# Shorebound — Make friends, Penpals and Chat > Digital pen pal app for sending messages in bottles globally. (iPhone/iPad app by Command B Limited.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shorebound/id6759057452 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Command B Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1840027648) - Category: Social Networking, Lifestyle - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 5.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 26.2 · 82 MB - Languages: British English, Catalan, French (France), German (Germany), Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish - Released: 2026-07-15 - Data updated: 2026-09-05 - Monetization: freemium - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shorebound/id6759057452/reviews.md ## What is Shorebound? Send a message in a bottle. See who finds it. Write to people around the world! Shorebound is a slow, calm alternative to instant social media. No feeds, no ads, no algorithms. HOW IT WORKS • Write a note - writing prompts included if you need inspiration • Choose one of 10 bottles and release it into the sea • Your bottle drifts, then washes ashore for another Shorebound user • They face the same choice you will: keep it, or send it back to sea EVERY BOTTLE TELLS A STORY Each user can react and comment, and the thread travels with the bottle — later, users can read what earlier ones wrote, like it, and reply. Follow your bottle's journey: every country it reached and how far it travelled. Keeping a bottle saves it to your collection forever and ends its journey. Releasing sends it onward, but every release raises the chance it sinks. Sunk bottles can be revived with Revive Tokens. BOTTLES WITH DIFFERENT PERKS Unlock new bottle types as you earn XP. Some bottles can send a polaroid, a dual-camera photo, or a voice message. Others travel differently: faster, split in two, delivered near you, aimed at a country you choose, self-destructing after a single read, half as likely to sink, or worth extra XP for you and whoever keeps them. COLLECT, CONNECT, TRANSLATE • Earn XP when your bottles are kept, and unlock new bottle types • Collect 233 country flags and a wall of polaroids; keep daily streaks and earn achievements • One-tap translation for bottles and messages • Continue the conversation privately when you both choose to connect after a bottle is kept • Usernames and avatars; report and block tools, moderation, and age assurance at onboarding WHAT USERS SAY "The idea of messages slowly 'washing ashore' feels surprisingly calming compared to the instant nature of most social apps." - king, CN "It's a unique form of community and collection building with the right amount of nostalgia." - ahmedsabeck, IT PRICING Shorebound is free to try, then a plan that fits - or lifetime access forever. No ads, ever. Paid access keeps the ocean free of bots and spam. Free trials when eligible. If your plan ends, you keep every bottle, conversation, and connection you've made, and can still message existing connections. Subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the period. Payment is charged to your Apple Account; manage or cancel anytime in Settings. Any unused trial time is forfeited on purchase. Privacy: https://shorebound.io/privacy/ Terms: https://shorebound.io/terms/ Support: https://shorebound.io/support/ Made for iPhone and iPad. Designed for iOS 26. ## Key features - Send messages in digital bottles - Bottles travel globally and wash ashore - No feeds, likes, or followers - Writing prompts included - Threaded conversations on bottles - One-tap translation - Private chat after connection ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **Subscriptions** | Subscription | Price | Period | | --- | --- | --- | | Monthly Access | $2.99 | per month | | Annual Access | $24.99 | per year | | Weekly Access | $0.99 | per 7 days | **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Lifetime Access | $44.99 | one-time | | Instant Release Token | $1.99 | one-time | | Instant Release Tokens x5 | $6.99 | one-time | | Instant Release Tokens x10 | $9.99 | one-time | | Revive Token | $1.99 | one-time | | Revive Tokens x10 | $9.99 | one-time | | Revive Tokens x5 | $6.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (4 of 4) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shorebound/id6759057452/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Unique and fun! *2026-07-26* Such a unique way to connect with people online. ### 5/5 — Fun way to connect *2026-07-21* I’ve really enjoyed this app so far, the different bottle designs are fun and overall the experience is well thought out. It’s an engaging, unique opportunity to connect with people from all over the world and I’m looking forward to collecting bottles from every country. ### 5/5 — Best Replacement Distant Shores circa 2009 *2026-07-17* Not since 2009 when I was using Distant Shores have I found a good message in a bottle/penpal app. Good interface, simple, and back to basics. In the short time I’ve been on the app there have been several positive updates. Take me back to a simpler social media. Already met several interesting people. I look forward to meeting more. ### 5/5 — A Beautiful Unique Experience *2026-07-16* A truly unique and beautifully designed app. It’s fun to see photos and comments from people around the world, and watching your bottles travel globally makes the experience even better. The visuals are excellent, and the attention to detail is obvious. I also appreciate the focus on quality and keeping spam out. ## Frequently asked questions about Shorebound ### What is Shorebound? Shorebound is a social networking app where users send messages in digital bottles that travel the world. These bottles can take hours or days to reach a stranger's phone, offering a calm alternative to instant social media. ### How does Shorebound work? Users write a note, choose an illustrated bottle, and release it into a digital ocean. The bottle then drifts and washes ashore on another user's device. Finders can then read, react, comment, keep, or release the bottle. ### Does Shorebound have ads? No, Shorebound is ad-free. Paid access helps keep the ocean free of bots and spam, ensuring a cleaner experience for all users. ### What are the subscription options for Shorebound? Shorebound offers Weekly Access for $0.99, Monthly Access for $2.99 with a 7-day free trial, and Annual Access for $24.99 with a 14-day free trial. Subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled 24 hours prior. ### Can I translate messages in Shorebound? Yes, Shorebound offers one-tap translation for bottles and chats. This translation is processed in the EU and is never stored. ### What happens if I keep a bottle in Shorebound? Keeping a bottle saves it to your personal collection forever, ending its journey. This action also contributes to earning karma and potentially unlocking new bottle types. ### Is Shorebound safe for younger users? Shorebound is rated for users aged 17+ and includes moderation, report and block tools, and age assurance at onboarding to help ensure a safe environment. ### What devices support Shorebound? Shorebound is designed for and made for iPhone and iPad devices. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.1.2 — 2026-08-29 Invite friends and earn rewards Plus a handful of fixes ### 1.1.1 — 2026-08-19 A refreshed look and a faster, smoother app Plus a handful of fixes ### 1.1.0 — 2026-08-11 Karma is now XP Plus a refreshed look and a handful of fixes. ### 1.0.4 — 2026-08-11 Watch your bottle travel Your bottle's journeys now play out on a 3D globe. Spin it, pinch to zoom, and press play to watch it cross from shore to shore, with the avatar of whoever found it at every stop. Time Capsule A new bottle unlocked at 260 karma. Seal a message or polaroid inside and choose the day it washes ashore. Faster and smoother A refreshed look, performance improvements, and plenty of small fixes. ### 1.0.3 — 2026-08-06 New Feature: Bios! Add a short intro to your profile so others can learn a little more about you by tapping your avatar on a bottle. Plus, enjoy new animations, smoother performance, bug fixes and plenty of UI improvements. ## More apps by Command B Limited - [Linkt Personal CRM](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linkt-personal-crm/id6752585215) All apps by Command B Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/1840027648 --- *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 2026-09-05.*