# Forge vs Smile App Launcher

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Forge at none against Smile App Launcher's 3. Forge also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and device support (4 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smile App Launcher sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Forge ships an update every 3 weeks, Smile App Launcher every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Forge | Smile App Launcher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (365 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-app-launcher/id6612008811/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **365** |
| Positive reviews | — | 90.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 58 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Datacom](https://appshunter.io/developer/920634022) | [Eggvelop Aps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761271471) |

## What reviewers say

### Forge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forge/id1527020071)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smile App Launcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smile-app-launcher/id6612008811)

This app offers a minimalistic launcher widget designed to declutter your smartphone screen and reduce distractions. It provides quick access to essential applications through a clean interface, helping you focus on what matters and enhance your digital wellbeing.

**Highlights:** Clean, no distraction interface, Quick access to essential apps, Customizable widget layout, 5 Widgets, Boost productivity, Enhance digital wellbeing

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Smile Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Smile Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Smile Lifetime | $23.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing free alternative
- 👍 Best free app
- 🚀 Drastically decreases screen time
- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 👍 Highly customizable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches with app launching
- 🐛 Widget name not fully customizable
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- Phone app shortcut not working
- Some apps not available in the list
- Widget disappearing after iOS update

**Requested features**

- More widget pages/slots
- Ability to hide widget name
- Support for iPad
- More font options
- Spacer widgets for layout customization


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Forge free?

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

### Is Smile App Launcher free?

Smile App Launcher is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Forge or Smile App Launcher have ads?

Neither Forge nor Smile App Launcher shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Forge or Smile App Launcher?

Forge ships an update every 3 weeks, and Smile App Launcher every 6 weeks. Most recently, Forge was updated on November 3, 2026 and Smile App Launcher on November 8, 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.*