# Gem Forge vs Idle Stars

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gem Forge at none against Idle Stars's 3. Gem Forge also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Idle Stars's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Stars sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Gem Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gem Forge ships an update daily, Idle Stars every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gem Forge | Idle Stars |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-stars/id6804573898/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 129 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [RandomGG, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881931008) | [PULSAR LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/485209178) |

## What reviewers say

### Gem Forge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-forge-diamond-enhance/id6768584159)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Idle Stars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-stars/id6804573898)

Build a star-spanning empire by managing resources, researching technologies, and colonizing new worlds. Engage in diplomacy or conflict with alien civilizations. Reset your universe with permanent upgrades to achieve greater progress each cycle.

**Highlights:** Layered idle economy with five resources, Research paths and automation, Galaxy map with exploration and colonization, Diplomacy and conflict with civilizations, Supernova resets with permanent progression, Offline progress and notifications

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Hour Boost | $1.99 | one-time |
| Supporter Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Stellar Charter | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gem Forge free?

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

### Is Idle Stars free?

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

### Do Gem Forge or Idle Stars have ads?

Gem Forge shows ads; Idle Stars does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gem Forge or Idle Stars?

Gem Forge ships an update daily, and Idle Stars every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gem Forge was updated on October 25, 2026 and Idle Stars 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.*