The Solar System vs By
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
The Solar System
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Use the latest in AR technology to bring the entire solar system right into your immediate environment with this augmented reality app. Imagine the immersive thrill of an augmented reality experience for your students who are studying the solar system. Walk around and move forward and back to get close-up views of each planet. The Solar System - AR adds a whole new dimension for science teachers who want to engage their students by providing unique learning experiences. Use the slider to select a planet in order to view it more closely and to learn about the planet by reading interesting information. The Solar System - AR uses Apple's ARKit and allows you to instantly view and learn about the solar system. It perfect for classrooms and will help get kids excited about exploring the information provided about each planet. In addition, tables of information are presented when icons are tapped. The information for each planet includes: length of day, distance from the sun, diameter, number of moons and mass. Note: Since camera access is required for AR experience please make sure that Settings -> General -> Restrictions -> Camera is set to allow access to the iPad camera.
By
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The Physics of Stars β in your hand. By-Pass is an interactive physics laboratory that brings the fascinating complexity of Newtonian mechanics to your iPad and iPhone. Here, you become the architect of orbital systems and watch simple forces give rise to highly complex mathematical patterns. Unlike simple animations, By-Pass uses its own physics engine with a simulation rate of 60 Hz to calculate real gravitational interactions accurately and without compromise. The physical core: Master of Orbits: Create satellites and planets with intuitive gestures. Use drag gestures to define the initial launch velocity and watch as objects settle into stable orbits or drift away into the vastness of outer space. Dynamic Gravitational Centers: Choose between 1, 2, or 3 suns. Experiment with the unstable and fascinating solutions of the famous threeβbody problem. Each additional center dramatically alters the gravitational field and sends your planets onto unpredictable, dancing trajectories. Variable Gravitational Exponents: Switch between a fully realistic simulation (exponent 2.0) and modified fields for extremely longβlasting, geometric path traces. Precision & Performance: Experience the simulation with a render target of 120 FPS. The physics runs independently at 60 Hz, ensuring smooth visuals even in the most complex systems. Procedural Matter: Each planet (Rocky, Lava, Gas, Ocean, Icy) is generated at runtime and behaves as a discrete physical entity within the simulation.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: By at Free against The Solar System's $1.99. By also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 29 months). The Solar System's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
By is free to download; The Solar System costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
The Solar System ships an update every 29 months, By fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | The Solar System | By |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free β better |
| Update frequency | Every 29 months | Fortnightly β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad β better |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 β better | 26.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 112 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ventura Educational Systems | Appno GmbH |
In-app purchases
The Solar System
No in-app purchases
By
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is The Solar System free?
Is By free?
Do The Solar System or By have ads?
Which is updated more often, The Solar System or By?
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