1secDic vs InstaDict
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
1secDic
This app provides offline dictionary lookups and AI-powered explanations for language learners. It allows users to create flashcards from their searches and offers a retro electronic dictionary aesthetic. AI features require specific Apple hardware and software versions.
- Offline dictionary lookups
- On-device AI explanations
- Interactive flashcard creation
- Spaced repetition system
- EPWING and MDict format support
- Retro display themes
- iCloud synchronization
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1secDic: Offline AI Dictionary & Flashcard Companion. Meet 1secDic—the next-generation dictionary crafted for serious language learners, polyglots, and researchers. By fusing offline authoritative dictionary archives with the reasoning power of Apple Intelligence, 1secDic doesn't just define words—it helps you truly understand and master them. Search across massive collections in an instant without an internet connection, ask on-device AI to explain subtle nuances, and turn your discoveries into active-recall flashcard study sessions. Key Features: - Offline-First Architecture & Private On-Device AI: Core dictionary lookups across your EPWING and MDict collections work completely offline. Apple Intelligence runs privately on-device for instant nuance breakdowns and example dialogues—with zero data tracking. Need deeper etymology or 32K context? Seamlessly tap to refresh via Apple's Private Cloud Compute on demand. - Interactive Flashcard Quiz Mode: Never forget a word again. Seamlessly convert your bookmarks and search history into active-recall study decks. Features fluid 3D card flips, auto-scrolling marquee cards for comprehensive definitions, and an intuitive spaced repetition workflow ("Keep" vs. "Got It"). - Blazing-Fast Zero-Latency Engine: Engineered in C++ and Swift for instant responsiveness. Decoded in-memory heading caches deliver 300ms live typing results across dozens of dictionaries simultaneously—with zero seek lag. - Complete Format Freedom (EPWING & MDict): Import your own EPWING and MDict (.mdx/.mdd) archives with ease, or get started immediately with free built-in downloadable dictionaries. Full support for subbooks, multi-book simultaneous search, embedded audio, and rare Kanji / Gaiji rendering. - Retro Electronic Dictionary Aesthetics: Relive the golden age of dedicated electronic dictionaries. Choose from authentic Green CRT, Plasma Amber, Blue Workstation, LCD, or E-Ink display styles, paired with custom bitmap typography (EtchedUD font) and subtle scanlines. - Unified Apple Ecosystem: Native apps crafted for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Watch. Synchronize your bookmarks and history effortlessly across all your devices via iCloud. *Note on Apple Intelligence: AI features run on-device and require iOS 26+ / macOS 26+ on compatible Apple Silicon hardware (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, or M-series Macs/iPads). On other devices, all offline dictionary lookups, EPWING/MDict archives, audio, flashcards, and retro themes remain fully operational.*
InstaDict
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A word you don’t know shouldn’t interrupt your day. InstaDict brings quick, offline dictionary lookup to Apple Watch and iPhone. Open the app, start typing, and find the meaning you need. OPEN AND TYPE Word entry opens automatically, so you can get straight to your next lookup. A TAP AWAY ON YOUR WATCH No iPhone? No worries. Hands high, you got it. Add a shortcut to a compatible watch face or the Smart Stack to open InstaDict quickly. WORD BOOK Looking up a word over and over but just keep forgetting it? Word Book got you. When a word is looked up multiple times, it will be added to the Word Book automatically for you to review with ease. You can also add key words manually to it. The Word Book syncs seamlessly between your Apple Watch and iPhone. THREE DICTIONARIES Choose English–English, English–Chinese, or Chinese–English. Switch between English and Chinese definitions for English words, or enter a Chinese word to find its English meaning. With more dictionaries on the way. DOWNLOAD ONCE, LOOK UP OFFLINE Download dictionaries directly on Apple Watch or iPhone. You can also send downloaded dictionaries from iPhone to Watch. Once installed, look up words without an internet connection—and use your Watch without your phone nearby. MORE THAN A MEANING Explore pronunciation guides, examples, and word forms where available. Chinese entries include pinyin, and spelling suggestions help when a word isn’t found. SIMPLE AND PRIVATE No account required. Dictionary searches run on your device, with no analytics or uploaded queries. An internet connection is required to download dictionaries before your first lookup. Available input methods depend on your device and system language; dictation may require a connection.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: InstaDict at none against 1secDic's 1. InstaDict also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). 1secDic's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. 1secDic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. InstaDict asks for nothing beyond the download.
1secDic ships an update fortnightly, InstaDict weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 1secDic | InstaDict |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Weekly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | editoy Inc. | Shanghai Candy Rectangle Technology Co., Ltd. |
In-app purchases
1secDic
- Full Unlock (All Devices)$7.99
InstaDict
No in-app purchases






