Comparison

Flappy Board vs Retrotick

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

Head to head
About

Flappy Board

Features
Read full description

Transform your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV into a stunning split-flap display — the iconic mechanical boards once found in airports, train stations, and hotels worldwide. Flappy Board renders each character on individual flipping tiles that cycle with satisfying mechanical animation. Drive it remotely from your home automation system or any app that can send an HTTP request. FEATURES • Authentic split-flap animation — every character tile flips independently at configurable speed • Built-in demos — watch a live departure board fill in with flights and airline logos, or display current weather conditions • Local HTTPS API — Flappy Board runs a secure server on your device, accepting messages from any device on your network • Flappy Board Controller — pair a companion iPhone or iPad app by scanning a QR code; send messages wirelessly • Fully configurable — adjust rows, columns, character set, flip speed, fonts, and colors • Home Assistant and more — works with any HTTP client for easy automation integration • Secure by default — Bearer token authentication and TLS encryption keep your board private THE AMATEUR PLAN Unlock full API control with a one-time in-app purchase. Connect your own scripts, automations, and apps and turn Flappy Board into a live display for anything: sports scores, stock prices, package tracking, calendar events, or whatever data matters to you. Flappy Board is perfect for home dashboards, event signage, smart home projects, and anyone drawn to the nostalgic appeal of mechanical displays.

About

Retrotick

This app transforms your iPhone or iPad into a visually appealing split-flap clock, mimicking the mechanical flip of classic station displays. Enjoy authentic animations, customizable themes, and widgets for your Home and Lock Screens, all designed with a modern aesthetic.

Highlights
  • Authentic split-flap animation
  • Liquid Glass design
  • Home and Lock Screen widgets
  • Live Activities and Dynamic Island support
  • 12/24 hour format with optional seconds
  • Multiple digit fonts
  • Gallery of premium themes
Features
Read full description

Retrotick turns your iPhone and iPad into a beautiful split-flap clock, the satisfying mechanical flip of a classic station and bedside display, rebuilt for iOS with Apple's Liquid Glass design. Set it on your nightstand, your desk, or your Home and Lock Screens and watch the digits flip on every tick. FEATURES • Authentic split-flap animation that flips on every second • Liquid Glass design with clear, black, and white backdrops • Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets in multiple sizes • Live Activities and Dynamic Island to keep the time glanceable while you use other apps • 12- or 24-hour time, with optional seconds • Multiple digit fonts to match your style • A gallery of themes, from minimal to bold, with a free set to start • A countdown timer with a split-flap duration picker that rings through silent and Focus • Optional flip sound and haptics for the mechanical tick THEMES Unlock premium themes your way. Buy any theme once and keep it forever, or subscribe to Retrotick Plus to unlock every theme while your subscription is active. Preview any theme before you decide, and your purchases stay with your Apple ID. DESIGNED FOR iOS Built in SwiftUI for iOS 26, Retrotick looks right on every device size and adapts to portrait and landscape automatically. No accounts. No ads. No tracking. Just a gorgeous clock. Retrotick Plus is an auto-renewable subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. It renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, and your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://makekamac.github.io/retrotick/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://makekamac.github.io/retrotick/privacy/

Screenshots

Flappy Board4 screens
Retrotick3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Flappy Board at weekly against Retrotick's every 3 weeks. Flappy Board also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Flappy Board sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Retrotick sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Flappy Board ships an update weekly, Retrotick every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Flappy Board versus Retrotick: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFlappy BoardRetrotick
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGeneral Futurics LLCEkam Singh

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Flappy Board

One-time1
  • Amateur$5.99
7 purchases

Retrotick

One-time7
  • Sunset Ember$1.99
  • Neon Dusk$1.99
  • Aurora$1.99
Show 4 more
  • Liquid Glass$1.99
  • Retro LCD$1.99
  • Synthwave$2.99
  • Gold Luxe$2.99

Questions

Is Flappy Board free?
Flappy Board is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Retrotick free?
Retrotick is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Flappy Board or Retrotick have ads?
Neither Flappy Board nor Retrotick shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Flappy Board or Retrotick?
Flappy Board ships an update weekly, and Retrotick every 3 weeks. Most recently, Flappy Board was updated on September 19, 2026 and Retrotick on September 13, 2026.

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