# Self vs Shadow Self

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shadow Self at none against Self's 2. Shadow Self also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.5). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Self sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Shadow Self asks for nothing beyond the download.

Self ships an update every 10 days, Shadow Self every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self | Shadow Self |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 6 days** |
| Size | 12 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Michel Pinto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1873782410) | [yehuda breuer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1877033625) |

## What reviewers say

### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-identity-builder/id6758582687)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self pro monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Self pro yearly | $39.99 | per year |


### Shadow Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-self/id6759146370)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self free?

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

### Is Shadow Self free?

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

### Do Self or Shadow Self have ads?

Neither Self nor Shadow Self shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Self or Shadow Self?

Self ships an update every 10 days, and Shadow Self every 6 days. Most recently, Self was updated on September 8, 2026 and Shadow Self on September 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.*