# Forend Smart Control Software vs Cygnus Astro

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Forend Smart Control Software at 12.0 against Cygnus Astro's 15.1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Forend Smart Control Software ships an update every 6 days, Cygnus Astro every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Forend Smart Control Software | Cygnus Astro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cygnus-astro/id6745795760/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 39 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Forend Elektrik Malzemeleri ve Dis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677995051) | [Christopher Ventura](https://appshunter.io/developer/1742045592) |

## What reviewers say

### Forend Smart Control Software

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forend-smart-control-software/id6446459012)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cygnus Astro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cygnus-astro/id6745795760)

Control your astrophotography equipment remotely from your mobile device. This app provides a touch-friendly interface to connect, monitor, and manage your N.I.N.A. software and connected gear, simplifying your setup in the field.

**Highlights:** Remote equipment control, N.I.N.A. software integration, Mobile touch interface, Real-time exposure preview, Open-source and free

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Forend Smart Control Software free?

Forend Smart Control Software is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cygnus Astro free?

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

### Do Forend Smart Control Software or Cygnus Astro have ads?

Neither Forend Smart Control Software nor Cygnus Astro shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Forend Smart Control Software or Cygnus Astro?

Forend Smart Control Software ships an update every 6 days, and Cygnus Astro every 5 days. Most recently, Forend Smart Control Software was updated on October 4, 2026 and Cygnus Astro on October 4, 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.*