# Messages Augmented Reality vs SmartBee

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmartBee at none against Messages Augmented Reality's 1. SmartBee also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 78 months) and device support (4 vs 2). Messages Augmented Reality's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Messages Augmented Reality sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SmartBee asks for nothing beyond the download.

Messages Augmented Reality ships an update every 78 months, SmartBee every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Messages Augmented Reality | SmartBee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messages-augmented-reality/id1476057837/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **31** | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 78 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 87 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Vyasa](https://appshunter.io/developer/539337069) | [Sveinar Rasmussen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787539502) |

## What reviewers say

### Messages Augmented Reality

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messages-augmented-reality/id1476057837)

Create and send unique messages in augmented reality, featuring 3D text, emojis, and special effects. Share a link for recipients to view your creations, with options for customization and message tracking.

**Highlights:** Send 3D text, emoji, and symbols, Augmented reality message viewing, Customizable message links, Message statistics and read notifications, Text effects, animations, and textures, iMessage App integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Features | $2.99 | one-time |


### SmartBee

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartbee/id6740168219)

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Messages Augmented Reality free?

Messages Augmented Reality is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SmartBee free?

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

### Do Messages Augmented Reality or SmartBee have ads?

Neither Messages Augmented Reality nor SmartBee shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Messages Augmented Reality or SmartBee?

Messages Augmented Reality ships an update every 78 months, and SmartBee every 5 weeks. Most recently, Messages Augmented Reality was updated on October 7, 2026 and SmartBee on October 4, 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.*