# SMPL Mobile vs BookPassage

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BookPassage at 100% against SMPL Mobile's 0%. BookPassage also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months). SMPL Mobile's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BookPassage sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. SMPL Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.

SMPL Mobile ships an update every 4 months, BookPassage every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMPL Mobile | BookPassage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookpassage-reading-groups/id6761416796/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Santa Monica Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1601892818) | [Wayne Kazuya West](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720454330) |

## What reviewers say

### SMPL Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smpl-mobile/id546455250)

Access your local public library's collection from your phone. Search for books, e-books, and audiobooks, manage your account, check due dates, and find branch information.

**Highlights:** Search and discover titles, Manage library account, Check due dates and renew, Find e-books and audiobooks, Browse bestsellers and new arrivals, Check branch hours and directions

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### BookPassage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookpassage-reading-groups/id6761416796)

This app allows readers to save and share specific passages from books with reading groups. It facilitates in-depth discussions anchored to the text, organizing conversations around quotes, scenes, and reflections. Build a personal library of memorable lines and explore what others are noticing.

**Highlights:** Save book passages, Create reading groups, Share passages with groups, Discuss specific lines, Organize discussions by quote/scene, Build personal passage library, Browse public passages

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Book Passage Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Book Passage Pro Monthly | $69.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMPL Mobile free?

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

### Is BookPassage free?

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

### Do SMPL Mobile or BookPassage have ads?

Neither SMPL Mobile nor BookPassage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SMPL Mobile or BookPassage?

SMPL Mobile ships an update every 4 months, and BookPassage every 4 days. Most recently, SMPL Mobile was updated on October 8, 2026 and BookPassage on October 11, 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.*