Comparison

Ari vs Cortex

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Ari

This app offers a unified interface for interacting with various AI models, including those from OpenAI and Anthropic. It prioritizes user privacy by supporting on-device processing, ensuring conversations never leave your phone. The clean design facilitates natural and adaptable conversations.

Highlights
  • Bring Your Own API Keys
  • On-Device Inference
  • Supports Apple Intelligence
  • Privacy-Focused Design
  • Unified Interface for Multiple Providers
  • Distraction-Free Conversation
Features
Read full description

Your Models. Your Keys. Your Rules. Bring your own API key for OpenAI, Anthropic, and other leading providers, or run powerful models entirely on-device with no data ever leaving your phone. Ari supports Apple Intelligence, on-device inference, and all major cloud providers in one unified interface. Privacy First Local models mean your conversations stay on your device. No telemetry, no training on your data, no surprises. Beautifully Simple A clean, distraction-free interface designed for real conversations. Short or detailed, casual or technical — Ari adapts to you. Terms of Service: https://aihelp.bukovinafilip.com/en/articles/1-terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://aihelp.bukovinafilip.com/en/articles/2-privacy-policy

About

Cortex

Features
Read full description

Your all-in-one AI assistant. Cortex brings the world's best AI models into a single app. No need to switch between apps. Access them all in one place. Multiple AI Models Switch between models mid-conversation or compare two side by side. One prompt, two answers — pick the best. Live Web Search Get answers powered by real-time web results. Always accurate, always current. Scheduled Prompts Set daily, weekly, or monthly AI tasks. Cortex runs them automatically and sends you a push notification with the result. Smart Memory Cortex remembers your preferences and personalizes every response automatically. Voice & File Support Speak your prompt or attach images and PDFs directly to any model. Rich Content Code blocks, tables, math equations, and diagrams — beautifully rendered in chat. Prompt Templates Ready-made prompts for coding, writing, translation, analysis, creative work, and productivity. Fully Customizable Adjust tone, style, friendliness, and add custom instructions. Make the AI sound exactly how you want. 33 Languages Full interface localization including English, Turkish, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and more. Stay Organized Folders, search, export, share, and summarize your conversations. Download Cortex — your AI, your rules. Cortex Plus and Cortex Pro are optional auto-renewable subscriptions. Payment is charged to your Apple Account, and subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel them in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://cortex.odbs.tech/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://cortex.odbs.tech/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Ari3 screens
Cortex4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Cortex at 16.4 against Ari's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Ari sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month and Cortex sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ari ships an update weekly, Cortex every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Ari versus Cortex: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAriCortex
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.016.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size32 MB70 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFilip BukovinaODBS LLC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Ari

Subscriptions1
  • Arya Intelligence Pro$0.991 Month
7 purchases

Cortex

Subscriptions4
  • Plus Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Pro Monthly$8.991 Month
  • Pro Weekly$9.997 Days
Show 1 more
  • Pro Yearly$69.991 Year
One-time3
  • 500 Credits$1.99
  • 50 Credits$2.99
  • 150 Credits$6.99

Questions

Is Ari free?
Ari is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cortex free?
Cortex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Ari or Cortex have ads?
Neither Ari nor Cortex shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ari or Cortex?
Ari ships an update weekly, and Cortex every 4 days. Most recently, Ari was updated on October 17, 2026 and Cortex on October 24, 2026.

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