# Symbol Link vs Lock Shape

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lock Shape at none against Symbol Link's 7. Lock Shape also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 66%). Symbol Link's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 20 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Symbol Link sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Lock Shape asks for nothing beyond the download.

Symbol Link ships an update every 4 months, Lock Shape every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Symbol Link | Lock Shape |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-link-game-challenges/id818245884/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **63** | — |
| Positive reviews | 65.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 20 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 61 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ANDREY NOVIKOV](https://appshunter.io/developer/418898717) | [kunal rameshbhai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1117340195) |

## What reviewers say

### Symbol Link

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-link-game-challenges/id818245884)

This puzzle game challenges you to connect matching symbols with a single path. It features a vast number of puzzles and challenges, with unique mechanics like autolinks and an advanced scoring system. Designed by the creator of Tetris, it offers stylish visuals and audio.

**Highlights:** 1650 puzzles, 300 challenges, 3 puzzle packs by Tetris author, Autolinks feature, Advanced score system, Hints and guides

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 12 Hints | $1.99 | one-time |
| Alexey's Pack II | $1.99 | one-time |
| Alexey's Pack III | $1.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack IV | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack V | $1.99 | one-time |
| Puzzle Pack VI | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧩 Innovative puzzle mechanics with auto-complete feature
- 🎨 Beautiful minimalist design and UI
- 🎵 Soothing music and sound design
- 😌 Relaxing and engaging gameplay
- 🧠 Challenging and thought-provoking puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive and intrusive full-screen ads
- 💰 Ads appear after nearly every level
- 🎯 Ads positioned over continue/restart buttons causing accidental clicks
- ❌ Ad removal purchase doesn't work properly
- 📖 Unclear game instructions and mechanics

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes on tutorial/how-to screen with unresponsive controls
- Settings menu freezes on iPhone 5
- App force quits unexpectedly
- Occasional line freezing during gameplay
- Accidental App Store redirects from ad clicks

**Requested features**

- Add more free puzzle packs
- Implement ad-free version with reasonable pricing
- Provide clearer in-game tutorials and instructions
- Add difficulty ratings for puzzle packs before purchase
- Include confirmation dialog before using hints


### Lock Shape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-shape/id6450044382)

Test your reflexes and focus in this challenging shape-matching game. Spin the octagon to align with incoming shapes and aim for the highest score. It's easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master, offering an addictive experience.

**Highlights:** Shape matching gameplay, Precision tapping controls, High score challenges, Addictive gameplay loop, Free to play

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Symbol Link free?

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

### Is Lock Shape free?

Lock Shape is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Symbol Link or Lock Shape have ads?

Both Symbol Link and Lock Shape show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Symbol Link or Lock Shape?

Symbol Link ships an update every 4 months, and Lock Shape every 20 months. Most recently, Symbol Link was updated on October 20, 2026 and Lock Shape on October 11, 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.*