A macOS desktop app that uses AI to translate Xcode .xcstrings string catalogs into 36+ languages, preserving placeholders and UI constraints, with features like glossary, reverse translation, and character limits.
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Get ListedAppUFO is a dedicated macOS tool for iOS developers who need to localize their apps quickly without sacrificing quality. Instead of manually translating strings or relying on generic services that break placeholders, AppUFO leverages AI to understand context, preserve UI integrity, and support 36+ languages. Developed by Melvin, an indie developer with over a decade of app-building experience, this app streamlines the tedious process of converting .xcstrings catalogs into localized versions ready for Xcode. With pricing tiers that cater to both casual translators and heavy users, it aims to be the go-to solution for iOS localization.
AI-Powered Translation with Context Awareness: AppUFO uses AI models that understand the context of each string, ensuring translations fit naturally without losing technical placeholders like %@ or %d. This is critical for apps with dynamic content.
Drag-and-Drop Simplicity: Users simply drag their .xcstrings file into the app window. The interface is minimal and focused, reducing friction for developers who want to get translations done fast.
36+ Language Support: The tool covers a broad range of languages, including right-to-left scripts like Arabic and Chinese, which are notoriously tricky for automated translation.
Character Limit Enforcement: Set maximum character counts per translated phrase to ensure the text fits within UI constraints like buttons or labels. This prevents layout breakage after localization.
Brand Name Protection: Mark specific words (e.g., your app name, brand terms) as “untranslated” so they remain consistent across all languages.
Reverse Translate Functionality: For languages the developer doesn’t speak, AppUFO can reverse-translate a phrase back to the original language using Apple Translate, providing a sanity check without needing a native speaker.
Unlimited Apps and Languages: All pricing tiers allow unlimited app projects and language additions, making it scalable for agencies or developers with multiple products.
Built-in Glossary: Define a glossary of preferred translations for recurring terms, ensuring consistency across the entire app.
The workflow is designed for speed: open AppUFO, drag your .xcstrings file in, select target languages, and click translate. The AI processes each string, respecting glossaries and character limits. Once done, you can preview translations, make manual adjustments, or reverse-check unfamiliar languages. Export is a single click – the tool outputs the translated .xcstrings file ready to drop back into Xcode. The entire process for a medium-sized app might take minutes, not days. The app also supports unlimited app projects, so developers can batch-translate multiple apps sequentially or in parallel.
AppUFO offers three tiers:
All tiers include unlimited apps and languages. The lifetime tier is a steal for heavy users, though it requires configuring your own API key. Prices may vary by region. There’s no free tier beyond a trial (implied), but the lower monthly cost is accessible. For serious localization work, the yearly or lifetime plans offer the best value.
AppUFO solves a real pain point for iOS developers by marrying AI with a focused, no-nonsense workflow. It avoids the pitfalls of generic translation tools by understanding Xcode string catalogs natively. The character limit and brand protection features show attention to real-world UI constraints. While it requires a macOS environment and is limited to iOS app localization (not Android or web), its specific niche is well-served. The pricing is fair, especially the lifetime option. For any developer shipping an iOS app to multiple countries, AppUFO deserves a spot in the toolkit. Check their privacy policy and terms for details, or visit the help page for tutorials.
