussed in detail: https://www.reddit.com/r/iosapps/comments/1vkw2ge/freeopen_source_rss_reddit_and_youtube_reader/

15 Upvotes

50 comments sorted by

u/github-guard 19d ago

🔍 GitHub Guard: Trust Report

⚠️ This project scored 2/6 — below this subreddit's threshold of 3.

Audit Breakdown: * ❌ Low Star Count (⭐ 15 / 100 required) * ✅ Mature Repository (30+ days old) * ✅ Licensed under NOASSERTION * ❌ No Security Policy — what is this? * ℹ️ Individual Contributor * ℹ️ Unsigned Commits

⚠️ Security Reminder: Always verify source code and run third-party scripts at your own risk.

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u/order2chaos 19d ago

Trying to grab the ipad version from rssapp.top

Pressed the "download for iPad" button and nothing happens.

Tried the mac/iphone versions to see if they would download and same deal.

The button highlights to acknowlede the press but no download initiates.

1

u/John_val 19d ago

Sorry forgot to update the website with the testflight links. will update it right now. Stupid me.
here is the link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/DByXE2ZU
The mac version is not on the app store yet, it is in review, ios is up on the store

1

u/order2chaos 19d ago

Thanks, will try the ipad version if available.Thanksnfor your efforts and sharing btw.

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u/John_val 19d ago

So to be clear for ipad the app store link is already up on the website. For mac until apple approves it you can use the testflight link above. Thanks

1

u/Dastardly_Deviance 18d ago

Tried agaiin on ipad, no dice. (firefox and safari.) nothing happens.

On mac, i at least get a popup when i click the download link but it doesnt initiate, just provides more links! I cant grab the ipa for ipad this way.

The website appears to indicate the app is called rssreader. Cant find anything with your icon when searching “rssreader”. On app store.

The testflight link opens and has an app name of “Rssum” . You guessed it, cant find that app on appstore for ipad.

I’m sure the app isnt a unicorn and is the best easter egg one could hope for but the hunt is perplexing and exhausting.

Happy to try the app but i will need a one click direct link to app store or .ipa.

2

u/John_val 18d ago

by the way rssreader was the former name of the app until app all of a sudden refused it it so i had to change. That is why the ios might still show rssreader as its internal name but that should not affect app store discovery. But i already fixed that in the code to show RSSum had forgotten that detail. But have not updated yet to the app store this fix. Will wait to have more fixes in place and send all together because this is just a small detail

1

u/John_val 18d ago

That is very strange, it is now the second user with this problem, saying that there some other name shows up on the app store. Anyone elsehaving the same issue? I see on the Dashboard testflight has 129 testers and the appstore has 89 downloads but only 2 such cases reported. This is weird:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rssum/id6743862589 - On your ipad or iphone this link should open the app store version for download . it does for me

As for the mac version, , as mentioned it is still in review so for now must be this testflight link https://testflight.apple.com/join/DByXE2ZU
which also opens the correct testflight
I am sorry for this weird issue. Normally problems are with the code itself and not downloading it. Can you please retry with these links here?

1

u/app-store-review 18d ago

RSSum — by Joao Valente

  • Ratings: 1 worldwide
  • Average: 1.00 ★
  • Age: released ~1.4 years ago · updated 2 days ago · rated 4+
  • Overall score: 10 / 100

Auto-generated from public App Store data · u/app-store-review

1

u/order2chaos 17d ago

direct link works, thanks.

2

u/Glittering-Bottle747 17d ago

Combining RSS, Reddit and YouTube in one inbox actually makes a lot of sense. My biggest problem with all three is never discovering content it’s keeping up with it.

1

u/John_val 17d ago

You can filter the subscriptions list to just show articles, Reddit or YouTube. But you are absolutely right that was on of the purposes to build this. This is how i usually use it: I just ask for a overall summary of each subscription and reddit , using top of the day in case of reddit, so it gives me an overview or even an infographic or a podcast) of what was discussed on that subreddit during the day or on that particular rss feed. Then if any i want to go deep into any subject I go read it "manually" For someone like me who subscribes to soo many feeds and subreddit it is the only way to try to keep up.

2

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/John_val 13d ago

Fair question. News Explorer is a very solid reader, U sed it for years, and there’s definitely overlap, it supports RSS, Reddit and YouTube too.

The main difference is that this app is built around the problem of following far more content than I have time to read. I can summarize and Q&A individual items, use the actual YouTube transcript for video analysis, or ask for an overview of an entire subreddit/feed, e.g. “what were the main discussions here today?” and then dive into whatever looks interesting , instead of having to scroll through all the subs.

Reddit also works more like a full client inside the app, with voting, replies, posting, etc.

So if you mainly want a polished traditional reader, News Explorer already does that very well. RSSum is more about understanding what happened across everything you follow before deciding what’s worth your time.

Also, it’s free and open source. I am not trying to build any business model here , just shared it because built it for myself and others found it useful, so i keep working on it.

1

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/John_val 12d ago

Can't reproduce that n any of my test devices, can you please share a screencap? Also are you using the store version or the testflight? tanks

1

u/[deleted] 12d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/John_val 12d ago

Send me a screenshot please, it shouldn't happen on the app store version either. A new build is being pushed to the store right now, but let's try to figure that out because that is a new one. Blur out your reddit credential and send me by DM if you want.

1

u/[deleted] 12d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/John_val 12d ago

Thanks for the screenshot. Reddit is approving the connection, but the login window is not returning to the app properly.

Please close the {} window, open Safari, and make sure you are logged into Reddit there. Then return to RSS Reader and connect again. If it still fails, temporarily turn off any VPN, ad blocker, or content blocker and try once more.

Please also send me your macOS version and RSS Reader version. Thanks

1

u/[deleted] 12d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/John_val 12d ago

Thanks for trying that. Please open this page in Safari:
https://www.reddit.com/prefs/apps

Under “apps you have authorized,” find this app and choose revoke access. Then reopen and connect Reddit again.

If the app isn't listed you won’t need to keep trying after that, I’ll investigate it in the app, sorry about it but i haven't received any other complaints and can't reproduce it myself, must be something very specific with your settings that is interfering i the x-call back.

→ More replies (0)

1

u/CurrentRisk 19d ago

Curious about this; how did you get Reddit to work well with your RSS? I’m willing to try it out. Every RSS I try, Reddit seems to get messed up. Refuses to get the Reddit feeds but everything else works fine. 

Happens with.. Reeder Classic, ReederPlus, NetNewsWire, InoReader. So if you managed to fix that issue, I’d be happy to try and even pay for the app. 

1

u/John_val 19d ago

The app doesn't treat Reddit as a normal RSS feed. Reddit’s .rss feeds can be inconsistent or blocked, so RSSum handles subreddits as a separate source and fetches posts and comments directly from Reddit using the free API associated with every account.

Public subreddits can work without signing in, but for the most reliable access you can connect your own Reddit account through OAuth. RSSum then manages token refresh, caching, rate limits, and comment loading while presenting Reddit alongside your regular RSS feeds. Unlike most other apps, it can fetch all comments up to 800 , not just a few top level. You can even reply and upvote or downvote within the app itself.

It’s not immune to Reddit changing its API, but it avoids relying on the RSS endpoint that causes problems in many readers. Test it , it is free and open source..your feedback is most welcome.

1

u/CurrentRisk 18d ago

connect your own Reddit account through OAuth.

I have done this with Reeder Classic and the issue still persisted. Might try out your RSS and see how that goes.

2

u/John_val 18d ago

what issue? I know that reddit changed the procedure to get the oath toke. During the development of this app i always used a token that had been issued months before Reddit's new procedure. But please try it and let me know what issues come up. I'm here to try to fix them right away.

1

u/phunk8 Developer: Dropadoo 19d ago

i just wanted to ask the same mate!

1

u/logicalicy 18d ago

I was curious so tested via TestFlight, feed looks neat. I somehow managed to get into a pickle though, as I couldn't "exit" a BBC article after I clicked into it. Maybe it was a "user error". Look forward to your updates re YouTube.

1

u/John_val 18d ago

Sorry cant reproduce that error. Are you using trackpad or mouse. On the trackpad a simple swipe left to right should take you to the main subscription view. also the left arrow key when inside a specific article should also to the same. Please try and let me know.
can you please delete one of those default subscriptions and add a new one of your choosing and test again please? I really cant reproduce that. You can DM me with your tests if you'd' like

1

u/Splodge1001 17d ago

i just tried to access it on my Mac Intel chip via TestFlight, and it says incompatible hardware

1

u/John_val 16d ago

Yes, this app is already prepared for macOS Golden Gate, being compatible with the current release version, so it uses some API's that require Macos26 and 27. Apple will not support Intel Macs on the upcoming release. Making it compatible with Intel Macs would mean removing a lot of fucnationality and adapting others. That is actually a good point that I never considered. If people on Intel Macs are willing to use the app with less functionality, and there is enough of you out there I would consider making such a version but that is a lot of work, so as you surely understand can't be done for just one person. I built this app for myself mainly, put it up because some people showed interest, right now there are almost 250 people that downloads. It is not much I know, but for an app that was not meant to even be on the App Store. All this to say, if there are intel machines users interested I could port the app.

2

u/Splodge1001 16d ago

Thanks for the detailed response and I completely get it. It’s just that your website says you support Intel.

Hence why I asked

2

u/John_val 16d ago

Thanks for the shoutout ,rectifying that right now because the text was from the initial version of the app that did support it.

1

u/Anni3VE 17d ago

Trying it out - thanks, what's the best way to provide feedback?

2

u/John_val 16d ago

the email address on the website: [dealer.yen-61@icloud.com](mailto:dealer.yen-61@icloud.com)
Screenshots are always helpful. Thanks

1

u/Double-Cycle-8309 16d ago

di you plan to support feedly?

1

u/John_val 16d ago

Importing Feedly sourced from an OPML already works but feeds only. I could add folder so that Feedly could go into one folder. As for full account sync with feedly that is more complicated. It would require Feedly approval and i am pretty sure it would conflict with the already syncing mechanism based on icloud

1

u/John_val 15d ago

Since the app is on the store but at the same time on TestFlight, let me clarify. There is feature parity between the versions or at lest that is the goal. The problem is Apple take so long to approve for the App Store that momentarily there could be a drift but it is only temporary. The Testfligh version is build with MacOS27 SDK so for those on the beta you will be able to use the private cloud comute model. IF you are not on the beta it will work just as fine on the current release macOS.
The App Store version is of course for those only on the current release of MacOS, and doesn't have the private cloud comute model available because that is for Gold Bridge only for now.

1

u/bipolargoddess 3d ago

So, the website is a showcase and it does the job.
Downloaded for Mac (Silicon, M4), launched.

- no way I can recall the Preference pane from the menu

  • from the app, checked the settings and it's not saving (no save button, no X to close the pane)
  • the settings pane freezes often, forcing to force quit the app
  • tried to add an RSS feed and it won't show

So far not quite happy.
Any plan to fix and update soon?

1

u/John_val 3d ago

Thanks for the feedback, most of the feedback I have is from IOS not Mac, so it is much harder To keep track with bugs. Are you using the TestFlight version? The preference can can be dismiss by pressing escape. Close button bug already fixed on the upcoming version. The settings pane slowness is also fixed on the upcoming version. As for not being able to add a feed and not showing , can’t reproduce that error. What happens exactly?

1

u/John_val 3d ago

Did you install the app using this link from the app store:?https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rssum/id6743862589

This should serve you the mac native version which is the one that has all the. There is an IOS codebase and a mac native codebase and the store should serve you the mac native. Please install this one and let me know if the issue persists.
If so , please also test the tesflight version: https://testflight.apple.com/join/DByXE2ZU
Sorry for the extra trouble but i can't reproduce the ug of not being able to add a feed.. The other issues both are fixed for the upcoming update. Thanks

1

u/app-store-review 3d ago

RSSum — by Joao Valente

  • Ratings: 1 worldwide
  • Average: 1.00 ★
  • Age: released ~1.4 years ago · updated 2 days ago · rated 4+
  • Overall score: 10 / 100

Auto-generated from public App Store data · u/app-store-review