microbitINKY vs pocket BASIC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
microbitINKY
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Inky:bit, an electronic paper for micro:bit, is a display that remains on display even when the power is turned off. Therefore, it can be used in a variety of ways, but if you can't master the micro:bit programming, you won't be able to perform to its full potential. Even if you want to display images such as illustrations and handwritten characters, micro:bit alone is not enough. Therefore, we made it possible to transfer the illustrations and characters drawn on the iPhone or iPad as image data with this app. The micro:bit and iPhone communicate via Bluetooth. Before use, you need to pair the iPhone (iPad) and micro:bit via Bluetooth. Usage 1. Pair your micro:bit with your iPhone via Bluetooth. Pairing can be done with the micro:bit app. 2. Launch the microbitINKY app and press the "micro:bit CONNECT" button. When connected, the "UPLOAD" button will be enabled. 3. Draw characters or illustrations and press the "UPLOAD" button. 4. When the transfer is finished, the micro:bit will process it for a while and display it. Once written, the picture will not disappear even if the power is turned off. The "CLEAR" button clears the micro:bit display and screen display. Press "micro:bit DISCONNECT" to end the connection with the micro:bit.
pocket BASIC
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Pocket BASIC brings back the simplicity and charm of classic BASIC, reimagined for modern iOS and macOS devices. Write code, perform calculations, and visualize functions instantly β all in one lightweight environment. Why Pocket BASIC? - Instant coding - Write and run BASIC programs in seconds β no compilation, no friction. - Clean and focused interface - Designed for clarity, with an integrated editor, console, and tools. - Perfect for learning and experimenting - Great for understanding programming fundamentals or building small utilities. - Works offline. No internet connection required. Your programs stay on your device. Features - Full BASIC interpreter inspired by classic systems - Built-in editor with immediate execution - Console, calculator, and simple graphics modes - Powerful scientific calculator for quick calculations and everyday use - Function graphing with interactive visualization - Import/export programs easily - QR code support for sharing code - Integration with iOS Shortcuts (run scripts directly) - Lightweight and fast Who is it for? - Beginners learning programming - Developers who love retro computing - Students - Anyone who wants quick, practical scripts on their device A modern take on a classic Pocket BASIC is not just nostalgia β itβs a practical tool for today. From simple calculations to small utilities, itβs like having a tiny programmable assistant in your pocket.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: pocket BASIC at 15.6 against microbitINKY's 17.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
microbitINKY ships an update every 5 weeks, pocket BASIC monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | microbitINKY | pocket BASIC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly β better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac β better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 15.6 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Atsushi Yamada | Leonardo Del Nonno |
In-app purchases
microbitINKY
No in-app purchases
pocket BASIC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is microbitINKY free?
Is pocket BASIC free?
Do microbitINKY or pocket BASIC have ads?
Which is updated more often, microbitINKY or pocket BASIC?
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