# Behind the Stars vs AR

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AR at 100% against Behind the Stars's 50%. AR also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months). Behind the Stars's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AR sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Behind the Stars asks for nothing beyond the download.

Behind the Stars ships an update every 2 months, AR every 8 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Behind the Stars | AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 255 MB | 441 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden](https://appshunter.io/developer/369556513) | [AR-Physics UG (haftungsbeschränkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1780209828) |

## What reviewers say

### Behind the Stars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/behind-the-stars/id1600998614)

Explore the cosmos with historical astronomical instruments. Learn to use a nocturnal, sundial, celestial globe, and astrolabe to understand celestial movements. Features guided units and an exploration mode for hands-on learning.

**Highlights:** Historical astronomical instruments, Learn to use nocturnal, sundial, celestial globe, astrolabe, Apply instruments to real sky, 20 guided learning units, Exploration Mode, Understand celestial movements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-physics/id6451423436)

Explore Physics, Math, and Astronomy through interactive Augmented Reality experiments and AI-powered learning. Engage with digital simulations, flashcards, and quizzes for school, homework, and exam preparation.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality experiments, AI-powered learning assistance, Interactive simulations, Flashcards and quizzes, Exam preparation tools, Digital lab equipment

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AR-Physics | $2.99 | per month |
| AR-Physics Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| AR-Physics | $6.99 | per month |
| AR-Physics Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| AR-Physics | $24.99 | per year |
| AR-Physics | $39.99 | per year |
| AR-Physics | $39.99 | per year |
| AR-Physics Pro | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Behind the Stars free?

Behind the Stars is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is AR free?

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

### Do Behind the Stars or AR have ads?

Neither Behind the Stars nor AR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Behind the Stars or AR?

Behind the Stars ships an update every 2 months, and AR every 8 days. Most recently, Behind the Stars was updated on November 3, 2026 and AR on November 3, 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.*