Comparison

Pythona vs ShelveApp

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Pythona

Run Python 3.14 and large language models entirely on-device with a full-featured IDE. Supports Jupyter-style notebooks, scientific computing libraries, and local AI inference without API keys.

Highlights
  • Jupyter-style notebooks
  • On-device AI & machine learning
  • Preinstalled scientific computing libraries
  • Local Python 3.14 environment
  • Smart code completion
  • Markdown file preview
Features
Read full description

Run Python — and large language models, fully on-device — right on your iPhone and iPad. Pythona is a full-featured Python 3.14 IDE that brings real scientific computing, notebooks, and local AI to your device. Jupyter-style notebooks Write and run Python in cells, just like Jupyter — charts, tables, images, and math render inline. Open, edit, and save .ipynb files to run data analysis and experiments anywhere. On-device AI & machine learning Run large language models entirely on-device with MLX, Apple's ML framework for Apple Silicon — inference runs locally, no API keys required. Try the included local LLM demo to get started in seconds. Scientific computing, preinstalled NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, Pandas, Matplotlib, OpenCV and more come precompiled and ready to import. A local Python environment - Python 3.14 with popular libraries - Smart, fast code completion - Syntax highlighting for many languages (JavaScript, C, Rust, Go, HTML, CSS, Shell, and more) - Markdown file preview - Create, save, and organize your scripts, and install more pure-Python packages via the built-in package manager Whether you're prototyping ML ideas, running data analysis, or learning Python on the go, Pythona puts a genuinely capable Python environment in your pocket.

About

ShelveApp

Features
Read full description

Shelve is a powerful SSH client for iOS with a built-in AI coding agent. Connect to your servers, run terminals, and let Claude or Codex work on your codebase — all from your iPhone. AI AGENT OVER SSH Run Claude or Codex directly on your remote servers. Multi-session conversations organized by working directory, with git-aware context, image attachments, safety approvals, and model selection. FULL TERMINAL Native terminal emulator with color support, keyboard shortcuts, and smooth scrolling. Manage tmux sessions and keep your work running. HOST WORKSPACE A complete toolkit for every server: • Terminal — Interactive shell access • Tmux — Session management • Browser — Discover and access web services by port • Files — Browse and manage remote files • Services — Monitor Docker, PM2, and system processes • System — View server metrics and resource usage • Logs — Tail and search remote log files SECURITY FIRST • SSH keys generated in the Secure Enclave • Biometric authentication (Face ID / Touch ID) • Full audit log of all key signing operations • Safety approval system for AI agent commands Built for developers who manage servers on the go

Screenshots

Pythona4 screens
ShelveApp4 screens

Verdict

The call

Pythona and ShelveApp are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Pythona sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ShelveApp sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pythona ships an update every 6 days, ShelveApp weekly. Both last shipped on September 14, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Pythona versus ShelveApp: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPythonaShelveApp
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size532 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer志远 刘Refael Yerusalmi

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Pythona

One-time1
  • Pythona Pro$9.99
1 purchases

ShelveApp

One-time1
  • Unlock 2+ Servers$2.99

Questions

Is Pythona free?
Pythona is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShelveApp free?
ShelveApp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pythona or ShelveApp have ads?
Neither Pythona nor ShelveApp shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pythona or ShelveApp?
Pythona ships an update every 6 days, and ShelveApp weekly. Most recently, Pythona was updated on September 14, 2026 and ShelveApp on September 14, 2026.

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