# AI Keyboard vs REF

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: REF at none against AI Keyboard's 17. REF also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). AI Keyboard's advantage is chart position (#140 vs unranked). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AI Keyboard sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. REF asks for nothing beyond the download.

AI Keyboard ships an update every 3 weeks, REF every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AI Keyboard | REF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-keyboard-smart-writing/id6446992925/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **14K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 61.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#140** | — |
| Size | 165 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Faliane Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1616512874) | [UCR CONSULTING (PTY) LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/6809422288) |

## What reviewers say

### AI Keyboard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-keyboard-smart-writing/id6446992925)

**Currently charting:** #140 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This AI-powered assistant offers a suite of tools for writing, visual creation, and planning. It can generate text, images, tattoo designs, and captions, while also providing voice chat and personalized recommendations. Streamline your tasks and boost creativity with intelligent assistance.

**Highlights:** AI-powered chatbot for answers, Image generator from text descriptions, AI tattoo design creator, Prompt generator for creative ideas, Caption and hashtag generator for photos, Voice chat for hands-free operation, AI writer for long-form content

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Helper - 1 Weеk | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chat - 1 Weеk | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chatbot - 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart Writing Tool - Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Bot - 1 Week | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Keyboard: Weekly Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chatbot - 1 Week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| AI Chatbot - 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| AI Writing Helper: 1 Month | $14.99 | per month |
| AI Assistant - 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| Smart Keyboard - Yearly Access | $49.99 | per year |
| AI Writing Assistant: Yearly | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Works very well
- 🚀 Fast, furious, and accurate
- 💡 Excellent for writing and editing
- 👍 Helpful and informative
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Misleading, doesn't work on Mac
- 🔒 Forces full keyboard access
- 💰 Expensive subscription, not worth the money
- 🐛 Unreliable, keeps crashing
- 🔒 Deceptive free trial and billing practices

**Reported bugs**

- Keyboard issues, slow and unresponsive
- Unexpected errors and app failures
- Subscription issues, unable to cancel
- Incompatibility with certain devices

**Requested features**

- Improve image generation capabilities
- Add more language support
- Provide better descriptions of subscription options
- Improve keyboard responsiveness and autocorrect
- Implement a true free trial period


### REF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-reg/id6809422286)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AI Keyboard free?

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

### Is REF free?

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

### Do AI Keyboard or REF have ads?

Neither AI Keyboard nor REF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AI Keyboard or REF?

AI Keyboard ships an update every 3 weeks, and REF every 3 days. Most recently, AI Keyboard was updated on October 18, 2026 and REF on October 10, 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.*