# VertexTimer vs Cortex

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cortex at every 5 days against VertexTimer's every 3 months. Cortex also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VertexTimer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Cortex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VertexTimer ships an update every 3 months, Cortex every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VertexTimer | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Size | 4 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Hiroki Sakaguchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796654485) | [Dmitry Afanasyev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788884993) |

## What reviewers say

### VertexTimer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vertextimer/id6758393511)

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Plus Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Alarm Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-ai-focus-timer/id6759869031)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Focus Timer Premium | $6.99 | per month |
| AI Focus Timer Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| AI Focus Timer Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VertexTimer free?

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

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Do VertexTimer or Cortex have ads?

Neither VertexTimer nor Cortex shows ads.

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

VertexTimer ships an update every 3 months, and Cortex every 5 days. Most recently, VertexTimer was updated on October 6, 2026 and Cortex on October 1, 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.*