# Ember vs Self Notify

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Ember at 18.0 against Self Notify's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Self Notify sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, Self Notify every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ember | Self Notify |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 28 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lahiru Chathuranga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830723819) | [Dayana Networks Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/403434357) |

## What reviewers say

### Ember

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-focus-and-app-blocker/id6757117435)

This app helps you block distracting applications and build better focus habits. It uses device technology to control which apps are blocked and when, supporting work, study, or rest periods. Enjoy a clean design with a privacy-first approach, as it does not track activity or collect personal data.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, One-tap focus mode, Schedule app blocking, Block apps during specific times, Clean and calm design, Privacy-first, no tracking, Uses Apple Screen Time technology

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $14.99 | per year |


### Self Notify

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-notify/id6757353700)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $5.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ember free?

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

### Is Self Notify free?

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

### Do Ember or Self Notify have ads?

Neither Ember nor Self Notify shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ember or Self Notify?

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, and Self Notify every 5 weeks. Most recently, Ember was updated on October 15, 2026 and Self Notify on October 8, 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.*