# Simple Shell vs Dumb Phone

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Dumb Phone at 100% against Simple Shell's 0%. Dumb Phone also leads on price (Free vs $1.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 40 months). Simple Shell's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads there is nothing between them.

Dumb Phone is free to download; Simple Shell costs $1.99 up front. Dumb Phone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Simple Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Shell ships an update every 40 months, Dumb Phone every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Shell | Dumb Phone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-shell/id1531607361/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 40 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 19 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [ASHER SYED](https://appshunter.io/developer/546996396) | [ONE SML LAB PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719232806) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-shell/id1531607361)

This utility app offers a secure and efficient SSH client for iOS devices. It provides a cost-effective alternative for remote terminal access, based on an open-source project.

**Highlights:** SSH client functionality, Mosh protocol support, Remote terminal access, Cost-effective alternative, iOS compatibility

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Dumb Phone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dumb-phone-makeretro/id6755080251)

Transform your iPhone into a distraction-free launcher with customizable widgets and retro themes. Quickly access your favorite apps and enjoy a cleaner, more focused mobile experience. Unlock premium features for unlimited apps and advanced customization.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free interface, Customizable widget layouts, Retro-inspired design themes, Quick app access, Premium customization options, Unlimited apps (Pro)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MakeRetro Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Shell free?

Simple Shell costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Dumb Phone free?

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

### Do Simple Shell or Dumb Phone have ads?

Neither Simple Shell nor Dumb Phone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Shell or Dumb Phone?

Simple Shell ships an update every 40 months, and Dumb Phone every 3 months. Most recently, Simple Shell was updated on November 3, 2026 and Dumb Phone on November 6, 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.*