# Pattern Shapes, by MLC vs Tynker Junior

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pattern Shapes, by MLC at none against Tynker Junior's 6. Pattern Shapes, by MLC also leads on review sentiment (70% vs 59%). Tynker Junior's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 26 months) and ratings volume (4.2K vs 17). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Pattern Shapes, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tynker Junior holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker Junior has 4.2K ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Pattern Shapes, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Pattern Shapes, by MLC ships an update every 26 months, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pattern Shapes, by MLC | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-shapes-by-mlc/id908511013/reviews) | **[4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **4.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **70.0% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 26 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 396 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.7** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## What reviewers say

### Pattern Shapes, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-shapes-by-mlc/id908511013)

This app allows students to explore geometry and fractions through interactive shape manipulation. Users can create designs, fill outlines, measure angles, and annotate their work. It's an open-ended educational tool for learning mathematical concepts.

**Highlights:** Explore geometry and fractions, Create custom designs, Measure angles with protractor, Duplicate, resize, and recolor shapes, Fill built-in outlines, Annotate work with drawing tools, Share creations via image or code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.

**Highlights:** Word-free picture block coding, Problem-solving and logic development, Music and art creation, 200+ coding challenges, Tap-based interface, Voiceovers for guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
- 🚀 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
- 💰 Limited access without subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

**Reported bugs**

- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pattern Shapes, by MLC free?

Pattern Shapes, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pattern Shapes, by MLC or Tynker Junior?

Tynker Junior is rated higher. Pattern Shapes, by MLC averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Tynker Junior averages 4.5 from 4.2K ratings.

### Do Pattern Shapes, by MLC or Tynker Junior have ads?

Neither Pattern Shapes, by MLC nor Tynker Junior shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pattern Shapes, by MLC or Tynker Junior?

Pattern Shapes, by MLC ships an update every 26 months, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, Pattern Shapes, by MLC was updated on October 13, 2026 and Tynker Junior on October 8, 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.*