Comparison

APR PCU vs simos.app

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

Head to head
About

APR PCU

Features
Read full description

The APR Power Control Unit (PCU) is an inline tuning box designed to increase the horsepower and torque of the vehicle! The plug-and-play control unit piggybacks off the primary Engine Control Unit (ECU) to deliver more boost, fuel, and timing to increase output. Using your smart phone or the optional wireless controller, you can change performance levels on the fly, revert to stock, adjust throttle sensitivity levels, read emissions readiness, read and clear fault codes, and more.

About

simos.app

This tool provides diagnostic, data logging, and flashing capabilities for VAG petrol engines with specific Simos ECUs. Monitor real-time engine parameters, analyze recorded sessions with graphs, and update your ECU with stock or custom tunes.

Highlights
  • Real-time ECU parameter monitoring
  • Live data logging via Bluetooth LE
  • ECU identification (software/calibration IDs)
  • Multi-channel graph analysis of logged sessions
  • ECU and TCU flashing (stock and custom tunes)
  • Support for Simos 18.x and 12.1 ECUs
Read full description

simos.app is a diagnostic, data logging and flashing tool built specifically for VAG petrol engines running Simos 18.1, 18.2, 18.6, 18.10 and Simos 12.1 ECUs. The platforms found in most modern TSI and TFSI engines across Audi, VW, Škoda, SEAT, Cupra and Porsche. LIVE DATA LOGGING Read ECU parameters directly in real time. Monitor boost pressure, injection timing, lambda, temperatures, torque and more at high sample rates over a Bluetooth LE connection. ECU IDENTIFICATION Read software versions, calibration IDs and hardware info straight from the control unit. LOG ANALYSIS Visualize recorded sessions with multi-channel graphs. Spot correlations between parameters without leaving the app. FLASHING Update your ECU and TCU to the latest version for your vehicle or flash a custom tune. Full features available for Simos 18.1/18.10 and 18.6. Flashing stock files or pre-unlocked ecus for Simos 18.2, 18.4, 18.41 and Simos 12.1. –– Built for enthusiasts, tuners and workshops who need more than a generic scan tool. Basic knowledge of ECU diagnostics is recommended. This app is for informational and diagnostic purposes only. Any modifications to vehicle systems are the sole responsibility of the user and must comply with local laws and regulations. –– Bluetooth LE OBD adapter required. Get yours here: https://simos.app/dongle Other compatible adapters: Macchina A0, DIY A0 clone https://github.com/Switchleg1/AMAleg require custom firmware: https://simos.app/dongle/firmware

Screenshots

APR PCU4 screens
simos.app4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: APR PCU at none against simos.app's 3. APR PCU also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). simos.app's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months). On price and ads 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. simos.app sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. APR PCU asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

APR PCU ships an update every 5 months, simos.app every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
APR PCU versus simos.app: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAPR PCUsimos.app
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size141 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHolley Performance ProductsTycho Sebastian Holzer

In-app purchases

None

APR PCU

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

simos.app

One-time3
  • App VIN Unlock$17.99
  • Wizard: Pops & Bangs - Single Bin$17.99
  • Stage 1 Bin$179.99

Questions

Is APR PCU free?
APR PCU is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is simos.app free?
simos.app is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do APR PCU or simos.app have ads?
Neither APR PCU nor simos.app shows ads.
Which is updated more often, APR PCU or simos.app?
APR PCU ships an update every 5 months, and simos.app every 6 days. Most recently, APR PCU was updated on October 4, 2026 and simos.app on October 18, 2026.

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