Snuggly: Record Baby Heartbeat, an iPhone app that lets expectant parents listen to, record and share a baby’s heartbeat at home, is free on the App Store at the moment, down from its usual price of US $0.99. The listing shows the price as Free, and the developer calls it a limited time offer without naming an end date.
The app is made by Lunasonic Inc and is filed under Medical, although the developer says plainly that it is a wellness and bonding app, not a medical device. It is for iPhone only. The offer was spotted by the tech site New Mobile Life, and its tip and the App Store page are the sources for this story.
What does Snuggly do?
According to the developer, Snuggly uses only the iPhone microphone. There are no accessories and no extra devices. You hold the phone against your lower belly, and the app’s algorithm isolates and amplifies the faint sounds so that a heartbeat is easier to pick out. When you find it, you tap Record and can share the clip with family and friends.
The listing also describes a week by week layout, where each week of pregnancy has its own place for recordings, and a one time purchase with no subscription. The developer contrasts that with other apps that lock features behind weekly subscriptions.
How do you use it, and when does it work?
The developer gives these steps:
- Find a quiet room and take off the phone case.
- Place the iPhone microphone flat against your lower belly.
- Move slowly while the app works on the sound.
- When you find the heartbeat, tap Record.
- Share the recording.
Its tips for better results are to use headphones, lie down with a relaxed belly and slow breathing, explore low on the belly and slightly to the sides, and tilt the phone a little for better skin contact. The developer adds that most people find the heartbeat on the second or third attempt.
On timing, the developer says the app works best from week 22 of pregnancy. Detection before that is possible but less consistent, and the listing suggests a short session each week for people who are earlier on.
What is new in the latest version?
The newest version listed is 3.4. The release notes mention easier searching, with the app quieting noise while you move the phone, a new look, recordings kept the moment you stop, trimming that works like in Photos, redesigned share cards and a listening reminder that you set in Settings. Version 3.0 is described as bringing a clearer heartbeat and gentle tips while you listen.
What should you know before relying on it?
Snuggly’s own text says it is not intended for diagnosis or to replace medical advice, and that anyone worried about their baby’s movements or health should contact a doctor or midwife immediately. That is the line to follow.
User feedback is mixed. The page shows 3 ratings with a 4.3 average. Written reviews include people who say they heard a heartbeat after a few tries, and others who say it did not work for them, one of them at 26 weeks.
On privacy, the developer’s App Privacy section says some data may be used to track you across other companies’ apps and websites, including identifiers and usage data. Apple notes that this comes from the developer and has not been verified. The developer’s pitch also says the app is only 18 MB, while the listing shows a download size of 60.4 MB.
Prices
The New Mobile Life tip lists the original price as US $0.99 and says the app is free for a limited time. The App Store page shows the price as Free in US dollars, and the developer’s text repeats that it is free for a limited time. No end date appears in either source, and neither shows prices in other countries’ stores. If your store shows a different price, trust your own page.
Who it suits
- Expectant parents who are curious: the app is aimed at people who want a recorded keepsake of the heartbeat to share, not a health check.
- People after week 22: the developer says results are best from then, so earlier users should expect less consistent results.
- Anyone with health worries: speak to a doctor or midwife, as the developer itself advises.
- Privacy minded users: read the App Privacy section first, since it lists tracking related data.
- Android users: the app is iPhone only, and the listing requires iOS 16.0 or later.
How do you get it?
Open the Snuggly: Record Baby Heartbeat page on the App Store on your iPhone, check that the price reads Free, and download it. The app is listed in English plus 12 more languages, including French, Spanish, Japanese and Traditional Chinese.
