# Automatons

> Simulation of 2D cellular automatons, including Conway's Game of Life. (iPhone/iPad app by CodeBurners.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/automatons/id933354809 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [CodeBurners](https://appshunter.io/developer/310114272)
- Category: Entertainment, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.33/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 1 MB
- Released: 2014-11-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/automatons/id933354809/reviews.md

## What is Automatons?

Automatons is an implementation of two-dimensional cellular automatons. Each cell has eight neighbors. Whether the cell lives, dies or is born in the next generation is determined by how many neighbors are currently alive.

John Conway's Game of Life is just one example of the automatons you can create. In fact, there are 262,144 possible automatons to explore!

Automatons is entertaining for novices and subject experts. Start with a random initial condition and see the patterns and symmetries that develop over time. 

We've included a number of preset patterns that have nice behaviors for certain conditions. For example, for Life (B3/S23) there is a preset of a glider gun and a lightweight spaceship.

You can also insert a custom pattern to see how it evolves over time! Explore different initial conditions and and discover beautiful patterns and surprising results.

## Key features

- Implementations of 2D cellular automatons
- Explore 262,144 possible automatons
- John Conway's Game of Life included
- Random initial conditions for pattern discovery
- Preset patterns with defined behaviors
- Insert custom patterns for evolution

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/automatons/id933354809/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great for customization

*2020-07-22*

The UI is a little complicated at first, but I think it’s very cool to be able to create your own take on the classic game of life.

### 1/5 — Unusable UI

*2018-11-26*

The controls (black) display on a almost entirely black background. It wasn’t possible to read what any of the switches/buttons meant.

Options window/layer should temporarily cover the rendering layer so the button labels can be read.

## Frequently asked questions about Automatons

### What is Automatons?

Automatons is an application that simulates two-dimensional cellular automatons. It allows users to explore various automaton rulesets, including the famous Game of Life, and observe how patterns emerge from simple initial conditions.

### What kind of patterns can I create with Automatons?

You can discover a vast array of patterns and symmetries by starting with random or custom initial conditions. The app includes presets for known behaviors like glider guns and lightweight spaceships for specific automaton rulesets.

### Is Automatons suitable for beginners?

Yes, Automatons is designed to be entertaining for novices. You can start with random configurations and observe the fascinating developments without needing prior expertise in cellular automata.

### Does Automatons have ads?

No, Automatons does not contain advertisements. It provides an uninterrupted experience for exploring cellular automaton simulations.

### What devices can I use Automatons on?

Automatons is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It was last updated on November 13, 2014, with version 0.9.

### How many different automatons can I explore?

You can explore an astonishing 262,144 possible two-dimensional cellular automatons. This vast number ensures a nearly endless variety of simulations and emergent behaviors.

### What is the age rating for Automatons?

Automatons has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for young children and general audiences.

### Can I save and load custom patterns in Automatons?

The description mentions inserting custom patterns to see how they evolve. While saving and loading specific custom patterns isn't explicitly detailed, the ability to input them allows for extensive experimentation.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 0.9 — 2014-11-13

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*