# TheDLA vs Population Simulator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TheDLA at none against Population Simulator's 1. TheDLA also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Population Simulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TheDLA asks for nothing beyond the download.

TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, Population Simulator every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TheDLA | Population Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedla/id506499656/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 10 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daishin Ueyama](https://appshunter.io/developer/495395197) | [TAIKI HIRATA](https://appshunter.io/developer/719880632) |

## What reviewers say

### TheDLA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedla/id506499656)

Explore pattern formation in nature with this app. It visualizes Diffusion Limited Aggregation, allowing you to create unique, complex dendritic patterns. Experiment with different interactions to generate artistic and scientific designs.

**Highlights:** Visualize Diffusion Limited Aggregation, Create complex dendritic patterns, Interactive pattern generation, Color selection for branches, Export images to photo library, Twitter, Facebook, GIF animation export, Face detection for particle placement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Population Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/population-simulator/id882348321)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add Output Function | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TheDLA free?

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

### Is Population Simulator free?

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

### Do TheDLA or Population Simulator have ads?

Population Simulator shows ads; TheDLA does not.

### Which is updated more often, TheDLA or Population Simulator?

TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, and Population Simulator every 7 months. Most recently, TheDLA was updated on September 15, 2026 and Population Simulator on October 5, 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.*