API Matrix vs Pier Shell
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
API Matrix
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API Matrix is a privacy-first key vault built for developers who work with multiple AI providers. All your credentials stay on-device, locked behind Face ID or fingerprint. 34 providers supported β including OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, Gemini etc. Biometric lock β Face ID / fingerprint unlocks your vault automatically Ping test β Validate each key with the correct provider endpoint and auth header Usage & cost tracking β OpenAI, Anthropic, OpenRouter, DeepSeek, DeepInfra One-copy export β curl commands, .env snippets, and OpenRouter config 100% on-device β expo-secure-store, no cloud, no tracking
Pier Shell
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No separate account required Pier works with your existing iCloud account to keep supported data synchronized across your Apple devices. Thereβs no Pier registration, username, or password to manage. Pier is a native SSH and SFTP client built for developers who want a simple, fast way to access their servers from iPhone and Mac. Add your hosts once and keep them synced privately through iCloud. Connect to production, staging, personal servers, Raspberry Pis, and more without rebuilding your setup on every device. Pier is designed to feel at home on Apple platforms, with a clean native interface, fast terminal performance, and secure key handling.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: API Matrix at every 5 days against Pier Shell's every 2 weeks. API Matrix also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.5). Pier Shell's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
API Matrix ships an update every 5 days, Pier Shell every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | API Matrix | Pier Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days β better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Mac β better |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 β better | 26.5 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 55 MB | 13 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Chi Hin Lio | Muhamad Nur Asyraaf |
In-app purchases
API Matrix
No in-app purchases
Pier Shell
No in-app purchases









