# Approach Control vs Backburn

The clearest difference is price: Approach Control at Free against Backburn's $0.99. Approach Control also leads on review sentiment (36% vs 0%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Backburn's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Approach Control is free to download; Backburn costs $0.99 up front. Approach Control sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Backburn asks for nothing beyond the download.

Approach Control ships an update every 3 weeks, Backburn every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Approach Control | Backburn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | **[2.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9** | — |
| Positive reviews | **36.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 174 MB | 118 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Big Fat Simulations Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/578114758) | [Robert Corbin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1890247992) |

## What reviewers say

### Approach Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/approach-control-remastered/id6756545492)

Experience a realistic air traffic control simulation with genuine ATC procedures and pilot voice recordings. Make critical decisions under pressure, manage traffic across 10 unique sectors, and test your skills with challenging scenarios. Includes training modules and career tracking.

**Highlights:** Realistic radar simulation, Genuine ATC procedures, Actual pilot voice recordings, 10 unique approach sectors, 10 ATC challenges, In-built training modules, Career statistics and trophy case

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advanced | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ninja | $1.99 | one-time |
| Approach Control: Remastered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cornered | $1.99 | one-time |
| Insanity | $1.99 | one-time |
| Windy | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pandemonium | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gridlock | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


### Backburn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backburn-wildfire-strategy/id6792957422)

This offline strategy game lets you plan up to six turns ahead in wildfire scenarios. Compare different decisions, manage resources, and learn from your choices in a fictional environment. Rehearse before advancing to make every turn count.

**Highlights:** Plan six turns ahead, Compare strategy branches, Manage resources and crews, Offline gameplay, Thirty authored incidents, After-action reports

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Approach Control free?

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

### Is Backburn free?

Backburn costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Approach Control or Backburn have ads?

Neither Approach Control nor Backburn shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Approach Control or Backburn?

Approach Control ships an update every 3 weeks, and Backburn every 4 days. Most recently, Approach Control was updated on October 24, 2026 and Backburn on October 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*