# Minimal vs always.sh

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: always.sh at none against Minimal's 1. always.sh also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Minimal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. always.sh asks for nothing beyond the download.

Minimal ships an update every 2 months, always.sh every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Minimal | always.sh |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimal-simple-home-screen/id6480327824/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 21 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ByteBrew LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1323479618) | [Thomas Stubblefield](https://appshunter.io/developer/1667140472) |

## What reviewers say

### Minimal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimal-simple-home-screen/id6480327824)

This app transforms your home screen into a distraction-free, text-based launcher using widgets. It helps reduce screen time by hiding distracting icons and notification badges, allowing for a more personalized and focused mobile experience.

**Highlights:** Text-based app launcher widgets, Reduces screen time, Hides distracting icons, Customizable widget appearance, Personalized home screen setup

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Membership | $4.99 | one-time |


### always.sh

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alwayssh/id6737702662)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Minimal free?

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

### Is always.sh free?

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

### Do Minimal or always.sh have ads?

Neither Minimal nor always.sh shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Minimal or always.sh?

Minimal ships an update every 2 months, and always.sh every 5 days. Most recently, Minimal was updated on October 30, 2026 and always.sh on October 30, 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.*