# Chess with Robots vs Play Chess for iMessage

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Play Chess for iMessage at none against Chess with Robots's 3. Play Chess for iMessage also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs every 4 days). Chess with Robots's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess with Robots sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Play Chess for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess with Robots ships an update every 4 days, Play Chess for iMessage daily. Both last shipped on October 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess with Robots | Play Chess for iMessage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.1 (170 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **170** |
| Positive reviews | — | 29.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adrian McPhee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523171224) | [Chess.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/329218552) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess with Robots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-with-robots/id1543684589)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0LU | $0.99 | one-time |
| L1V | $0.99 | one-time |
| 0scar | $0.99 | one-time |


### Play Chess for iMessage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218)

Engage in unlimited chess matches directly through iMessage with friends. Customize your game with different boards and pieces. Enjoy a casual, timer-free experience without registration or in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Unlimited chess games, Play via iMessage, Customizable boards and pieces, Play multiple friends simultaneously, No timers or ratings, No registration required

**Features:** iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to play without knowing chess rules
- 🎮 Fun gameplay mechanics for iMessage
- 🎨 Theme customizer available
- 🔄 Move guide and helpful features
- 🎬 Can convert wins to GIF format

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Cannot uninstall app (major recurring issue)
- 🐛 iCloud login error persists despite being logged in
- ❌ App doesn't show on home screen
- 🔄 Must exit and reopen app to see opponent's moves
- ⚠️ Only playable in portrait mode

**Reported bugs**

- iCloud authentication error when already logged in
- App cannot be uninstalled from device
- No home screen icon appears after installation
- Game doesn't work with group chats over 2 people
- Time calculation error giving opponent extra time

**Requested features**

- Confirmation dialog for accidental game reviews
- Uninstall functionality
- Ability to choose piece color or randomize
- CPU/AI opponent mode
- Fischer random chess mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess with Robots free?

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

### Is Play Chess for iMessage free?

Play Chess for iMessage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Chess with Robots or Play Chess for iMessage have ads?

Chess with Robots shows ads; Play Chess for iMessage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess with Robots or Play Chess for iMessage?

Chess with Robots ships an update every 4 days, and Play Chess for iMessage daily. Most recently, Chess with Robots was updated on October 27, 2026 and Play Chess for iMessage on October 27, 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.*