# DevelopFilm vs dial

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: dial at none against DevelopFilm's 3. dial also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 11 days). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DevelopFilm sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. dial asks for nothing beyond the download.

DevelopFilm ships an update every 11 days, dial every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DevelopFilm | dial |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/developfilm-darkroom-lab/id6749870154/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 30 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **26.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aleksandrs Bertulis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1825425669) | [MICHAEL CHEN](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796395867) |

## What reviewers say

### DevelopFilm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/developfilm-darkroom-lab/id6749870154)

This app is a pocket darkroom companion for black-and-white film development. It offers official developing times, a smart timer with agitation guidance, and full process control. Track your film details and parameters in a built-in journal to refine your workflow and achieve consistent results.

**Highlights:** Official developing times database, Smart timer with agitation guidance, Full process control adjustments, Built-in film roll journal, Quick custom timer, Darkroom-ready minimal interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Darkroom Pass Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Darkroom Pass Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $44.99 | one-time |


### dial

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dial-film-development-timer/id6823453386)

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DevelopFilm free?

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

### Is dial free?

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

### Do DevelopFilm or dial have ads?

Neither DevelopFilm nor dial shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DevelopFilm or dial?

DevelopFilm ships an update every 11 days, and dial every 5 days. Most recently, DevelopFilm was updated on November 14, 2026 and dial on November 13, 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.*