6 Apps That Cost More Than a Smartphone, But People Still Buy Them

Recently, some people stumbled upon an app on the App Store that made them look twice—not because of its functionality, but because of its price. For that price, you could buy a brand new smartphone.

 

Curiosity is in the air, so let's find out the most expensive apps and why people buy them.

6. CyberTuner ($999.99)

CyberTuner's price tag will make you blink. At nearly a thousand dollars, the piano-tuning app costs more than the base models of the Samsung Galaxy S25, iPhone 16 , or Google Pixel 9 (all of which cost around $799 at the time of writing). Add to that an optional $84.99/year 'CyberCare' subscription for updates and support.

Don't think of this app as some flashy Silicon Valley gimmick designed to rip you off. CyberTuner has been around for over 25 years, powered by US patented technology, and has truly reshaped the world of piano tuning.

 

5. Shot Tracer Event ($999.99)

Golf has never been a budget-friendly sport, so it's perhaps no surprise that the Shot Tracer Event app costs as much as the flagship phones we mentioned earlier. While the app hasn't been updated since 2023, its position on the App Store suggests it's still doing well in some golfers' arsenals. This isn't your average swing analysis app, but rather one designed for professional golfers, coaches, and event organizers who need more than the basics.

Its true value comes in tournaments. Just place your iPhone on the tee box and the app will automatically record your shots, track your flight path, and upload everything to the cloud.

4. roc.Kasse ($999.99)

roc.Kasse turns your iPad into a complete POS terminal, all for just $999.99. At first glance, spending $1,000 on an app might seem like a lot, but when you compare it to a traditional POS system with hardware, service contracts, and training, it's a steal.

For cafes or clubs that want to ditch their old cash registers without getting stuck in a vendor's complex billing system, paying for the software once can feel almost liberating. However, the initial cost is still quite high for solopreneurs.

 

3. VERT Team System ($999.99)

The VERT Team System connects an iPad to wearable sensors that track a variety of performance metrics such as jump load, bounce power, endurance, and efficiency. Unlike conventional fitness trackers, the system doesn't care about steps or calories. Its job is to simulate an athlete's workload and flag potential injury risks, all displayed via live dashboards and in-depth reports.

This app is designed for organizations using VERT sensors, not for a single athlete who wants to track their morning run.

2. Verituner ($599.99)

Verituner is another heavyweight in the piano tuning world. While it's technically a "cheaper" alternative to CyberTuner, it's still more expensive than what you'd pay for a brand new Google Pixel 9A, iPhone 15 , Galaxy S24 FE, or even Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.

 

But the lower price doesn't mean it's less capable; it's simply aimed at a different market segment. While the CyberTuner is the tool of choice for high-cost concert tuning, the Verituner is typically used by independent technicians working in homes or schools, where the $400 difference can really make or break a business decision.

1. Final Cut Pro ($299.99)

Final Cut Pro costs $299.99 a one-time purchase on macOS, which is kind of ridiculous considering it costs almost as much as a Samsung Galaxy A25. On iPad, Apple switched to a subscription model for $4.99/month (or $49/year).

In the 'subscribe to everything' culture we live in, the Mac version almost feels old-fashioned, or even a little rebellious. And it undermines the whole 'apps cost more than a smartphone' idea. You're getting professional editing software—the same kind used in broadcast studios and film projects—for the price of a mid-range pair of headphones. It's crazy.