# Cortex vs TextDeck

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TextDeck at none against Cortex's 1. TextDeck also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 4 months). Cortex's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cortex sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TextDeck asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cortex ships an update every 4 months, TextDeck every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cortex | TextDeck |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textdeck-snippets-and-shortcuts/id6761092608/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 84 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ippocode Technologies LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852421273) | [Jonas Hoettler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812395414) |

## What reviewers say

### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-local-ai/id6757537386)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


### TextDeck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textdeck-snippets-and-shortcuts/id6761092608)

Streamline your typing with reusable text templates and AI-powered prompt enhancement. Create custom snippets with fill-in blanks that paste directly into any app. All processing happens on-device for maximum privacy and offline functionality.

**Highlights:** Reusable text snippets with fill-in blanks, On-device AI for prompt improvement and placeholder suggestions, Global hotkey for instant access, Frecency sorting for frequently used templates, Community prompt library with offline access, iCloud sync across Apple devices, 100% local processing and privacy

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Is TextDeck free?

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

### Do Cortex or TextDeck have ads?

Neither Cortex nor TextDeck shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cortex or TextDeck?

Cortex ships an update every 4 months, and TextDeck every 9 days. Most recently, Cortex was updated on September 14, 2026 and TextDeck on September 27, 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.*