# Lathe Machine 3D vs Step Back Basketball

The clearest difference is ads: Lathe Machine 3D at none against Step Back Basketball's shown. Lathe Machine 3D also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Step Back Basketball's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lathe Machine 3D sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Step Back Basketball sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lathe Machine 3D ships an update every 2 months, Step Back Basketball daily. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lathe Machine 3D | Step Back Basketball |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lathe-machine-3d/id1478244279/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **187** | — |
| Positive reviews | 62.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 190 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [U&I Next d.o.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1059211402) | [Dracoders](https://appshunter.io/developer/333198458) |

## What reviewers say

### Lathe Machine 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lathe-machine-3d/id1478244279)

Simulate operating a lathe machine to create unique 3D objects from various materials. This game offers realistic physics, customizable tools, and a chance to prototype designs without risk.

**Highlights:** Lathe simulation gameplay, Realistic turning physics, Create thread/spiral shapes, 360-degree 3D graphics, Customizable knives, Unlockable products, Save unfinished work

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all products | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all knives | $1.99 | one-time |
| Disable breaking of knives | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all products slots | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all career workpieces | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock everything | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Realistic simulator experience
- 👍 Good graphics and visuals
- 👍 Educational for woodworking
- 👍 Engaging gameplay
- 👍 Developer responsiveness (resolved issues)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 💰 Unlocking full game costs money
- 💰 Tools break frequently, requiring payment
- 💰 In-app purchases not working for some users
- 💰 Frustrating pay-to-progress model

**Reported bugs**

- In-app purchases not unlocking content
- Unlock all in-app not working
- Cannot restore purchases
- Unable to move on to next job
- Purchased features not unlocked

**Requested features**

- Option to sand, paint, and lacquer
- Long-term projects (furniture, instruments)
- Lessons on tapering and blade options
- Hand-turning tools option
- Freestyle mode with custom wood selection


### Step Back Basketball

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/step-back-basketball/id6803372092)

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neon Night | $0.99 | one-time |
| Street Legends | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bench Reactions | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1500 Coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Coins | $6.99 | one-time |
| 50,000 Coins | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lathe Machine 3D free?

Lathe Machine 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Step Back Basketball free?

Step Back Basketball is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Lathe Machine 3D or Step Back Basketball have ads?

Step Back Basketball shows ads; Lathe Machine 3D does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lathe Machine 3D or Step Back Basketball?

Lathe Machine 3D ships an update every 2 months, and Step Back Basketball daily. Most recently, Lathe Machine 3D was updated on October 25, 2026 and Step Back Basketball on October 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*