Comparison

MacFormat vs Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

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

Head to head
About

MacFormat

Access in-depth reviews, expert advice, and tutorials for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Discover new apps and accessories to enhance your Apple device experience. Get more value from your technology.

Highlights
  • Apple device reviews
  • Expert technical advice
  • App and accessory recommendations
  • Tutorials and tips
  • In-depth content
  • Digital magazine issues
Features
Read full description

MacFormat is the UK's best-selling magazine for fans of the Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch and other Apple devices. Each issue brings you all the exciting developments from the world of Apple, including reviews of new Macs and iOS devices, and expert advice to solve your technical problems. Whether you’re a new or long-term Apple user, you’ll learn how to do more with your kit. You’ll also discover the latest and greatest third-party apps and accessories to enhance your skills and experience. Each issue is jam-packed with features, tutorials, tips and app recommendations to help you get more value from your Apple kit, so you can work more efficiently and creatively. Join thousands of others and download our free app now! ------------------- Once you’ve downloaded our app, you will need to take a free trial or purchase a single issue or subscription to access our in-depth content. We also publish specials and guides - browse our publications, read what interests you most, and get inspired. Back issues, specials, and future issues are available for purchase within the app. Subscriptions are available on various monthly and annual terms, and auto-renew until you decide to cancel it. Check inside the app for current pricing. *** Please Note: Our digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with the print edition *** • The free trial offer is only available to new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed then payment will be taken immediately. • You can cancel at any time during the free trial period and you will not be charged. Simply turn off auto-renew in your Apple account subscriptions page at least 24 hours before the auto-renew is due. • Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. • You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate for that product. • You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase . • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. This does not affect your statutory rights. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. • We will be collecting information about your use of the app both when you are online and offline. To find out more please see our privacy policy. The subscription will include the current issue if you don't already own it and subsequently published future issues for the duration of your subscription period. ------------------- By purchasing a subscription or downloading an app you agree that you have read and accept Future Publishing Ltd's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/ www.futureplc.com/terms-conditions/

About

Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

Stay informed about all things Apple with this digital magazine. It offers in-depth product reviews, helpful tips, and analysis of the latest news for Mac, iPad, and iPhone users. Get comprehensive coverage of the Apple ecosystem.

Highlights
  • Apple product reviews
  • Valuable tips and tricks
  • Analysis of latest news
  • Coverage of Mac, iPad, iPhone
  • Monthly digital issues
Features
Read full description

Macworld is the largest Apple-focused publishing brand in the world, and Macworld Magazine (U.S.) is the most popular Apple-focused magazine. Launched with the Mac in 1984, Macworld is still the best place to read about everything Apple's doing, from the Mac to the iPad, iPhone, and iPadPro. Combining product reviews, valuable tips, and analysis of the latest news developments, every month Macworld magazine provides you with what you need to know about the universe of Apple products. Single issues are available for $6.99 each, or you can opt for a recurring monthly subscription for $1.99 per issue. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. You can find our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy here: Term of use URL: https://www.idg.com/terms-of-service-agreement/ Private Policy URL: https://www.macworld.com/about/privacy.html

Screenshots

MacFormat4 screens
Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.4 screens

Verdict

The call

MacFormat and Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 48% of MacFormat's written reviews are positive against 37% of Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.'s. Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.'s advantage is ratings volume (366 vs 87). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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

Both are free to download. MacFormat sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MacFormat holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 87 and 366 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of MacFormat's written reviews are positive against 37% of Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MacFormat ships an update every 3 months, Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
MacFormat versus Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMacFormatMacworld Digital Magazine U.S.
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (87 ratings) — better4.4 (366 ratings)
Positive reviews47.7% of reviews — better36.9% of reviews
Number of ratings87366 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB76 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFuture plcIDG Communications Inc.

Customer experience

MacFormat

All ratings87 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral1.1%
Negative4.6%
Written reviews151 reviews
Positive47.7%
Neutral7.3%
Negative45.0%

Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

All ratings366 ratings
Positive85.8%
Neutral2.5%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews160 reviews
Positive36.9%
Neutral9.4%
Negative53.8%

User reviews

MacFormat

From 87 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and responsive app
  • 📚 Excellent magazine content
  • 💻 Well-designed for iPad
  • 👍 Interactive and engaging format

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
  • ⏱️ Slow download speeds
  • 📱 Compatibility problems on newer devices
  • 💰 Expensive subscription price

Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

From 366 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Good magazine content
  • 🚀 Fast and fluid app
  • 💡 Innovative use of scrolling and navigation
  • 🔋 Convenient digital format

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
  • 🔒 Difficulty restoring purchases and managing subscriptions
  • 👎 Poor user interface and navigation
  • 🔒 Inability to access content offline

Bugs and requests

MacFormat

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Unable to exit/navigate out of magazine issues
  • Subscription management problems
  • Inconsistent performance after updates

Requested features

4 requests
  • Bookmark feature to save progress
  • Font size adjustment options
  • Offline reading mode
  • Notifications for new issues

Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Issues with downloading and accessing purchased issues
  • Frequent log-out and sign-in problems
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • Landscape mode support
  • Ability to zoom and adjust font size
  • Improved subscription management and offline access
  • Interactive features like highlighting and note-taking

In-app purchases

11 purchases

MacFormat

Subscriptions4
  • 1 Month Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
  • 3 Month Subscription1 Month trial$9.993 Months
  • 6 Month Subscription1 Month trial$18.996 Months
Show 1 more
  • 1 Year Subscription1 Month trial$34.991 Year
One-time7
  • The complete guide to the new iPhone$0.99
  • The complete guide to the new iPad$0.99
  • February 2012$6.99
Show 4 more
  • August 2012$6.99
  • September 2012$6.99
  • December 2013$6.99
  • All MacFormat back issues$24.99
10 purchases

Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.

Subscriptions2
  • 1 Month Subscription$1.991 Month
  • 1 Year Subscription$19.991 Year
One-time8
  • Macworld May 2012$6.99
  • Macworld June 2012$6.99
  • Macworld July 2012$6.99
Show 5 more
  • Macworld September 2012$6.99
  • Macworld November 2012$6.99
  • Macworld January 2013$6.99
  • Macworld February 2013$6.99
  • Macworld April 2013$6.99

Questions

Is MacFormat free?
MacFormat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. free?
Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MacFormat or Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.?
MacFormat is rated higher. MacFormat averages 4.6 out of 5 from 87 ratings, while Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. averages 4.4 from 366 ratings.
Do MacFormat or Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. have ads?
Neither MacFormat nor Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MacFormat or Macworld Digital Magazine U.S.?
MacFormat ships an update every 3 months, and Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. every 4 months. Most recently, MacFormat was updated on October 17, 2026 and Macworld Digital Magazine U.S. on October 7, 2026.

Other comparisons