# Branches vs Shift

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shift at none against Branches's 2. Shift also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). Branches's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Branches sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Shift asks for nothing beyond the download.

Branches ships an update every 3 weeks, Shift every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Branches | Shift |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 2 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Luke Antony Martin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716896288) | [Wojciech Filipowicz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590351338) |

## What reviewers say

### Branches

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/branches-simple-planner/id6472275553)

Organize tasks, to-dos, and projects with a clean, intuitive layout. Prioritize what matters most with a distraction-free design that syncs seamlessly across your devices. Ideal for everyday tasks, projects, and staying focused.

**Highlights:** Simple lists and smart planning, Prioritize tasks and projects, Seamless iCloud synchronization, Distraction-free design, Minimalist and personalizable interface, Native iOS experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.49 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $4.99 | per year |


### Shift

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-block-apps/id6740092027)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Branches free?

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

### Is Shift free?

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

### Do Branches or Shift have ads?

Neither Branches nor Shift shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Branches or Shift?

Branches ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shift every 2 months. Most recently, Branches was updated on October 2, 2026 and Shift on October 15, 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.*