# Apple Developer vs Code Editor

The clearest difference is rating: Apple Developer at 4.0 against Code Editor's 3.2. Apple Developer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 43). Code Editor's advantage is review sentiment (54% vs 35%) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Apple Developer sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month and Code Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Apple Developer holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Apple Developer has 2.2K ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 35% of Apple Developer's written reviews are positive against 54% of Code Editor's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Apple Developer ships an update every 2 months, Code Editor every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Apple Developer | Code Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apple-developer/id640199958/reviews)** | [3.2 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | 35.4% of reviews | **53.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#7** | #86 |
| Size | 26 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apple](https://appshunter.io/developer/284417353) | [Rhythm Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581290512) |

## What reviewers say

### Apple Developer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/apple-developer/id640199958)

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Free · Developer Tools, #116 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Access the latest developer news, features, and videos from Apple. Stay updated on new frameworks and technologies, and catch up on past event content.

**Highlights:** Developer news and features, Latest Apple frameworks and technologies, WWDC videos, Offline video downloads, Apple Developer Program enrollment

**Features:** iMessage stickers, SharePlay

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WeatherKit 1 million calls | $49.99 | per month |
| Xcode Cloud 100 Hours | $49.99 | per month |
| Apple Developer Program | $98.99 | per year |
| WeatherKit 2 million calls | $99.99 | per month |
| Xcode Cloud 250 Hours | $99.99 | per month |
| Xcode Cloud 1000 Hours | $399.99 | per month |
| WeatherKit 50 million calls | $2499.99 | per month |
| Xcode Cloud 10000 Hours | $3999.99 | per month |
| WeatherKit 100 million calls | $4999.99 | per month |
| WeatherKit 150 million calls | $7499.99 | per month |
| WeatherKit 200 million calls | $9999.99 | per month |


### Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510)

**Currently charting:** #86 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app is a powerful mobile code editor and compiler designed for programmers. It offers syntax highlighting for numerous languages, code assistance, and the ability to compile and run code directly on your device. Access files from cloud storage and version control systems, with customizable themes and extensive editing features.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 110+ languages, Online compiler for 30+ languages, Code assist and auto-completion, Multi-tab navigation, Unlimited undo/redo, Cloud file access (FTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), GitHub/GitLab integration

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads (Forever) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for coding on the go
- 👍 Supports many languages
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 👍 Good for learning and quick edits
- 👍 Minimal ads (for some users)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Unskippable, full-screen ads
- 😠 Ads after every file operation
- 😠 Ads interrupt workflow
- 😠 Frequent and intrusive ads
- 😠 Paid version still has ads

**Reported bugs**

- Uninterruptible ads
- Cannot create new files
- Cannot copy files
- Sidebar cannot be reopened after closing
- Cannot save files

**Requested features**

- SFTP protocol connection
- Add a run button
- Error indicator during typing
- Custom keyboard with coding symbols
- Ability to edit visual styles/syntax coloring


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Apple Developer free?

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

### Is Code Editor free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Apple Developer or Code Editor?

Apple Developer is rated higher. Apple Developer averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Code Editor averages 3.2 from 43 ratings.

### Do Apple Developer or Code Editor have ads?

Code Editor shows ads; Apple Developer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Apple Developer or Code Editor?

Apple Developer ships an update every 2 months, and Code Editor every 5 weeks. Most recently, Apple Developer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Code Editor on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Apple Developer or Code Editor?

Apple Developer currently peaks at #7 in the App Store charts, and Code Editor at #86. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*