Comparison

Always On Display vs ARKA Torch

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Always On Display

Customize your device's lock screen with a variety of clock styles, including digital and analog options. Adjust colors, sizes, and add a second time zone for a personalized display. Optimize for OLED screens to minimize battery impact.

Highlights
  • Digital and analog clock display
  • Customizable clock size and colors
  • Second time zone support
  • Battery indicator ring
  • Screen dimming for bedside use
  • OLED optimization
Features
Read full description

This app allows you change the size of the clock, to have both a digital and analog clock displayed at the same time, a second time zone, to add colors inside the clock digits, and more. There is an emoji that you can change it's size on the screen. It has a battery indicator ring that changes color depending on the battery level and you can also change it's size. You can also make the screen really dim so that you can have it displayed by your bedside. Choosing dark colors and images ensures that the battery will not be greatly affected utilising OLED technology device panels found in later model iPhones. For changes or requests you can always contact us and we will try our best to implement it for you in the next update! *Disclaimer - This version of the will not display icons related to calls or messages within its screen. a href="https://www.freepik.com/vectors/background" Background vector created by starline - www.freepik.com a href="https://www.freepik.com/vectors/star" Star vector created by macrovector - www.freepik.com

About

ARKA Torch

Features
Read full description

ARKA Torch turns your iPhone into the ultimate flashlight and lighting toolkit. Whether you need a bright LED torch, a colorful screen light, an emergency SOS signal, or a fun disco strobe — ARKA Torch has you covered. FEATURES ◉ LED Torch — Instant bright flashlight with adjustable brightness and quick presets (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). Fine-tune with a smooth brightness slider. ◉ Screen Light — Turn your entire screen into a glowing light panel. Pick any color, save presets, and adjust brightness while active. ◉ Strobe Light — Adjustable frequency strobe with screen flash option. Perfect for signaling or creative use. ◉ SOS Signal — International Morse code SOS distress signal with LED flash and optional audio tone. Share your emergency message instantly. ◉ More Tools: • Candle — Realistic flickering candle flame with adjustable intensity • Disco — Color-cycling party light with 4 pattern presets (Rainbow, Strobe, Warm, Cool) • Morse Encoder — Type any text and flash it in Morse code with optional sound • Reading Light — Warm screen light with brightness control and warmth presets (Cool, Warm, Candle) • Police Strobe — Red and blue alternating strobe with adjustable speed • Compass — Digital compass with real-time heading ◉ Morse Reference — Built-in ITU Morse code chart for all letters and numbers ◉ Widget — Toggle your torch right from your home screen ARKA Torch Pro (optional upgrade) removes all ads for an uninterrupted experience. Designed to be fast, beautiful, and reliable. Open the app and your light is one tap away. Terms: https://arka-ai.com/legal/terms Privacy: https://arka-ai.com/legal/privacy EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Always On Display4 screens
ARKA Torch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ARKA Torch at Free against Always On Display's $2.99. ARKA Torch also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). Always On Display's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

ARKA Torch is free to download; Always On Display costs $2.99 up front. ARKA Torch sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Always On Display asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Always On Display ships an update every 4 months, ARKA Torch every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Always On Display versus ARKA Torch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAlways On DisplayARKA Torch
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating1.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJim KandiasARKA Systems LLC

In-app purchases

None

Always On Display

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

ARKA Torch

One-time1
  • ARKA Torch Pro$1.99

Questions

Is Always On Display free?
Always On Display costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ARKA Torch free?
ARKA Torch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Always On Display or ARKA Torch have ads?
ARKA Torch shows ads; Always On Display does not.
Which is updated more often, Always On Display or ARKA Torch?
Always On Display ships an update every 4 months, and ARKA Torch every 4 days. Most recently, Always On Display was updated on October 27, 2026 and ARKA Torch on October 25, 2026.

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