# Throwback vs Journal for iPad

The clearest difference is update cadence: Journal for iPad at every 2 weeks against Throwback's every 15 months. Throwback's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Throwback ships an update every 15 months, Journal for iPad every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Throwback | Journal for iPad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Size | 49 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Turner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1610930426) | [Alexei Ilin](https://appshunter.io/developer/799686570) |

## What reviewers say

### Throwback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throwback-reflection-diary/id6443944478)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Journal for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journal-for-ipad/id6743798696)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Throwback free?

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

### Is Journal for iPad free?

Journal for iPad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Throwback or Journal for iPad have ads?

Neither Throwback nor Journal for iPad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Throwback or Journal for iPad?

Throwback ships an update every 15 months, and Journal for iPad every 2 weeks. Most recently, Throwback was updated on October 7, 2026 and Journal for iPad on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*