Ions 2+ vs Simple Paint AR
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ions 2+
Explore a dynamic particle simulation with extensive customization options. Control ion color, size, shape, and trails. Utilize device motion and advanced grid placement for unique creations. Supports a high particle count for detailed simulations.
- Customizable ion color and size
- Shape and trail effects
- Accelerometer control
- Rectangular and polar grids
- High particle count (up to 100,000)
- Save custom layouts and looks
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Ions is back, recharged and better than ever! The sequel to the staff-favorite particle simulation allows total control over the look and behavior of your creations. Ions 2+ also supports iPhones and iPods as well as iPads! Your ions can now change color and size based on age, speed, direction, and other parameters! Change shape, leave trails, change the background, and more! Use your device’s accelerometer to react to gravity or add turbulence and drag for more variety. You also have both rectangular and polar grids for precise placement. Why stop at only 20,000 particles? With Ions 2+, you can raise the limit up to 100,000 on faster devices. Of course you can still save your favorite layouts, as well as any custom looks you’ve created. Ions 2+. I'm positive you'll love it.
Simple Paint AR
Create vibrant 3D drawings in augmented reality using a variety of colors and special effects. Import your own photos to paint on or share your creations via email and iTunes.
- Augmented reality drawing
- Variety of colors and special effects
- Adjustable brush sizes
- Import photos from albums
- Save and email drawings
- iTunes Sharing for computer transfer
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You can choose from a variety of colours and special effects, including drawing fire and glitter in the air! There are multiple brush sizes to cater to your needs. You can import pictures from your photo albums or take a photo to have it float in the air! Save the drawing or even email the painting to your friends! You can use iTunes Sharing to get the 3D drawings out to your computer. Download now and let your creativity flow!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Ions 2+ at 4.8 against Simple Paint AR's 3.0. Ions 2+ also leads on ratings volume (39 vs 2) and review sentiment (94% vs 80%). Simple Paint AR's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 15 months) and price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Ions 2+ costs $1.99 and Simple Paint AR $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Ions 2+ holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ions 2+ has 39 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of Ions 2+'s written reviews are positive against 80% of Simple Paint AR's.
Ions 2+ ships an update every 15 months, Simple Paint AR every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ions 2+ | Simple Paint AR |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | $0.99 — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (39 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 93.9% of reviews — better | 80.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 39 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 49 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Douglas Applewhite | Virtual GS |
Customer experience
Ions 2+
Simple Paint AR
In-app purchases
Ions 2+
No in-app purchases
Simple Paint AR
No in-app purchases
