# Smartisys iControl vs Time Caps

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smartisys iControl at none against Time Caps's 6. Smartisys iControl also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Time Caps's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Time Caps sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Smartisys iControl asks for nothing beyond the download.

Smartisys iControl ships an update every 2 months, Time Caps every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smartisys iControl | Time Caps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (156 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-caps-a-future-diary/id1195852313/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **156** |
| Positive reviews | — | 83.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 39 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [smartisys electronics inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/406584389) | [灿海 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/1068107051) |

## What reviewers say

### Smartisys iControl

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartisys-icontrol/id428447785)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Time Caps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-caps-a-future-diary/id1195852313)

This app allows users to create a digital diary with various types of entries, including daily reflections, future messages, and voice notes. It offers features like mood-based coloring, serendipitous retrieval of past entries, and secure privacy protection. Users can also subscribe for enhanced functionalities and premium features.

**Highlights:** Daily mood-based journal entries, Write messages to your future self, Record voice notes for the future, Serendipitous retrieval of past entries, Secure passcode and biometric lock, Daily reminders and widgets, Offline functionality

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time Traveler Pro (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| Time Traveler Pro (Yearly) | $24.99 | per year |
| 1200 Cap Pieces | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2888 Cap Pieces | $1.99 | one-time |
| 3600 Cap Pieces | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Cap Pieces | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Unique concept of time capsules
- 👍 Easy and simple to use
- 💖 Encourages journaling habit
- 😊 Calming and beautiful design
- ✨ Helps self-reflection and growth

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 In-app purchases for features
- 💸 High cost for capsules/features
- 🔒 Password lock feature requires subscription
- 📈 Difficulty in exporting data
- 😔 Word cap can be restrictive

**Reported bugs**

- 🐛 Interface issues with updates
- 🐛 Face ID issues reported

**Requested features**

- Ability to export previous posts
- Lower gem prices for capsules
- More options for describing the day
- Add template feature
- Support dark mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smartisys iControl free?

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

### Is Time Caps free?

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

### Do Smartisys iControl or Time Caps have ads?

Neither Smartisys iControl nor Time Caps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smartisys iControl or Time Caps?

Smartisys iControl ships an update every 2 months, and Time Caps every 6 weeks. Most recently, Smartisys iControl was updated on October 6, 2026 and Time Caps on October 24, 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.*