A group of Bangladeshi developers has created Lettre, a social app centered on handwritten messages, which has been highlighted by Apple in its carefully curated App Store collection.
Lettre enables users to craft messages using their own handwriting via touch or an Apple Pencil, and dispatch them using a delayed delivery system, with the goal of translating the traditional letter-writing experience into a digital realm. The app offers customization options through digital stationery and collectible stamps. Its developers emphasize a deliberate and focused communication approach without ads or algorithm-based content, contrasting with mainstream social media platforms.
Apple selects apps for its App Store showcase based on criteria like design excellence, innovation, performance, and user satisfaction. Developers cannot request inclusion in this special collection; instead, Apple internally evaluates and chooses apps, resulting in a highly exclusive selection process.
In addition to being featured on Apple’s curated list, the Lettre team disclosed that the app has garnered 130,000 organic downloads, indicating user acquisition without paid advertising.
The concept for Lettre emerged during a reunion between co-founders Atik Hossain and a childhood friend in San Francisco. Hossain observed a gap in communication apps, which lacked a handwriting-centric experience. The idea of incorporating stamps later influenced the app’s business model and trajectory.
Mashfique Anwar, a co-founder and former member of Apple’s Xcode team, spearheaded the technical development. Anwar highlighted the impact of using an Apple Pencil on an iPad, which influenced the app’s design to create an intuitive and immersive writing environment for users.
Shaer Reaz, a core team member, emphasized Lettre’s goal of fostering a community centered on shared interests and meaningful communication, rather than focusing on engagement metrics. Reaz expressed that Apple’s recognition through the curated App Store List signifies Lettre’s unique approach and innovation.
The team underscored Lettre’s Bangladeshi heritage, with a significant portion of the team having ties to Bangladesh or its global diaspora. Atik noted that the shared background of team members facilitated product development and team cohesion, evident in subtle design elements reflecting this cultural influence.
Lettre’s growth has predominantly been organic, driven by community engagement. The team highlighted the app’s positive reception worldwide, as evidenced by numerous favorable user ratings and Apple’s feature selection. Mashfique stressed the importance of meeting Apple’s high design and performance standards, making the recognition particularly meaningful for the team.
Despite challenges, including difficulty in securing funding due to misalignment with investors’ visions, the team opted for independent growth supported by the user community to retain control over the platform’s evolution.
Looking ahead, the team intends to expand Lettre while preserving its core concept. Mashfique mentioned a growing interest in extending the app beyond the Apple ecosystem, while Atik hinted at future updates incorporating community-oriented features like writing groups and increased opportunities for artists contributing to the stamp marketplace within the platform.
