
Archived App (Last seen on 16 May 2026)
This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.
Rating summary
About
Stop wasting hours studying only to forget everything a week later.
Retention uses scientifically proven spaced repetition to help you remember anything - languages, medical terms, history, code, or any knowledge that matters to you. Study smarter, retain longer, and finally build the knowledge that sticks.
SCIENCE-BACKED LEARNING
Our brains aren't designed for cramming. They're optimized for spaced repetition—reviewing information at increasingly longer intervals, right before you forget it.
Retention implements the SM-2 algorithm, refined over 30+ years of cognitive science research. It calculates the perfect moment to review each card, transforming short-term cramming into permanent knowledge.
The result? Learn in half the time with better retention.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Create flashcards or import from Anki
2. Study and rate your recall (Again, Hard, Good, Easy)
3. Retention schedules your next review automatically
4. Difficult cards appear more frequently
5. Mastered cards space out into long-term memory
The algorithm adapts to you. Your personal learning curve determines when you see each card next.
PRIVACY YOU CAN TRUST
Your flashcards never leave your control.
Everything stores locally on your device or syncs through your personal iCloud account. We don't collect data. We don't track usage. We don't have servers storing your information. We literally cannot see what you're studying.
Your knowledge is yours. Period.
OBSIDIAN INTEGRATION
For knowledge workers and note-takers: Retention integrates seamlessly with Obsidian vaults.
Create flashcards directly in your markdown notes using simple syntax. Edit anywhere—Retention or Obsidian—and changes sync bidirectionally. Your vault remains your single source of truth while Retention handles the spaced repetition magic.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
• Scientifically optimized spaced repetition (SM-2)
• Clean, distraction-free interface with dark mode
• Rich media—add images and audio to any card
• Multiple formats: basic cards, Q&A, markdown
• Progress tracking with streaks and heatmaps
• Study analytics to understand your learning
• Import Anki decks (.apkg) with full history
• 5 languages: English, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese
WHO IT'S FOR
Medical students memorizing thousands of terms. Language learners building vocabulary. Developers learning new frameworks. Students preparing for exams. Professionals studying for certifications. Anyone serious about remembering what they study.
WORKS EVERYWHERE
Start studying on iPhone during your commute. Continue on Mac at your desk. Everything syncs seamlessly through iCloud.
WHY RETENTION IS DIFFERENT
Most flashcard apps treat you as the product, harvesting your data and selling subscriptions. We built Retention differently.
No subscriptions. No analytics. No dark patterns. No data collection. Just a powerful tool that respects your privacy and helps you build lasting knowledge.
Download Retention and make your learning permanent.
Show more
What's New in Retention
1.0.2
April 7, 2026
• Smoother Studying: Polished card flip and transition animations, plus faster deck and card loading • Obsidian Improvements: Stray #flashcards tags no longer appear in cards • New Acknowledgments Page: Added to Settings alongside libraries and themes • Bug Fixes: Various stability improvements and UI fixes
More




