Apps Launcher vs PointerDeck
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Apps Launcher
This utility app allows users to quickly launch other applications by using their unique App IDs. It provides a straightforward method to access installed apps directly from a list, streamlining navigation.
- Launch apps via App ID
- Streamlined app access
- Simple interface
- Direct app navigation
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Simple App Launcher by using only AppID How to check AppID 1. Go to the Apple App Store page. 2. Search for your app and go to the app page. 3. The Apple App Store URL uses the following format: http://apps.apple.com/<country>/app/<app–name>/id<store-ID>
PointerDeck
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PointerDeck turns your iPhone or iPad into a focused wireless trackpad for your Mac. The free PointerDeck Receiver for Mac is required, and both devices must be on the same local network. SET UP ONCE Open Add Device on the Mac and create an 8–12 digit Connection PIN. PointerDeck rejects repeated or sequential patterns; use at least five different digits. Then select that Mac on your iPhone or iPad and enter the PIN. After pairing, PointerDeck remembers the trusted connection and reconnects when both apps are open and reachable. TRACKPAD CONTROLS • Move the pointer with one finger • Scroll with two fingers • Tap or use the dedicated Left Click button • Two-finger tap or use the dedicated Right Click button • Use Drag Lock for click-and-drag TUNE THE FEEL • Adjust pointer sensitivity and scrolling speed • Choose Natural or Reversed scrolling • Turn tap-to-click on or off • Switch to a left-handed button layout DIRECT BY DESIGN PointerDeck does not stream or display your Mac screen. The release has no account, advertisements, subscription, analytics SDK, or cloud service. Controller traffic travels directly between your devices and is encrypted on the local network. REQUIREMENTS • iPhone or iPad running iOS/iPadOS 17 or later • Apple silicon or Intel Mac running macOS 14 or later • Free PointerDeck Receiver from the Mac download page • Both devices on the same local network • Accessibility permission enabled for PointerDeck Receiver on the Mac Guest, corporate, public, or client-isolated networks may prevent devices from discovering each other.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: PointerDeck at none against Apps Launcher's shown. On price, in-app purchases, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Apps Launcher | PointerDeck |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | — |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.7.10 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hideaki Uchikoshi | Eliyahu Mechtcheriakov |
In-app purchases
Apps Launcher
No in-app purchases
PointerDeck
No in-app purchases









