Tapir: an API client that fits in your pocket
I kept reaching for my phone to test an API and finding nothing worth using.
Postman is desktop-only. The iOS apps that exist are either ugly, bloated, or haven't been updated since 2019. So I built the one I wanted.
What Tapir does
Type a URL. Hit send. See the response. That's the first 3 seconds.
After that, it goes deeper:
- Quick commands — type
GET https://api.example.com/healthin a single line and fire. Paste a curl command — Tapir parses it automatically. - Import engine — paste an OpenAPI spec and Tapir generates a complete collection with every endpoint ready to test. Also handles Postman collections, bulk curl commands, and plain URL lists.
- Environments —
{{base_url}},{{api_key}}— switch between dev, staging, and production with one tap. Auto-created when you import an OpenAPI spec. - Collections — organize requests into folders. Pin favorites for one-tap re-fire.
- Endpoint monitoring — tap the heart icon on any request to watch it. Tapir checks your endpoints on schedule and shows health status at a glance.
No account. No subscription. No data leaves your device.
Why it's $5.99
Every other Shy Guy app is $0.99–$4.99. Tapir is $5.99 because it's two tools in one — an API client and a cron monitor. Cronitor charges $20/month. HTTPBot charges $7.99 for less functionality. Tapir gives you both for a one-time purchase.
The design
Not a terminal aesthetic this time. Tapir uses a glass-morphism design with gradient accents — deep navy background, frosted surfaces, method badges color-coded by type (GET is mint, POST is indigo, DELETE is coral). It's the kind of app you screenshot and send to a friend.
What's next
Tapir v1 is the foundation. The import engine and monitoring are functional. Coming next:
- Flows — chain requests together where each step uses data from the previous response
- Assertions — tap any response field to create a pass/fail check
- WebSocket support — connect to a WebSocket URL and see messages in real-time
- Response diffing — snapshot a response, compare against future runs
The API client you reach for when you're away from your laptop. That's the goal.