Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow in IOS

Meet Pengu, Mellow, Bao & more

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

84/100

Pengu takes the virtual pet concept and brings it into the social media age. While it definitely feels like a love letter to the Tamagotchis of the 90s, the focus here is on shared responsibility. The 'co-parenting' feature is brilliant—allowing you to raise a penguin with a friend, partner, or family member. It turns the act of feeding and playing with a pet into a way to stay connected with people in real life.

The inclusion of a home screen widget is a game-changer for this genre. You don't even have to open the app to see how your Pengu is doing, which makes the care feel more integrated into your day. There are plenty of mini-games to earn coins for outfits and wallpapers, and the AI elements make the interactions feel slightly more dynamic than older sims. It’s a wholesome, beautifully designed social experience that’s perfect for couples or best friends.

Reviewed on: Sat May 17 2025
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

I don't get the fascination with digital pets, especially when they’re this needy. Pengu is essentially a chore list disguised as a cute bird. The 'AI' is just a marketing buzzword for a basic set of behaviors that trigger at set intervals. The social aspect is okay—raising a pet with a partner is a nice touch—but the economy is broken. You struggle to afford basic 'food' for your penguin unless you’re willing to sit through an endless stream of ads or pay for premium currency.

The mini-games are generic 'Drill' or 'Match' clones that exist purely to make you watch more ads between rounds. As a 40-year-old, I find this type of 'retention-focused' design to be manipulative. It’s not about the joy of pet ownership; it’s about how many times they can get you to open the app and see a banner. If you want a pet, get a real one; if you want a game, look elsewhere.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Cute, well-animated character models
  • Collaborative 'co-parenting' feature
  • Simple for kids to understand
  • Aggressive and frequent advertisements
  • Unbalanced in-game economy
  • Empty 'AI' marketing claims

Technical Report

Performance: Significant background battery usage due to pet 'notifications'.

Accessibility:

    Audience Fit

    Buy if: You want a social app to share with a partner and don't mind advertisements.

    Skip if: You value your time and want a game with actual depth.

    Reviewer Context

    • Reviewer: Dinsun
    • Hardware: iPhone 15
    • Playtime: 6 hours
    • Status: Raised Pengu to 'Juvenile' stage

    The Game

    Available on: iPhone

    Version 2.2.38Fri Feb 20 2026

    You've been invited to raise your cute Pengu, Bao and Mellow!

    - Bug fixes and performance improvements


    The #1 virtual pet game in the world! For couples, friends and parents:

    Welcome to Pengu: Your AI-Powered Virtual Pet & Friend! A captivating virtual pet world that combines the charm of classic pet games with the power of AI. Chat with Pengu, watch it evolve, and co-parent with friends and loved ones. Pengu offers more than just fun—it’s a companion that grows with you, adapting to your unique style of care and interaction.

    Co-Parent with Friends & Loved Ones: Share the joy of raising Pengu with those you care about. Perfect for couples, friends, and families, Pengu strengthens relationships through shared milestones and co-parenting adventures. Celebrate achievements together and create lasting memories with your virtual pet.

    AI-Powered Virtual Pet: Pengu learns from your interactions, forming its own personality based on your behavior. This intelligent companion brings the nostalgia of virtual pets into a new era, creating meaningful experiences that go beyond simple care routines. Whether you’re teaching Pengu something new or just having a chat, Pengu feels more like a true friend with every interaction.

    Customize & Create: Make Pengu’s world your own! Personalize your virtual pet with stylish outfits, accessories, and unique wallpapers. Your creativity shapes Pengu’s home, making each experience personal and dynamic as your Pengu grows and adapts.

    Mini-Games & Rewards: Play engaging games, unlock exclusive items, and enhance Pengu’s environment. The more you play, the more fun surprises await as you enrich your Pengu’s life, earning rewards that unlock new possibilities.

    Pengu Widget: Keep Pengu close with an adorable widget! Check in, chat, and interact with your AI friend directly from your home screen—staying connected has never been easier or more fun.

    A Virtual Friend for Everyone: • For Couples: Build stronger bonds through shared experiences and co-parenting Pengu. • For Friends: Turn every interaction into a shared adventure and make new memories. • For Families: Co-parent Pengu together, bringing generations closer through the joy of virtual pet care.

    Social Fun & Connection: Pengu is all about sharing cute moments and fun with friends. Chat, send digital gifts, and celebrate Pengu’s milestones with others. It’s always more fun when shared with those you care about! Share your Pengu’s achievements, challenge your friends, and explore new ways to stay connected in this virtual world.

    Your Virtual Pet with Pengu. Download now and see how Pengu grows with you, adapts to your life, and connects you with loved ones!

    Virtual pet, Virtual AI friend, co-parent virtual pet, best virtual pet game

    _____________________________

    Pengu is free to download and use, and that will never change for our main features. However, if you’re looking to get the most from Pengu, you can subscribe to one of our optional subscription product Pengu Pass.

    We currently offer Pengu Pass. The prices may vary per country and are subject to change without notice. Prices are clearly displayed in the app.

    * Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase.

    * Your subscription will automatically renew itself, unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.

    * Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period.

    * You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings in the iTunes Store.

    * If offered, if you choose to use our free trial, any unused portion of the free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription to that publication, where applicable

    * If you don’t choose to purchase Pengu Pass, you can simply continue using and enjoying Pengu Pass for free.

    Your personal data is securely stored on Pengu Pass - be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions:

    Privacy Policy: https://web.penguapp.co/privacy-policy

    Terms of use: https://web.penguapp.co/terms


    Requires iOS 17.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    Friends is a social AI companion app with cute virtual pets you grow over time – alone or together with real-life friends.

    Raise AI companions, share moments, and build routines for focus, self-care, and connection.

    Friends turns everyday life into something more personal, social, and fun. Your AI companions learn from you, adapt to your routine, and evolve based on your interactions over time.

    Social AI Companions That Evolve With You

    Friends is social by design. Raise companions on your own or together with someone you care about — share progress, moments, and playful interactions along the way.

    Every action shapes their personality, unlocks new behaviors, and creates small surprises over time.

    Choose Your AI Companion

    Each companion supports a different part of your day:

    Pengu – A Shared AI Companion for Two People

    Pengu is a shared AI companion you raise together with a partner or close friend. Two people shape Pengu’s personality through conversations, choices, and shared interactions over time. Designed for couples, close friends, and siblings who want to build something together.

    Mellow – AI Study Buddy & Focus Companion

    Mellow is your calm AI study and focus companion.

    Mellow helps you stay on track with studying, homework, and daily tasks – adding gentle structure, reminders, and encouragement without pressure.

    Bao – AI Self-Care & Habit Companion

    Bao is your self-care AI companion for healthy habits and well-being.

    The more consistent you are, the more Bao develops – designed to make self-care feel motivating, rewarding, and easier to stick with.

    Raise Companions Together

    Raise companions with friends, send reactions and gifts, celebrate milestones, and enjoy a shared digital space that grows with your relationships.

    Often compared to a new generation of Tamagotchi-style experiences, Friends goes further by combining AI characters, real utility, and shared experiences with people you care about.

    Customize and Create

    - Personalize your companions and their world:

    - Outfits and accessories

    - Wallpapers and themed rooms

    - Visual upgrades that reflect personality and progress

    Friends Widgets

    Stay connected from your home screen.

    Check in on Pengu, Bao, or Mellow, interact with them, and see what they are up to with a quick glance.

    Built on AI That Learns Over Time

    Friends is powered by AI designed to make companions feel more personal the longer you use them.

    Your companions learn from how you interact, adapt to your habits, and respond differently over time — remembering past moments and reacting to progress.

    Your AI Friends, Your Way

    Download Friends and see how Pengu, Mellow, and Bao grow with you over time.

    Social AI companions designed to support you, connect you, and make everyday life more fun.

    Subscription Information

    - Friends is free to download and use, and that will never change for our main features. If you want more from the experience, you can subscribe to our optional product Friends Plus.

    - We currently offer Pengu Pass. Prices may vary by country and are subject to change without notice. Prices are clearly displayed in the app.

    - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase.

    - Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period.

    - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period.

    - You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your Account Settings in the App Store.

    - If offered, and you choose a free trial, any unused portion of the trial will be forfeited upon subscription.

    - If you choose not to subscribe, you can continue using Friends for free.

    Privacy & Terms

    Your personal data is securely stored on Friends. Please review our policies:

    Privacy Policy: https://web.penguapp.co/privacy-policy

    Terms of Use: https://web.penguapp.co/terms


    In-Game Events

    Valentine’s Season
    SPECIAL EVENT
    Valentine’s Season
    Romantic fits, cute furniture now in the shop

    Shop romantic outfits, cozy furniture, and limited-time Pupu items to celebrate love in style.

    Starts: 1/31/2026Ends: 2/27/2026

    Ratings & Reviews

    4.9 out of 5 with 232745 Counts
    Age Rating 4+

    Screenshots

    Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 1Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 2Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 3Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 4Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 5Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 6Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 7Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 8Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 9Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 10Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 11Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 12Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 13Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 14Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 15Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 16Friends – Pengu, Bao & Mellow screenshot 17

    Pengu is the ultimate virtual pet adventure that combines classic pet care with social connectivity. Raise a penguin solo or with 'co-parents' to share responsibilities. Customize your pet’s paradise with outfits and wallpapers, play engaging mini-games, and use the interactive widget to stay connected with your pet directly from your home screen.

    Features

    1

    Co-parenting with friends and partners

    2

    Interactive home screen widget

    3

    Extensive pet and room customization

    4

    Engaging social mini-games

    Tips

    Promotion Videos

    Catgotchi: Virtual Pet - Official Announcement Trailer - YouTube

    Related Videos

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    Gameplays

    Q&A

    An optional subscription that provides premium features and exclusive items.

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