# Light Up the Cave vs Smithsonian

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Light Up the Cave at none against Smithsonian's 2. Smithsonian's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 35 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smithsonian sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Light Up the Cave asks for nothing beyond the download.

Light Up the Cave ships an update every 35 months, Smithsonian every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Light Up the Cave | Smithsonian |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-up-the-cave/id1471647543/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 35 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 285 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smithsonian Institution](https://appshunter.io/developer/370564865) | [PlayDate Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/652113715) |

## What reviewers say

### Light Up the Cave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-up-the-cave/id1471647543)

Explore different light sources within a simulated dark cave environment. This educational tool is designed to align with grade 1 physical science curriculum, focusing on how we can illuminate our surroundings.

**Highlights:** Cave light source simulation, Grade 1 physical science alignment, Interactive learning tool, Exploration of illumination methods

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smithsonian

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smithsonian-planets/id6504839302)

Explore the solar system with interactive games and animations. Learn fascinating facts about planets, moons, and the asteroid belt. Designed for curious young minds to introduce astronomy basics.

**Highlights:** Fascinating facts about the solar system, Mini games like Space Winter Rush, Interactive activities, Educational animations, Read to Me text, Collect planet badges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy 5 Planets | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Light Up the Cave free?

Light Up the Cave is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smithsonian free?

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

### Do Light Up the Cave or Smithsonian have ads?

Neither Light Up the Cave nor Smithsonian shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Light Up the Cave or Smithsonian?

Light Up the Cave ships an update every 35 months, and Smithsonian every 3 months. Most recently, Light Up the Cave was updated on September 25, 2026 and Smithsonian on October 9, 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.*