# Simmer vs Virtual

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Simmer at none against Virtual's 3. Simmer also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Virtual sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Simmer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simmer ships an update every 5 days, Virtual fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simmer | Virtual |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Fortnightly |
| Size | 82 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Parent-AI LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1687334879) | [Thomas Richardson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887851473) |

## What reviewers say

### Simmer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simmer-it/id6760948290)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Virtual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-fridge/id6770601806)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Bring Your Own OpenAI Key | Free | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simmer free?

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

### Is Virtual free?

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

### Do Simmer or Virtual have ads?

Neither Simmer nor Virtual shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simmer or Virtual?

Simmer ships an update every 5 days, and Virtual fortnightly. Most recently, Simmer was updated on October 31, 2026 and Virtual on October 31, 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.*