# Luwian vs Cobalt Image

The clearest difference is rating: Luwian at 4.5 against Cobalt Image's 2.3. Luwian also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and ratings volume (355 vs 6). Cobalt Image's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and review sentiment (56% vs 46%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Luwian sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Cobalt Image sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Luwian holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Luwian has 355 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 46% of Luwian's written reviews are positive against 56% of Cobalt Image's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Luwian ships an update every 2 weeks, Cobalt Image every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Luwian | Cobalt Image |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (355 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luwian/id1519571900/reviews)** | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **355** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 45.6% of reviews | **55.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 211 MB | 203 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Erkan SIRIN](https://appshunter.io/developer/617648754) | [Cobalt Image LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674012276) |

## What reviewers say

### Luwian

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/luwian/id1519571900)

This app transforms your mobile device into a professional camera and editing suite. It offers comprehensive manual controls for capturing stunning photos and videos, along with advanced editing tools to refine your creations.

**Highlights:** Manual camera controls (ISO, Shutter, Focus, WB), Extensive filters and creative effects, Professional video recording (Slow Motion, Time-lapse), RAW photo editing, Perspective correction and cropping, Analog film and cinematic filters, Multi-camera recording

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Luwian Pro Monthly Membership | $2.99 | per month |
| Luwian Pro Annual Membership | $14.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 📸 Excellent image quality and sharpness with ProRAW
- 🎯 Precise autofocus and tap-to-focus functionality
- ⚙️ Extensive manual controls and detailed adjustments
- 🎬 Professional-grade features rivaling DSLR cameras
- 🎨 Creative filters and film stock options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and CTD (crash-to-desktop) issues
- 🐢 Very slow processing and performance
- 🎨 Cluttered menu interface and poor UI/UX
- 💳 Shift to subscription model in recent updates
- 📱 Inconsistent performance across devices

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes immediately on startup, especially on iPad
- Memory issues preventing photo capture
- Panorama mode requests landscape when already in landscape
- Duplicate panorama files in camera roll
- Image preview turns dark brown when changing lenses

**Requested features**

- Better effects and filters library
- Improved focus peeking for manual focus
- Clearer user instructions and documentation
- Better panorama handling with single output
- Improved video editing and saving capabilities


### Cobalt Image

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171)

Enhance your iPhone photos with advanced AI, HDR, and smart portrait modes. This app offers unparalleled control over non-raw images, featuring cutting-edge white balance and Luma curve adjustments. Access renowned digital and film emulations for professional-level editing.

**Highlights:** AI-enhanced picture processing, HDR and smart portrait modes, Advanced color models for HEIC files, Unprecedented control over non-raw photos, White balance and Luma curve adjustments, Renowned digital and film emulations, Direct editing from Apple Photos

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cobalt Image Pro Digital | $3.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Monthly | $5.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Yearly | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Luwian free?

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

### Is Cobalt Image free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Luwian or Cobalt Image?

Luwian is rated higher. Luwian averages 4.5 out of 5 from 355 ratings, while Cobalt Image averages 2.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do Luwian or Cobalt Image have ads?

Neither Luwian nor Cobalt Image shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Luwian or Cobalt Image?

Luwian ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cobalt Image every 5 days. Most recently, Luwian was updated on November 7, 2026 and Cobalt Image on November 3, 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.*