Comparison

Loccali vs DirectChat

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Loccali

This app provides persistent, global storage for Apple Shortcuts, allowing variables to survive between runs, automations, and devices. It supports various data types and offers a free tier with limitations and a Pro version with unlimited capabilities.

Highlights
  • Persistent global variable storage
  • Cross-shortcut and cross-device variable access
  • Sync variables via iCloud
  • Support for complex data types
  • Instant Shortcuts integration
  • Free tier with limited variables
  • Pro tier with unlimited variables and features
Features
Read full description

Make your local variables global — across Shortcuts, devices, and time. Loccali gives Apple Shortcuts the one thing it's missing: persistent, global storage. With Loccali, you can store data that survives between runs, across automations, and even across devices — without resorting to workarounds or iCloud Drive hacks. What It Does: - Store key-value data outside of individual shortcuts - Retrieve or update that data from any shortcut - Sync variables via iCloud across iPhone, iPad, and Mac - Store more complex data types (arrays, locations, dates, files) Free Version Includes: - Store up to 10 variables - Supports Text (up to 256 characters), Booleans, and Positive Integers - Instant Shortcuts integration via native actions - Clean, simple UI for direct variable management Pro Unlocks: - Unlimited variables - Full support for: - Text (no limit) - Integers & Decimals (positive and negative) - Arrays (e.g., JSON-style lists) - Dates and Locations - Files (store and retrieve files via Shortcuts) - More flexibility for serious automation workflows Available as: - Monthly auto-renewable subscription - Yearly auto-renewable subscription (best value per month) - One-time lifetime unlock Already bought Pro? You're set — your original purchase keeps unlocking the full Pro feature set you paid for, forever, no subscription required. Privacy: - Your variables stay on your device and in your private iCloud — never uploaded to our servers - Anonymous usage analytics and crash diagnostics via Firebase to help us fix bugs - Free tier shows a rewarded ad when you reach the daily action cap (iPhone and iPad only — Mac is ad-free) - Pro removes ads entirely - Full details: https://pierrejanineh.com/loccali/privacy-policy Who This Is For: - Automation enthusiasts - Shortcuts power users - Developers who want real persistence across Shortcuts - Anyone who's hit the limits of "magic variables" or built clunky workarounds Note: "Magic variables" are Shortcuts' built-in auto-generated values — they're convenient but temporary. Loccali gives you real, persistent ones. Loccali is not for everyone — but if you know what a global variable is, this is probably for you. No noise. Just clean, script-free state management for your Shortcuts. If you use Shortcuts seriously, this belongs in your toolbox. Subscription terms: - Loccali Pro is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewable subscription, or a one-time lifetime unlock. - Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. - Your subscription renews automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - The account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period at the same price as the original subscription. - Manage or cancel your subscription in Settings → your Apple ID → Subscriptions. - Privacy policy: https://pierrejanineh.com/loccali/privacy-policy - Terms of use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

DirectChat

Features
Read full description

Tired of cluttering your contacts just to send a single WhatsApp message? With DirectChat, you can instantly start a conversation with any WhatsApp number without the hassle of saving it to your phonebook first. It's the fastest and easiest way to manage your temporary communications. Our app is designed for efficiency. Whether you're reaching out to a business, a new acquaintance, or just sending a quick note, DirectChat streamlines the process. No more orphan contacts filling up your address book! But that's not all. DirectChat is more than just a quick messaging tool. With our powerful features, you can take control of your messaging like never before: Key Features: •Instant Chat: Simply enter a phone number, tap, and you're instantly in a WhatsApp chat. It's that easy! •Favorites: Save frequently contacted numbers as Favorites for even faster, one-tap access. Perfect for business clients or recurring contacts. •Schedule Messages: Plan your communication ahead of time! Write a message now and schedule it to be sent at the perfect moment. Never miss a birthday or an important follow-up again. •Global Support: Works with WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business numbers from all countries. Just select the country code, and you're ready to go. •Recent Contacts: Quickly access a history of numbers you've recently messaged. •Lightweight & Secure: We respect your privacy. The app is small, efficient, and only requires the minimum necessary permissions to function. Your contacts list stays clean, and your data stays on your device. Stop wasting time saving temporary numbers. Download DirectChat - Quick Message today and experience the smartest way to start WhatsApp conversations!

Screenshots

Loccali4 screens
DirectChat3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DirectChat at none against Loccali's 4. DirectChat also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Loccali sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. DirectChat asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Loccali versus DirectChat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLoccaliDirectChat
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPierre JaninehOmar ELRAMLAWY

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Loccali

Subscriptions2
  • Pro - monthly$1.991 Month
  • Pro - yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time2
  • Pro Version$3.99
  • Lifetime Pro$29.99
None

DirectChat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Loccali free?
Loccali is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DirectChat free?
DirectChat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Loccali or DirectChat have ads?
Loccali shows ads; DirectChat does not.

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