Features Users Want Most in Reading Apps

Based on 494 real App Store reviews, here's exactly what users wish Reading apps would build.

5
Missing Features
5
Build Recs
85/100
Opportunity

Most-Requested Missing Features

Features users are literally asking for in their reviews, ranked by demand.

#1: Half-star ratings

High Demand
"The difference to me between a 3 star book, a 3.5 star book and a 4 star book can be vastly different."
"We’ve been begging for half stars for years!"

#2: Dark mode

High Demand
"PLEASE GIVE US READERS DARK MODE….we love this app but we have sensitive eyes come on now!"
"Add DARK MODE PLZ."

#3: Data export capability

Medium Demand
"No data export. It’s like a bank account without withdrawal."
"I love the app but unfortunately paid for a year subscription on my iPhone and I can’t utilize that on my Boox Palma."

#4: Better recommendations

Medium Demand
"The recommended tab is completely irrelevant to the books I like."
"Recommendations algorithms and the whole app feels like I’m going in places it wasn’t programmed for."

#5: Improved search function

Medium Demand
"The search function needs serious improvement. If I don’t type the exact book title perfectly, it either doesn’t show up at all."
"Search results should prioritize book titles over authors."

Build Recommendations

Prioritized actions based on user demand and market opportunity.

Implement dark mode across all platforms.

Introduce half-star rating options.

Improve bug tracking and resolution processes.

Develop a clear, user-friendly pricing model with a focus on transparency.

Enhance search functionality with typo-tolerance and better sorting by relevance.

Get the Complete Playbook

The full Reading report includes top complaints, UX pain points, pricing intelligence, and detailed competitor weaknesses.

View Full Report — $9.99

30-day money-back guarantee

More Feature Research