Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Apple Store vs Google

Apple Store 3.5★ · Free to download 40
Winner Google
Google 4.6★ · Free to download 75

Google is the superior choice for general search and information, while Apple Store is primarily for purchasing Apple products and managing Apple-related services.

Full reviews: Apple Store · Google

Google excels as a comprehensive search engine, offering quick access to information and a generally positive user experience, despite some recent issues with AI integration and privacy concerns. The Apple Store app is specifically for browsing and purchasing Apple products, with users appreciating its ease of use for shopping but frequently encountering technical glitches and frustrations with order management and outdated OS compatibility.

Head to head

Features edge: GoogleR11R18R21R23
Apple Store The Apple Store app is designed for browsing and purchasing Apple devices and accessories R11. Users appreciate being able to see models and find what they need R11R23. However, some users report difficulty finding specific products like the '16 pro' and issues with managing installed apps R21. There are also requests for features like creating multiple Downtime blocks R18 and bringing back the option to send entire text message threads .
Google Google is praised for its ability to answer questions and help with tasks like essays . Users appreciate its general utility as a search engine . However, recent updates have introduced issues, with users reporting the disappearance of the 'Read Aloud' function R61R110, broken tab management when using AI R79, and the removal of features like reverse image search and translation in favor of an 'AI Mode' button R91. Some users also find the AI overview to be inaccurate .
Ease of Use edge: GoogleR3R4R5R10
Apple Store Many Apple Store users find the app easy to use and navigate for shopping . However, some experience slow loading times R3, buttons that don't work R10, and difficulty with order viewing within the app . There are also complaints about the app not working on older iOS versions R4 or issues with updating the app itself R5.
Google Google is generally considered easy to use for searching . However, users report difficulties with signing in repeatedly R97 and issues with account creation R73. The new AI/Gemini interface has been criticized for breaking basic tab management and overwriting active threads R79. Some users also find it difficult to log out of their Google account .
Reliability tieR16R19R24R31
Apple Store The Apple Store app faces significant reliability issues. Users report orders not being processed on time R16, transactions failing R24, payment glitches , and problems with refunds R19R34. Some users also experience the app not working or allowing downloads , and issues with password recognition R31.
Google Google is generally reliable for search, but recent updates have introduced bugs. Users report slow loading times for searches , the app disappearing , and issues with recent searches not navigating correctly . The AI functionality is noted as not working well sometimes , and new features are described as buggy . Some users also report their Google accounts disappearing R82.
Price/Value edge: Apple StoreR19R22R27R28
Apple Store The Apple Store app is free to download, but users express concerns about the cost of Apple products R27 and perceived deceptive pricing, such as forced upcharges if not connecting to a major carrier immediately R28. There are also complaints about being charged for extra storage R22 and issues with refunds not being the correct amount R19R34.
Google Google is free to download and use, providing significant value as a search engine . However, users are concerned about privacy, data tracking, and the sale of personal data R63R72R94R97. There are also complaints about being bombarded with ads R72 and unwanted content being pushed .
Support tieR46R55R73R82
Apple Store Apple Store users report difficulties getting help. One user couldn't change their App Store region due to a small balance and found support articles unhelpful, with no clear contact info R55. Another user had an iPad restricted during a disputed charge and felt Apple handled the situation poorly R46.
Google Reviews for Google do not directly address support experiences, but some users express frustration with account issues R73R82 and difficulty finding settings or help for new features R91.
Pick Apple Store if

you are an Apple user looking to browse, research, and purchase Apple products directly from your device R11.

Pick Google if

you need a powerful and comprehensive search engine for daily information retrieval, research, and general browsing .

Evidence note: Reviews for the Apple Store app often conflate issues with the app itself with broader Apple ecosystem problems (e.g., storage, iOS updates). Google's reviews are more directly related to its search and AI functionalities.

Frequently asked

Is the Apple Store app reliable for purchases?
While some users find the Apple Store app useful for browsing, there are frequent reports of unreliability with order processing, transactions, and refunds, with some users experiencing orders not being processed before delivery dates or incorrect refund amounts R16R19R24R34.
Does Google have privacy concerns?
Yes, many Google users express significant concerns about privacy, data tracking, and the sale of personal information, with some noting that searching for something can quickly lead to ads and emails R63R72R94R97.
Are there issues with Google's new AI features?
Yes, recent updates to Google have introduced issues with AI features, including the disappearance of the 'Read Aloud' function, broken tab management when using AI, and the removal of other features in favor of an 'AI Mode' button R61R79R91R110. Some users also find the AI overview to be inaccurate .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R11] Apple Store 5/5 · US Good app: It’s a good app. It’s very useful to see the models. I can now see what phone is best for me.ty for this app
  2. [R18] Apple Store 3/5 · US Apple Family: Please set up the ability to create multiple Downtime blocks on Apple devices. This ability is very much needed!
  3. [R21] Apple Store 3/5 · US Surprisingly annoying to find installed apps: It would be nice if it was easier to find and manage the apps I have installed instead of all of the main options pushing you to new downloads. I usually end up going to pending updates to find my installed apps.
  4. [R23] Apple Store 5/5 · US Have to get this: So when I need an app just took a breaking love this app it has what I need! Get this app now please readable! If you don’t hJust took a breakage this app then something is wrong with you!
  5. [R3] Apple Store 3/5 · US Is ok I guess: It is alright but sometimes it takes forever for things to load personally I need something faster.
  6. [R4] Apple Store 1/5 · US Why would the app not work on old ios: Trying to shop new iphone but the store is disabled for my ios version must update ios to use the apple store app. I am sure this affects millions of apple users looking to upgrade their older phones.
  7. [R5] Apple Store 4/5 · US Weird: The app won’t let me update the new version and I can’t use it
  8. [R10] Apple Store 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Scam?: Cheated: Buttons that do nothing. Directions totally inoperative.
  9. [R16] Apple Store 1/5 · US Orders: Placed an order and wasn’t even processed before the day it was supposed to be delivered. Taking a week and a half longer than advertised
  10. [R19] Apple Store 1/5 · US THIS GAME IS TAKING MY MONEY!!!!!: I was supposed to get 45$ i got 39$ WHY ARE U STEALING APPLE? GIVE MY MONEY OR IM SUEING U! >:(
  11. [R24] Apple Store 3/5 · US Hi: It has been horrible! All of my transactions have never gone through!
  12. [R31] Apple Store 1/5 · US Terrible app: I am only giving it a one star or should I just give apple a one star as they do nor think my password is right which it is and refused to give me access to
  13. [R22] Apple Store 1/5 · US Storage: I despise apple for making me delete photos because I have too much storage when I already deleted almost half of my camera roll. You people are greedy charging for extra storage, this is absolutely absurd and selfish- what has humanity come to that we have to pay just to keep our memories? Not only the memories but to keep our phone going, this is insane and I will not allow it not on my
  14. [R27] Apple Store 3/5 · US Meh: It’s ok I guess some prices are egregious though
  15. [R28] Apple Store 1/5 · US Deceptive: app forces a $30 upcharge if you do not want to connect to a major carrier immediately, making the advertised prices deceptive
  16. [R46] Apple Store 1/5 · US Strong Arm: Very disappointed with how Apple handled a disputed subscription charge. A third-party vendor confirmed by email that the charge was made in error and told me Apple handled the payment/refund process. When I contacted Apple, I was told I had to pay the invoice first and then request a refund. My bigger concern is that my Apple account/iPad was restricted during the dispute over a char
  17. [R55] Apple Store 1/5 · US No help with my problem: I was seeking help to change the region in AppStore. My balance is 0.03$ and there’s no way to spend this amount of money. I cannot change the region if my balance is not zero. In your article it’s said that I should contact the support but there’s no info about email or anything. The articles are of no use. Please help me change the region!
  18. [R73] Google 1/5 · US I can’t make a new Google account for some reason.: Been trying to make a new Google account for me and my friends to start a YouTube channel Together. For some reason, o can’t get through to the next page for creating the account. I’m always stuff at a loading screen that ends up not loading. So frustrating. Maybe I’ll just ask them if they want to do instagram instead.
  19. [R82] Google 1/5 · US Worst app ever: Is some of my account no reason I had a YouTube channel with that account and then it just disappeared and wouldn’t let me get back in and I’m disappointed in this app you shouldn’t get it. It’s the worst app ever.
  20. [R34] Apple Store 1/5 · US Refund: My refund was supposed to be $20 not $16,literally stealing from Me .
  21. [R63] Google 3/5 · US It’s Just Okay!: I prefer a different search engine that doesn’t change the screen if you leave it and come back to it. I also prefer one that doesn’t track your information or location. I also don’t like having suggestions based on something that I looked up because I wasn’t sure what it was.
  22. [R72] Google 3/5 · US Too many ads, privacy cookies and sales of personal data.: Way too much! People forget there are other, safer ways to search. Anytime I google something, it ends up in ads and emails with an hour. Not everyone wants a Gmail account.
  23. [R94] Google 1/5 · US Wow…: If anyone thought Google was bad before, being biased and all, just wait until you learn about Reckless Ben. Evidently google doesn’t care one bit about anyone’s privacy. They will give ALL your emails and information over to any corporation that asks for it. SHAME ON YOU GOOGLE. You can put those legos somewhere dark and lonely, Google.
  24. [R97] Google 2/5 · US Google way: I can’t stand how difficult you make it to sign in and then steal all available information about me you can get your T1000 hands on. Its just absurd and completely violating
  25. [R61] Google 2/5 · US Read Aloud disappeared: To be honest, I don’t really like the Google app, I am just super used to safari and can’t change it but I heavily, HEAVILY, used it for the “Read Aloud” function (and it’s the only reason why I use the Google App). It was working just fine but the option suddenly disappeared the day before yesterday. I have already removed the app, reinstalled, removed shut down the phon
  26. [R79] Google 1/5 · US Broken tab management: The AI/Gemini interface inside the Google App completely breaks basic tab management. When I click the "New Tab" button while inside an active AI thread, it fails to open a separate, additional tab. Instead, it completely ignores the command and overwrites my current thread. This destroys my active research progress and pollutes the AI's context window with unrelated questio
  27. [R91] Google 1/5 · US Why are the features I used now just an AI Mode button?: I use the Google app for just two things, reverse image search and translation. I can sort of get to the reverse image search if I’m ok with Google having camera access, but the translate button is gone, presumably to make room for the very unwelcome AI Mode button. There may be a setting to change this, but it’s not clear in the settings, a
  28. [R110] Google 5/5 · US Read aloud or listen now function issue: I love this app. I use this a lot. I appreciate the accessibility feature especially ones that are allowing you to listen to the article. However, we didn’t last two days. The toolbar is not reflecting that read aloud feature, which is kind of frustrating. I hope this is a update issue and it will be fixed soon because otherwise Apple will suffer a lot beca

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store