# First Categories vs Spark

The clearest difference is price: Spark at Free against First Categories's $1.99. Spark also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 15 months). First Categories's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Spark is free to download; First Categories costs $1.99 up front. Spark sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $15.99 per month. First Categories asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Categories ships an update every 15 months, Spark every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Categories | Spark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-master-math/id6451227493/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/412790299) | [SPARK BILGISAYAR YAZILIM TEKNOLOJI TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591733424) |

## What reviewers say

### First Categories

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-categories-point-to-pics/id1339979107)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Spark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-master-math/id6451227493)

This app helps students master math through understanding core logic, not memorization. It offers short, effective practice sessions with instant feedback and strategic analysis to identify and close learning gaps. The platform covers a wide range of math topics, building a strong foundation for academic success.

**Highlights:** Speed through understanding method, Short, effective practice sessions, Focused module structure, Strategic analysis and review, Instant feedback, Interconnected building blocks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Package 1 Month | $15.99 | per month |
| Premium Package 3 Months | $43.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium Package | $159.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Categories free?

First Categories costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Spark free?

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

### Do First Categories or Spark have ads?

Neither First Categories nor Spark shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Categories or Spark?

First Categories ships an update every 15 months, and Spark every 5 days. Most recently, First Categories was updated on October 3, 2026 and Spark on October 24, 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.*