# Factory Settings vs The Modernist

The clearest difference is ads: Factory Settings at none against The Modernist's shown. Factory Settings also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). The Modernist's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, 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.

Factory Settings ships an update weekly, The Modernist every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Factory Settings | The Modernist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 71 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Manchester International Festival](https://appshunter.io/developer/1705191309) | [Fablr Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1109739941) |

## What reviewers say

### Factory Settings

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/factory-settings/id6463858517)

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Modernist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-modernist/id6475311228)

Discover modernist architecture through guided tours and interactive maps. Explore 20th-century buildings, from Bauhaus to Brutalism, with expert insights and stunning photography. The app regularly adds new tours and cities to its growing collection.

**Highlights:** Interactive Maps, Expert-curated Guided Tours, Building Information (Text & Photography), Event & Workshop Updates, New Tours & Cities Added Regularly

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Factory Settings free?

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

### Is The Modernist free?

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

### Do Factory Settings or The Modernist have ads?

The Modernist shows ads; Factory Settings does not.

### Which is updated more often, Factory Settings or The Modernist?

Factory Settings ships an update weekly, and The Modernist every 3 months. Most recently, Factory Settings was updated on October 6, 2026 and The Modernist on October 6, 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.*