# nRF Toolbox vs Author BT Update

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Author BT Update at 16.0 against nRF Toolbox's 18.0. On price, update cadence, 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.

nRF Toolbox ships an update every 5 weeks, Author BT Update monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | nRF Toolbox | Author BT Update |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrf-toolbox/id820906058/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8** | — |
| Positive reviews | 22.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 9 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nordic Semiconductor ASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/497679114) | [AUTHOR-ALARM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1344731145) |

## What reviewers say

### nRF Toolbox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nrf-toolbox/id820906058)

This utility app connects to various Bluetooth Low Energy accessories. It demonstrates multiple BLE profiles, including health and fitness sensors, allowing users to monitor data from devices like heart rate monitors and glucose monitors.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, Demonstrates BLE profiles, Heart Rate Monitor support, Glucose Monitor support, Cycling Speed and Cadence, Running Speed and Cadence

**In-app purchases:** none


### Author BT Update

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author-bt-update/id6475983875)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is nRF Toolbox free?

nRF Toolbox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Author BT Update free?

Author BT Update is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do nRF Toolbox or Author BT Update have ads?

Neither nRF Toolbox nor Author BT Update shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, nRF Toolbox or Author BT Update?

nRF Toolbox ships an update every 5 weeks, and Author BT Update monthly. Most recently, nRF Toolbox was updated on October 6, 2026 and Author BT Update on October 10, 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.*