# AusweisApp Bund vs Chip Reader

The clearest difference is device support: AusweisApp Bund at 3 against Chip Reader's 1. 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.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AusweisApp Bund | Chip Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ausweisapp-bund/id948660805/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 34.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 23 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Governikus GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/948660804) | [fidentity AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1608180416) |

## What reviewers say

### AusweisApp Bund

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ausweisapp-bund/id948660805)

This software allows you to digitally identify yourself online using your German national ID card, electronic residence permit, or EU citizen card. It's designed for secure online authentication across various platforms.

**Highlights:** Online identification with national ID card, Supports electronic residence permit, Enables EU citizen card identification, Secure online authentication, Available for iPhone, Mac, and iPad

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works seamlessly
- 💡 Useful for more services
- 👍 It works as advertised

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Complicated to set up
- 🐛 Unreliable connection
- 👎 Confusing interface
- 👎 Technologically outdated
- 👎 Waste of taxpayer money

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to read ID card
- Disconnects during verification
- Incompatible with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Support for dual citizenship
- Simplified setup process
- Consistent instructions across devices
- Integration with Apple Wallet


### Chip Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chip-reader/id1608180414)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AusweisApp Bund free?

AusweisApp Bund is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Chip Reader free?

Chip Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AusweisApp Bund or Chip Reader have ads?

Neither AusweisApp Bund nor Chip Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AusweisApp Bund or Chip Reader?

AusweisApp Bund ships an update every 2 months, and Chip Reader every 2 months. Most recently, AusweisApp Bund was updated on September 26, 2026 and Chip Reader on September 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.*