# API Matrix vs Pier Shell

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | API Matrix | Pier Shell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Size | 55 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chi Hin Lio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896516878) | [Muhamad Nur Asyraaf](https://appshunter.io/developer/1841873975) |

## What reviewers say

### API Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/api-matrix/id6779679646)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Pier Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pier-shell/id6801818407)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is API Matrix free?

API Matrix is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Pier Shell free?

Pier Shell is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do API Matrix or Pier Shell have ads?

Neither API Matrix nor Pier Shell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, API Matrix or Pier Shell?

API Matrix ships an update every 5 days, and Pier Shell every 2 weeks. Most recently, API Matrix was updated on October 31, 2026 and Pier Shell 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.*