# iRime输入法 vs 魔法算盘

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 魔法算盘 at none against iRime输入法's 2. iRime输入法's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $1.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

iRime输入法 costs $0.99 and 魔法算盘 $1.99 up front. iRime输入法 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. 魔法算盘 asks for nothing beyond the download.

iRime输入法 ships an update every 3 weeks, 魔法算盘 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iRime输入法 | 魔法算盘 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.0 (153 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irime/id1142623977/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **153** | — |
| Positive reviews | 76.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 161 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [伟雄 辜](https://appshunter.io/developer/967689409) | [思茵 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688729309) |

## What reviewers say

### iRime输入法

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irime/id1142623977)

This app is a powerful input method engine supporting a vast array of input schemes, including phonetic, shape-based, and dialectal languages. It offers a flexible framework for various typing needs, from standard Pinyin and Wubi to specialized codes and historical pronunciations.

**Highlights:** Extensive input scheme support, Phonetic and shape-based input, Dialectal language input, Cross-platform compatibility, Customizable input framework, Supports traditional and simplified characters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 专业设置PRO | $1.99 | one-time |
| 文件编辑器 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Highly customizable input schemes and configurations
- 🎯 Supports multiple input methods (Pinyin, Cantonese, Wubi, Zhuyin, etc.)
- 🔒 Open-source and privacy-focused (no data collection)
- ⚡ Smooth performance with proper configuration
- 🎨 Customizable keyboard layouts and themes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and app instability
- ❌ Poor documentation for setup and configuration
- 😕 Steep learning curve for average users
- ⚠️ Configuration issues with custom schemas
- 🔌 Keyboard responsiveness and typing lag

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iOS 18.4.1 and other recent versions
- Cannot install custom YAML schema files
- Simplified/Traditional Chinese conversion not working properly
- Candidate words disappear during input
- Auxiliary code (辅助码) cannot be mounted in Shuangpin

**Requested features**

- Stroke/Brush input method support
- Easier custom schema installation without technical knowledge
- Built-in Xiaohejinyin (小鹤音形) support
- One-tap keyboard switching to system input methods
- Delete custom words functionality


### 魔法算盘

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id6745735342)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iRime输入法 free?

iRime输入法 costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is 魔法算盘 free?

魔法算盘 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do iRime输入法 or 魔法算盘 have ads?

Neither iRime输入法 nor 魔法算盘 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iRime输入法 or 魔法算盘?

iRime输入法 ships an update every 3 weeks, and 魔法算盘 every 4 weeks. Most recently, iRime输入法 was updated on October 24, 2026 and 魔法算盘 on September 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*