# Idler vs Architects’ Journal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Architects’ Journal at none against Idler's 14. Idler's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idler sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $35.99 per year. Architects’ Journal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idler | Architects’ Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 72 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jellyfish Connect Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/373521339) | [Metropolis International Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/415172384) |

## What reviewers say

### Idler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idler/id1350719753)

This bi-monthly journal offers a fun, fulfilling escape from busy life with interviews, essays, history, philosophy, and arts coverage. Discover content on the good life, including recipes and guides, to make you feel better about life.

**Highlights:** Interviews and essays on the good life, Coverage of history, philosophy, and arts, Beautiful photography and original illustration, Recipes and practical guides, Digital journal format, Purchase current and back issues

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Idler 12M Auto Sub | $35.99 | per year |
| Idler 64, Jan/F... (id:802489) | $6.99 | one-time |
| Idler 67, July/... (id:802457) | $6.99 | one-time |
| Nov/Dec 2019 (id:802453) | $6.99 | one-time |
| Idler May/June ... (id:803095) | $6.99 | one-time |
| Idler 60, May/J... (id:806422) | $7.99 | one-time |
| Issue 58, Jan/F... (id:806424) | $7.99 | one-time |
| May/Jun 2023 (pp:916458) | $7.99 | one-time |
| Jan/Feb 2024 (pp:1026908) | $7.99 | one-time |
| Idler 96, May/... (pp:1046845) | $7.99 | one-time |
| Idler 97, July... (pp:1046840) | $7.99 | one-time |
| Idler 101, Mar... (pp:1112908) | $7.99 | one-time |
| #73, July/Aug 2020 (id:808531) | $9.99 | one-time |
| May-Jun 2021 (id:808571) | $9.99 | one-time |


### Architects’ Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/architects-journal/id6760477328)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idler free?

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

### Is Architects’ Journal free?

Architects’ Journal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Idler or Architects’ Journal have ads?

Architects’ Journal shows ads; Idler does not.

### Which is updated more often, Idler or Architects’ Journal?

Idler ships an update every 2 months, and Architects’ Journal every 2 months. Most recently, Idler was updated on October 9, 2026 and Architects’ Journal on October 25, 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.*