# Lock Tool vs IPSW Checker

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lock Tool at none against IPSW Checker's 3. Lock Tool also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). IPSW Checker's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. IPSW Checker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Lock Tool asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lock Tool ships an update every 3 months, IPSW Checker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lock Tool | IPSW Checker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipsw-checker/id6751947257/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shenzhen Zhixin Wulian Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1521588847) | [Vy Tran Trieu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837643041) |

## What reviewers say

### Lock Tool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-tool/id1419601294)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### IPSW Checker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipsw-checker/id6751947257)

This app provides real-time firmware information for Apple devices, including signing status and release notes. It offers quick access to details for your current or favorite devices with automatic detection and a user-friendly interface.

**Highlights:** Real-time IPSW updates, Check firmware signing status, View release notes, Add favorite devices, Automatic device detection, Home screen shortcuts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IPSW Checker Pro (1 Month) | $0.99 | per month |
| IPSW Checker Pro (1 Year) | $3.99 | per year |
| IPSW Checker Pro Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lock Tool free?

Lock Tool is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is IPSW Checker free?

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

### Do Lock Tool or IPSW Checker have ads?

IPSW Checker shows ads; Lock Tool does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lock Tool or IPSW Checker?

Lock Tool ships an update every 3 months, and IPSW Checker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Lock Tool was updated on October 16, 2026 and IPSW Checker on October 15, 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.*