# 4 vs Shape Defense

The clearest difference is update cadence: Shape Defense at every 2 days against 4's every 3 weeks. 4's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

4 ships an update every 3 weeks, Shape Defense every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 4 | Shape Defense |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Size | 23 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tom App Works](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874760041) | [toshihiko sakusabe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876203182) |

## What reviewers say

### 4

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4-color-puzzle-simulator/id6759387342)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shape Defense

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-defense/id6760210046)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 4 free?

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

### Is Shape Defense free?

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

### Do 4 or Shape Defense have ads?

Neither 4 nor Shape Defense shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 4 or Shape Defense?

4 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shape Defense every 2 days. Most recently, 4 was updated on November 5, 2026 and Shape Defense on October 25, 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.*