# Secret Message vs App Lock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Secret Message at none against App Lock's 7. Secret Message also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). App Lock's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 8 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Lock sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Secret Message asks for nothing beyond the download.

Secret Message ships an update every 8 months, App Lock fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Secret Message | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock/id6448239603/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5.2K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 57.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Size | 42 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pramod Tapaniya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1658474335) | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) |

## What reviewers say

### Secret Message

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secret-message-hide-message/id1669919031)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock/id6448239603)

Secure your sensitive applications and personal data with this privacy tool. Easily lock any app to prevent unauthorized access and keep your information out of sight from prying eyes. Enjoy enhanced device security and peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Lock any application, Hide sensitive apps, Block websites, Intuitive interface, Prevent unauthorized access, Enhance device privacy

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock | $4.99 | per month |
| App Lock | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| App Lock | $9.99 | per month |
| App Lock | $14.99 | per year |
| App Locker for iPhone | $29.99 | per year |
| App Lock | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful app
- 🔒 Provides app security
- 🔒 Locks apps with Face ID/Touch ID/PIN
- 👍 Great for keeping private information secure
- 👍 Useful for parents to restrict child access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Home screen layout gets scrambled when app is turned off
- 🐛 App Blocker resets widget stacks
- 💰 Aggressive subscription push
- 🔒 Locked apps only unlocked for a limited time
- 🐛 Doesn't persist app blocking across phone restarts

**Reported bugs**

- Buttons at the bottom of the screen are inaccessible on some devices
- Prompts are not legible with larger font settings
- Locked apps can still be accessed by restarting the phone

**Requested features**

- Allow concealing the app locker
- Add scheduling/time-based locking
- Provide separate unlock code from phone passcode
- Improve usability when Dynamic Island is in use


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Secret Message free?

Secret Message is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is App Lock free?

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

### Do Secret Message or App Lock have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Secret Message does not.

### Which is updated more often, Secret Message or App Lock?

Secret Message ships an update every 8 months, and App Lock fortnightly. Most recently, Secret Message was updated on September 8, 2026 and App Lock on September 25, 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.*