Join me as I chat with Chris Raroque, who demonstrates how to use AI tools to build sophisticated mobile apps as a solo developer. Chris walks through adding an AI chat feature to his budgeting app, showing his workflow with Cursor and Claude 3.7. He explains how to implement function calling to create an intelligent agent that can access transaction data and answer questions about spending patterns.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Introduction to Chris Raroque and his portfolio of apps
• 02:32 – Overview of Cursor workflow for native iOS development
• 09:54 – Demo of adding AI chat to a budgeting app
• 17:50 – Connecting AI Chat Feature with Open Router
• 25:55 – Improving prompts using Claude for better responses
• 34:19 – Implementing tool/function calling for efficient data access
• 45:13 – Adding token usage and cost tracking to the app
• 48:34 – Techniques for AI-generated app assets and illustrations
Key Points:
• Chris Raroque demonstrates how to use Cursor with Claude 3.7 to build native iOS apps with AI features
• Shows a workflow for adding an AI chat feature to an existing budgeting app using OpenRouter
• Explains tool/function calling implementation to create an AI agent that can access transaction data
• Shares techniques for generating high-quality app assets using ChatGPT 4.0
1) Chris has built FOUR successful productivity apps as a solo developer – including a daily planning app with 2,000+ paid users.
His secret weapon? Using AI to supercharge his workflow.
"The only reason I’m able to do this is because I have AI to supercharge my workflow."
2) SURPRISING TOOL #1: Using Cursor for native iOS development
Most devs use Cursor for React/web apps, but Chris opens Xcode projects directly in Cursor!
His workflow:
• Set up project manually in Xcode
• Open files in Cursor for edits
• Switch to Xcode to build
• Repeat
3) KEY INSIGHT: Don’t try to use Cursor to set up iOS projects – it won’t work!
You need to:
– Set up the project manually in Xcode
– Configure frameworks and settings in Xcode
– Handle network permissions in Xcode
– THEN use Cursor for coding
4) Chris demonstrated building an AI chat feature for his budgeting app "Luna" in just 4 major prompts:
– Create the UI first (hardcoded)
– Hook it up to OpenRouter API
– Improve the prompt quality
– Add function calling
Each step builds on the previous one!
5) POWER TIP: Feed documentation directly into Cursor!
Type docs and paste in API documentation URLs to give Cursor context.
This DRAMATICALLY reduces hallucinations, especially for:
• iOS/Mac development
• New/changing APIs
• Complex integrations
Game-changer for accuracy!
6) PROMPT ENGINEERING SECRET: Use Claude to generate better prompts for your AI apps!
Chris uses Claude to create XML-formatted prompts that produce better results from LLMs.
This simple technique improves response quality by 30-40%!
7) ADVANCED TECHNIQUE: Function calling to build true AI agents in your apps!
Instead of sending ALL user data with each request (expensive!), Chris implemented tool calling:
• LLM analyzes user question
• Calls specific functions to get ONLY needed data
• Answers based on retrieved info
8) For example, when a user asks "What did I eat last year?" the agent:
– Recognizes it needs transaction data
– Calls getTransactionsForDateRange() with the right dates
– Processes only relevant data
– Provides a concise answer
Saves $$$ on token costs!
9) VISUAL POLISH SECRET: Using ChatGPT 4.0 for app asset generation!
Chris creates mascots and illustrations that give his apps personality and polish.
The workflow:
1. Generate base character
2. Create variations for different states
3. Refine with specific prompts
10) RESULTS: With just a few prompts, Chris added:
• A fully functional AI chat
• Tool-calling capabilities
• Cost tracking
• Model switching
• Custom illustrations
All in a few hours as a solo developer!
11)FINAL ADVICE from Chris:
"A lot of developers are averse to using AI tools, but the ones who embrace them will thrive for the next decade."
For non-devs: Start with more guided tools like Replit or Lovable that have guardrails.
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future – from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn ‘what if’ into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire – a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raroque
X/Twitter: https://x.com/raroque
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