# Desktop Mode OS vs Polanthos

The clearest difference is ads: Polanthos at none against Desktop Mode OS's shown. Polanthos also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 71%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Desktop Mode OS's advantage is ratings volume (24 vs 3) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Desktop Mode OS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year and Polanthos sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Polanthos holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Desktop Mode OS has 24 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Desktop Mode OS's written reviews are positive against 100% of Polanthos's.

Desktop Mode OS ships an update every 6 days, Polanthos every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desktop Mode OS | Polanthos |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-mode-os-prodocktive/id6762341245/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polanthos-pause-scrolling/id6773573378/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **24** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gautam Sukhramani](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893868918) | [HAIYI NING](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773573380) |

## What reviewers say

### Desktop Mode OS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-mode-os-prodocktive/id6762341245)

Transform your iPhone into a powerful desktop workstation, extending its capabilities to external displays like AR glasses, monitors, or TVs. Experience a high-performance desktop environment using your phone's native silicon, with innovative input modes for seamless interaction.

**Highlights:** Turn iPhone into a desktop workstation, Extend to AR glasses, monitors, TVs, Spatial productivity with AR glasses, Multiple input modes: Air Mouse, Hand Tracking, Liquid Trackpad, Connect to any display (USB-C, HDMI, AirPlay), Sync Assistant for webview issues, Pin frequently used sessions to dock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Lifetime subscription | $19.99 | one-time |


### Polanthos

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polanthos-pause-scrolling/id6773573378)

This app helps you pause before opening distracting applications, encouraging intentional social media use and reducing mindless scrolling. It offers a mindful moment to decide if you truly want to proceed, with features like focus schedules and reclaimed time tracking.

**Highlights:** Mindful pause before app launch, Focus schedules, Gentle reminders, Reclaimed time tracking, Simple redirects, Calm design

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Polanthos Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Polanthos Pro Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desktop Mode OS free?

Desktop Mode OS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Polanthos free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Desktop Mode OS or Polanthos?

Polanthos is rated higher. Desktop Mode OS averages 4.6 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Polanthos averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Desktop Mode OS or Polanthos have ads?

Desktop Mode OS shows ads; Polanthos does not.

### Which is updated more often, Desktop Mode OS or Polanthos?

Desktop Mode OS ships an update every 6 days, and Polanthos every 2 days. Most recently, Desktop Mode OS was updated on October 24, 2026 and Polanthos on October 18, 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.*