# Funetix — Learn to Read in 12 Hours > Game-changing reading learning app for children, proven effective. (iPhone/iPad app by American Youth Literacy Foundation, Inc..) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/funetix/id1543124898 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [American Youth Literacy Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1543124900) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.39/5 from 18 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.6 · 99 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2021-01-04 - Data updated: 2026-09-02 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/funetix/id1543124898/reviews.md ## What is Funetix? FUNetix® is a completely new, game changing “Reading Learning” app truly designed “from the ground up,” and proven through 17 years of field testing by the American Youth Literacy Foundation, 501 c 3. -With over 2,000 screens of fully narrated linear content, kids enjoy a confidence building, reading learning experience that simulates 12 hours of private, professional 1-on-1, tutoring. -Forty modules take children from the ABC’s to a 2nd grade reading level in just about 12 hours, giving them powerful, newfound confidence in their ability to decode any English word. -Patented in 2012 (US 8,131,538 B2), FUNetix stands apart from virtually every other reading app in the marketplace for its wholly unique approach to teaching all 44 sounds of the English language (phonemic awareness) using pictograms, and for naming every English sound before moving on to English spelling conventions and irregularities. -FUNetix takes the stress and anxiety out of learning how to read. Children aren’t spooked by Kindercode™, otherwise known as 21E®, the children’s phonetic English code that teaches blending and segmentation with fully predictable symbol/sound correspondences. -Children advance with unprecedented speed to reading everyday English words and sentences (say good-bye to “The cat sat on the mat.”), using powerful, tiered learning support tools to include: Audio Support, Phonetic Support, and our 8-years-patented and proven Diacritic Support. -Learners are systematically weaned off of diacritics when they are ready, and as they become accustomed to English Verbal Word Form Patterns and as they begin to read sentences and stories with comprehension. -Short “phonics” break out sessions populate the later modules to reinforce certain common English letter patterns, but FUNetix is primarily a step by step “treasure hunt” (in the form of unique games and challenges) that leads to fully capable and confident readers in record time. -FUNetix’ success comes, in part, by taking away the intimidation factor many children experience when they can’t “sound out” a word. For example, how is a child supposed to know that the “ea” in the word “read” sounds different than the “ea” in the word “bread?” With FUNetix, children don’t have to guess, or feel anxious, because all of the “sound data” is provided to them by our proprietary learning support tools. -Of note, the patented FUNetix system was created by a former Spanish and Arabic linguist for the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army, in 2003, who, as a father, was driven to find a solution to his 8-year-old son’s reading challenges, and, as a result, stumbled upon the insight of applying the “Diacritic Method” used by the ancient Greeks, Arabs, Hebrews and Persians to clarify their own written codes. Since 2008, the American Youth Literacy Foundation’s mission has been to scale the 100% free, FUNetix reading system to reach every child in America and millions more around the world. -FUNetix is a simple, easy, fun, logical and achievable path to literacy for beginning English readers presented in the form of a smartphone, “treasure hunt” app, that teaches most children how to read in about 12 hours. -Children complete 21 primers and books from K-2nd grade level within the app, and in a “surprise ending / fresh beginning,” kids are treated to a wonderful graduation / trophy ceremony and are invited to become permanent, VIP Members of the “Wonderful Content Library,” where they can browse books, games, puzzles and treasure hunts (all accompanied by the patented, FUNetix learning support tools) each time they return to the app. -If you want your child to become a strong, confident reader, understanding grade level, everyday English, in about 12 hours, with a further understanding of English letters, sounds and phonics patterns, please download and play the FUNetix 12 Hour Reading App. It’s 100% free and presented as a gift to your child from the American Youth Literacy Foundation, 501 c 3. ## Key features - Simulates 12 hours of private tutoring - Teaches all 44 English sounds with pictograms - Progresses from ABCs to 2nd grade reading level - Patented Diacritic Support for clarity - Uses unique games and challenges - Builds reading confidence ## Recent user reviews (4 of 4) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/funetix/id1543124898/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Error in the app with no support *2023-12-18* The app is great if you want an incomplete experience. My kids got to level 31 out of 40 on two different iPads and the app won’t progress. I sent an email and there is no response so now I’m back to looking for another option. **Developer response:** Sorry that we missed your email. We can help you unlock the app and move to the next module. Please email info@FUNetix.org for a quick response. Kind Regards. ~Team FUNetix : ) ### 5/5 — My 6 year old loved it! *2021-12-23* My daughter was having trouble learning to read because the letters were too ambiguous. The phonetic approach was great and she made clear progress right away. She finished all 40 lessons and is super happy. She still needs to check the phonetics (funetix! 😃) but it helped her confidence a lot. She likes it much better than Duo ABC and Funetix also has a better focus on actual learning **Developer response:** Hi Scott, thank you for the feedback and so happy that your daughter enjoyed and learned from the app!! Please send us an update on her progress to info@FUNetix.org. We love to hear how students are progressing with their literacy skills after using FUNetix! ~Kali ### 5/5 — Extremely Useful *2021-01-29* As an educational tool this app works wonders for early readers! I can attest to that fact because I used to teach the Funetix curriculum to struggling young readers, in person, and now I can use the app as a tool — which makes the whole learning process more interactive and fun with the student! I highly recommend this app! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2021-01-05* Team is wonderful and will teach you how to read within hours - absolutely incredible technology !!! ## Frequently asked questions about Funetix ### How long does it take to learn to read with Funetix? Funetix aims to take children from the ABCs to a 2nd grade reading level in approximately 12 hours of use, simulating intensive one-on-one tutoring. ### What makes Funetix's teaching method unique? Funetix uses a patented approach that teaches all 44 English sounds with pictograms before moving to spelling conventions. It also employs tiered learning support tools like Audio, Phonetic, and Diacritic Support. ### Is Funetix suitable for children who struggle with reading? Yes, Funetix is designed to reduce stress and anxiety associated with learning to read. It provides proprietary learning support tools to clarify sound data, preventing guesswork and intimidation. ### What age rating does Funetix have? Funetix has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children beginning their reading journey. ### On which devices can I use Funetix? Funetix is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod, offering flexibility for learning across Apple devices. ### How often is Funetix updated? The latest version is 1.2.4, and the app was last updated on September 12, 2025, indicating regular maintenance and potential feature additions. ### Does Funetix have ads? No, Funetix is completely free and does not contain advertisements, providing an uninterrupted learning experience. ### What is the user sentiment for Funetix? Funetix has a strong rating of 4.4 stars from 18 ratings, suggesting a positive reception from users who appreciate its effectiveness in teaching reading. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.2.5 — 2026-04-13 Improved module download logic ### 1.2.4 — 2025-09-12 Minor fixes ### 1.2.3 — 2024-10-31 Minor Bug Fixes ### 1.2.2 — 2024-07-02 Minor Bug Fixes ### 1.2.1 — 2023-01-23 Black screen issue fixed. ## Apps similar to Funetix | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [READING MAGIC 5 for Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-5-for-schools/id585140520) | 5.0 (1) | $3.99 | Education | | [Sentence Reading Magic-Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentence-reading-magic-schools/id671455228) | 4.4 (11) | $4.99 | Education | | [READING MAGIC for Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-for-schools/id585133208) | 4.4 (9) | $3.99 | Education | | [READING MAGIC 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-3/id446469837) | 5.0 (13) | Free | Education | | [Read Not Guess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-not-guess/id6740590540) | 5.0 (7) | Free | Education | | [READING MAGIC 3 for Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-3-for-schools/id585139075) | 5.0 (1) | $3.99 | Education | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*