# Focalware vs Understudy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focalware at none against Understudy's 1. Focalware also leads on ratings volume (6 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Understudy's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 12 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 73%). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Understudy sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Focalware asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Focalware against 5.0 for Understudy. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focalware has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 73% of Focalware's written reviews are positive against 100% of Understudy's.

Focalware ships an update every 12 months, Understudy weekly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focalware | Understudy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focalware/id299490222/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/understudy-prop-phone/id6766074672/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 73.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 6 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Warner Photography, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/979000159) | [Ginsberg AI LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895990338) |

## What reviewers say

### Focalware

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focalware/id299490222)

This app helps photographers and filmmakers visualize the sun and moon's path and height for any location and date. It provides rise/set times, azimuth, elevation, and moon phases, with an interactive compass and map for planning outdoor shoots.

**Highlights:** Sun/Moon position calculation, Interactive compass and map, Rise and set times, Azimuth and elevation data, Moon phase tracking, Custom location saving

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Understudy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/understudy-prop-phone/id6766074672)

This app transforms a spare iPhone into a customizable prop phone for film and video production. Create realistic lock screens, scripted message conversations, and on-cue incoming calls. It's designed to keep the screen awake during long takes, ensuring seamless filming.

**Highlights:** Customizable lock screen, Scripted message conversations, Triggered incoming calls/texts, Short-form video feed, Screen stays awake, Built-in editor

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focalware free?

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

### Is Understudy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Focalware or Understudy?

Focalware and Understudy are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Focalware or Understudy have ads?

Neither Focalware nor Understudy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focalware or Understudy?

Focalware ships an update every 12 months, and Understudy weekly. Most recently, Focalware was updated on October 31, 2026 and Understudy on October 31, 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.*