# GemStep vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is update cadence: GemStep at daily against Screen Time Control's every 3 weeks. GemStep also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GemStep sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Screen Time Control sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GemStep ships an update daily, Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GemStep | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 3 weeks |
| Size | 30 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [东景 梁](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573102134) | [YUTO OKURA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1790011093) |

## What reviewers say

### GemStep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gemstep-step-counter-crystal/id6791924355)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 300 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Credits | $2.49 | one-time |
| 2,500 Credits | $5.99 | one-time |


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-mute/id6805898305)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GemStep free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do GemStep or Screen Time Control have ads?

Neither GemStep nor Screen Time Control shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GemStep or Screen Time Control?

GemStep ships an update daily, and Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, GemStep was updated on October 19, 2026 and Screen Time Control on October 17, 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.*