# AudioKit Digital D1 Synth vs Aparillo

The clearest difference is monetization model: Aparillo at free with in-app purchases against AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's subscription. Aparillo also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (88% vs 76%). AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (2K vs 506). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Aparillo sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for AudioKit Digital D1 Synth against 4.9 for Aparillo. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2K and 506 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of AudioKit Digital D1 Synth's written reviews are positive against 88% of Aparillo's.

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, Aparillo every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AudioKit Digital D1 Synth | Aparillo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540/reviews) | **[4.9 (506 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aparillo/id1439914019/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | 506 |
| Positive reviews | 76.0% of reviews | **88.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 636 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audiobus Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/672585101) | [Sugar Bytes GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/614418826) |

## What reviewers say

### AudioKit Digital D1 Synth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiokit-digital-d1-synth/id1436905540)

This app is a virtual analog and PCM synthesizer for iPad, inspired by the digital synthesizers of the 80s and 90s. It offers a vast library of presets, advanced synthesis features, and built-in effects for creating rich, retro-inspired sounds.

**Highlights:** 64-voice hybrid digital poly synthesis, 1GB+ of original samples, Stand-alone, IAA, and AUv3 support, Vintage-style arp/step sequencer, 3 LFOs with fun routings, Dual independent per-layer filters, Built-in FX suite

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $9.99 | per year |
| D1 PCM Expansion-01 | Free | one-time |
| Platinum Expansion PCM EXP-01 | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Excellent sound quality
- 🎹 Versatile and inspiring presets
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Great value for the price
- 🔥 Cutting-edge digital synthesis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Lack of Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- 🤔 Some presets not easily usable
- 🕰️ Slow loading times in certain DAWs

**Reported bugs**

- Presets not loading correctly
- MIDI note dropouts and latency
- Crashes when used with certain DAWs
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add Audio Unit (AUv3) support
- Improve MIDI integration and responsiveness
- Implement a built-in recording/sampling feature
- Expand preset library with more genres and styles
- Add more sound design controls and modulation options


### Aparillo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aparillo/id1439914019)

This advanced FM synthesizer creates complex soundscapes, atmospheres, and a wide range of timbres for film, TV, and games. It features two interacting FM synths, integrated effects, and an intuitive 'Orbiter' for one-touch sound morphing. Seamlessly integrate with your mobile studio setup via MIDI and Audio Unit v3 support.

**Highlights:** 16-voice FM Synthesizer, Complex sound design, Integrated FX (Filter, Delay, Reverb, Spacializer), Orbiter for sound morphing, Standalone & Audio Unit v3 support, MIDI and Ableton Link integration, iCloud Preset Sync

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aparillo Full Version | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful sound design capabilities
- 👍 Intuitive and creative interface
- 🎨 Cinematic and otherworldly sounds
- 💡 Innovative orbit and spatial features
- 🔥 Excellent presets and sound quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Lack of clear documentation and tutorials
- 📱 UI not optimized for larger iPad screens
- 💰 Paid upgrade required for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Saved patches not compatible across versions
- Orbiter parameters not accessible on latest iOS

**Requested features**

- More preset packs and sound libraries
- Improved MIDI and automation support
- Custom tuning and scale options
- Expanded keyboard and note range


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AudioKit Digital D1 Synth free?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Aparillo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Aparillo?

Aparillo is rated higher. AudioKit Digital D1 Synth averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2K ratings, while Aparillo averages 4.9 from 506 ratings.

### Do AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Aparillo have ads?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth shows ads; Aparillo does not.

### Which is updated more often, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth or Aparillo?

AudioKit Digital D1 Synth ships an update every 3 weeks, and Aparillo every 4 months. Most recently, AudioKit Digital D1 Synth was updated on September 22, 2026 and Aparillo on September 17, 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.*