# Vim

> Productivity

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id492668168](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id492668168)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id492668168`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Applidium
- **Category:** Productivity
- **Rating:** 2.80 / 5 (23 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.2.1
- **Last updated:** 2018-12-07
- **First published:** 2012-01-19
- **Size:** 37 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-05
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vim/id492668168)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/privacy/view/d6653300f6916bffd7ae96785c60dade](https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/privacy/view/d6653300f6916bffd7ae96785c60dade)

## Description

Vim is a text editor first released publicly in 1991. Based on the vi editor common to Unix-like systems, Vim is designed for use both from a command line interface and as a standalone application in a graphical user interface. Vim is free and open source software and is released under a license which includes some charityware clauses, encouraging users who enjoy the software to consider donating to children in Uganda. 
https://vim.sourceforge.io/about.php

## Rankings

- #288,078 — Overall
- #21 — cmd/ctrl+m
- #26 — cmd+m (mac)
- #29 — ctrl+m (windows)

## Review summary

Vim for iOS provides a faithful Vim environment with .vimrc and encryption support, and many commands work as expected for long-time Vim users. Reviewers call it a commendable, usable port and note it can serve as a mobile learning tool for Vim. However, it struggles with external keyboards (Esc and space keys often missing or unreliable), suffers from illegible or thin fonts, and appears not to be well maintained (older updates, compatibility concerns, 32-bit issues). It also lacks cloud/file management and Vim-specific on-screen keys, making day-to-day editing challenging compared with iVim or desktop Vim.

### Pros

- Faithful Vim port for iOS with support for .vimrc and encryption, preserving Vim's editing workflow.
- Most Vim commands work as expected, appealing to long-time Vim users.
- Commendable, usable effort that keeps Vim alive on iOS and contributes to the ecosystem.
- Useful as a learning tool for students to learn Vim on mobile.

### Cons

- External keyboard support is incomplete: Esc key and space bar often not recognized or usable.
- Fonts and text are frequently illegible or too thin, hindering readability.
- App appears outdated/not maintained: long gaps between updates, compatibility concerns, and 32-bit issues.
- Lacks cloud/file management and cross-app file transfer: no Dropbox/iCloud integration and difficult file handling.
- Limited on-screen usability: cryptic interface and lack of Vim-specific on-screen keys, making day-to-day editing challenging.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [iVim](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1266544660) — 4.60 / 5
- [VimBiz](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1100784715)
- [vimigo](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1436565706)
- [Not Emacs](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id948330589) — 4.00 / 5
- [Vimkey](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1585682577) — 5.00 / 5
- [Velrix](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6760364475)
- [Liyun](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id840698595) — 4.10 / 5
- [VIM](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6651830184)
- [VimKata: Learn Vim Visually](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6759241557) — 5.00 / 5
- [MySimpleEditor](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6736531497)
- [VIM for nanoOne](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1018138644)
- [Vinchat](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1511361493) — 2.50 / 5

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id492668168)