# AI Startup CEO vs Ward

The clearest difference is ads: Ward at none against AI Startup CEO's shown. Ward also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). AI Startup CEO's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AI Startup CEO sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Ward sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AI Startup CEO ships an update weekly, Ward fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AI Startup CEO | Ward |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-startup-ceo/id6761347044/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [IndieCraft LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751436183) | [StackForge Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896315914) |

## What reviewers say

### AI Startup CEO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-startup-ceo/id6761347044)

Manage a cutting-edge AI startup from humble beginnings to a trillion-dollar enterprise. Juggle resources, make strategic decisions, and navigate the volatile tech industry to achieve AGI or immense wealth.

**Highlights:** AI startup tycoon simulation, Six tech stack layers, Six founder origin stories, Quarterly planning and fundraising, Team building and management, Founder legacy progression, Rival leaderboard and nemesis system

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Save Slots Expansion | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


### Ward

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ward-gravity-defense/id6779832733)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StackForge Play Pass Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| StackForge Play Pass Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| Ward Full Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AI Startup CEO free?

AI Startup CEO is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Ward free?

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

### Do AI Startup CEO or Ward have ads?

AI Startup CEO shows ads; Ward does not.

### Which is updated more often, AI Startup CEO or Ward?

AI Startup CEO ships an update weekly, and Ward fortnightly. Most recently, AI Startup CEO was updated on October 31, 2026 and Ward 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.*