# MODE Notes lite vs JAPAN BLUE

The clearest difference is price: JAPAN BLUE at Free against MODE Notes lite's $3.99. JAPAN BLUE also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

JAPAN BLUE is free to download; MODE Notes lite costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MODE Notes lite ships an update every 2 months, JAPAN BLUE every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MODE Notes lite | JAPAN BLUE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 2 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ImagineSpark Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1517195068) | [株式会社ジャパンブルー](https://appshunter.io/developer/1570775391) |

## What reviewers say

### MODE Notes lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mode-notes-lite-local-notes/id1531285808)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### JAPAN BLUE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/japan-blue/id1570775389)

Access exclusive member benefits and information from a leading denim brand group. Manage your loyalty points, find store locations, and shop the latest collections online. Stay updated with news and new arrivals.

**Highlights:** Digital membership card, Point tracking and history, Store locator, Online shop access, News and updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MODE Notes lite free?

MODE Notes lite costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is JAPAN BLUE free?

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

### Do MODE Notes lite or JAPAN BLUE have ads?

Neither MODE Notes lite nor JAPAN BLUE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MODE Notes lite or JAPAN BLUE?

MODE Notes lite ships an update every 2 months, and JAPAN BLUE every 5 months. Most recently, MODE Notes lite was updated on September 13, 2026 and JAPAN BLUE on September 10, 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.*