# Summation vs Shape Theory

The clearest difference is ads: Summation at none against Shape Theory's shown. Summation also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.6). Shape Theory's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 70%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Summation sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Shape Theory sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Summation | Shape Theory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/summation/id1219879009/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **58** | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 110 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lemon Jam Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/884737211) | [Bulltech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1586482702) |

## What reviewers say

### Summation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/summation/id1219879009)

Engage your brain with a minimalistic math puzzle game. Rearrange numbers to solve increasingly challenging levels. Explore new themes and enjoy endless gameplay.

**Highlights:** Minimalistic math puzzle gameplay, Rearrange numbers to solve puzzles, Endless levels for infinite play, Unlockable game themes, Brain workout challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy Hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 Engaging puzzle mechanics with unique crossword-style addition gameplay
- 😌 Relaxing and calming experience without timers or move counters
- 🎨 Beautiful minimalist design with clean aesthetic
- 🎵 Pleasant soundtrack and sound design
- 📈 Good difficulty progression that challenges without frustrating

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive and intrusive full-screen video advertisements
- 💰 Ads persist even after paying for ad-free version
- 🔄 Ads interrupt gameplay and timer continues during Challenge Mode
- 🛑 Frequent app crashes and freezes, often related to ads
- 🔗 App Store opens unexpectedly multiple times during gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Hint button freezes game and requires reinstall to fix
- Game crashes at specific levels (e.g., level 102)
- App crashes immediately upon opening with blue dot indicator
- Full-screen ads cannot be closed and trap users
- Game gets stuck in landscape mode after full-page ad

**Requested features**

- Dark mode for nighttime playing
- Multiplication puzzle variant
- Increased difficulty progression beyond level 100
- More varied puzzle structures and mechanics
- Ability to purchase larger quantities of hints at once


### Shape Theory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-theory-brain-puzzles/id6449924079)

Uncover hidden geometric shapes by strategically revealing parts of a concealed form. Deduce the correct shape from a list of suspects to advance through increasingly challenging levels. Compete globally for the top leaderboard spot.

**Highlights:** Shape discovery through limited reveals, Strategic deduction of hidden forms, Progressive difficulty levels, Minimalist, captivating graphics, Global leaderboard competition, Brain teaser and strategy gameplay

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads For 1 Month | $0.99 | per month |
| No Ads For 1 Year | $4.99 | per year |
| No Ads Forever | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Summation free?

Summation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shape Theory free?

Shape Theory is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Summation or Shape Theory have ads?

Shape Theory shows ads; Summation does not.

### Which is updated more often, Summation or Shape Theory?

Summation ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shape Theory every 3 weeks. Most recently, Summation was updated on October 15, 2026 and Shape Theory on October 12, 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.*