# PBPhonics 1 to 7 — Practice Your Phonics

> English phonics practice app for literacy development with adaptive learning. (iPhone/iPad app by Cowirrie.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbphonics-1-to-7/id452680758 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cowirrie](https://appshunter.io/developer/381724640)
- Category: Education
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 83 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-08-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-15
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbphonics-1-to-7/id452680758/reviews.md

## What is PBPhonics 1 to 7?

PBPhonics is for adults and young adults studying basic English literacy, including those learning English as a second language.  It offers students the opportunity to:

1. Hear the phonemes that make up a word
2. Hear those phonemes run together to make the word
3. Hear the whole word
4. Record themselves speaking the word and compare their recording with PBPhonics
5. Take tests matching word sounds to their written form

Instruction is provided through animated gestures, with no dependence on written or spoken instructions.  The vocabulary and test complexity start simply and automatically adapt as the student passes tests and gains confidence.  Teachers may also choose appropriate levels and review student progress on the ⓘ screen.

PBPhonics 1 to 7 contains 42 phonemes in 7 sets (S,A,T,I,P,N; CK,E,H,R,M,D; G,O,U,L,F,B; AI,J,OA,IE,EE,OR; Z,W,NG,V,oo,OO; and Y,X,CH,SH,th,TH). These are used to build 619 words.  Some words have pictures and others have spoken sentences to provide context.  The words and phonemes have an Australian accent, and have been recorded with multiple voices for variety.  Teachers may replace word and phoneme sounds with their own recordings.

For a free sample of PBPhonics, try PBPhonics 1 to 3, also from Cowirrie. This contains the first 18 phonemes and 278 words from PBPhonics 1 to 7.

## Key features

- Hear and practice phonemes
- Record and compare voice recordings
- Adaptive vocabulary and test complexity
- Animated gesture-based instruction
- Progress tracking for teachers
- Customizable sound recordings

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbphonics-1-to-7/id452680758/reviews.md

### 3/5 — no sound

*2023-09-09*

i purchased the 1-7 version after the free version displayed a message saying sound only available on the paid version. the sound is too quiet to hear on both versions

### 5/5 — Stuck on install

*2013-10-29*

I love the no frills, no bells and whistles design to this app and so does my 4yo. Is there something wrong with the new version though? My phone has been stuck trying to install the update.

### 4/5 — Very good

*2012-10-13*

This is one of the few phonics apps which gets it ...nearly right. 
I like...
1. That the word is pronounced using both its phonemes and the letter sounds.
2. The use of the word in context - a sentence
Improvements could be...
1. When pronouncing the phonemes, the recorded voice adds the neutral vowel or 'schwa' to the phonemes. This is incorrect,
   However, we are able to add customise this using our own voice. 
2. I wish you could add your own voice into the app itself.
3. A few of the pronounciations of the phonemes in the words are incorrect . For example solid doesn't contain the phonemene 'i'. In Australian English the 'i' in solid is pronounced using the neutral vowel.

### 5/5 — Excellent... again!

*2012-10-07*

Just gets so much right, unlike some of the other similar apps that by comparison seem to have been produced by an app factory as opposed to carefully & lovingly tailored. 

I've just discovered the facility to record your own sounds, which addresses the only issue I had (and now no longer do)... where I really need to incorporate some additional sounds of non-Brit&Oz English, teaching in an environment that focuses on another variety.

Once again, thankyou for a wonderful app. :)

### 5/5 — Nicely done.

*2011-08-10*

With the ability to record the sounds (a bit tricky) this app is awesome for teaching reading & spelling!

## Frequently asked questions about PBPhonics 1 to 7

### What is PBPhonics 1 to 7?

PBPhonics 1 to 7 is an educational application designed to help adults and young adults improve their basic English literacy skills through phonics practice.

### How does PBPhonics 1 to 7 teach phonics?

It teaches phonics by allowing users to hear phonemes, hear them form words, and then practice saying the words themselves. Instruction is delivered through animated gestures, not text or spoken directions.

### Can I track my progress with PBPhonics 1 to 7?

Yes, teachers can review student progress on the 'i' screen. The app also automatically adapts vocabulary and test complexity based on student performance.

### What is the cost of PBPhonics 1 to 7?

PBPhonics 1 to 7 is a paid application, priced at $2.99. A free sample, PBPhonics 1 to 3, is also available.

### Does PBPhonics 1 to 7 have ads?

No, PBPhonics 1 to 7 does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed for focused learning.

### What devices does PBPhonics 1 to 7 support?

PBPhonics 1 to 7 is supported on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### How often is PBPhonics 1 to 7 updated?

The latest version, 2.4, was released on September 18, 2023. The app was initially released on August 4, 2011, indicating regular updates.

### What is the age rating for PBPhonics 1 to 7?

PBPhonics 1 to 7 has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including young adults and those starting their literacy journey.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4 — 2023-09-18

- iPhones were playing sounds as though the iPhone were being used as a phone and held up to the user's ear. Fixed so sounds play at normal speaker volume on iPhones.
- Sounds will play through external speakers, if connected.
- Improved compatibility with more recent iOS versions.

### 2.3 — 2021-04-15

- Edited audio for better clarity
- Better fit on screens with curved corners
- Application launch is more stable

### 2.2 — 2020-04-18

- Improved stability on iOS 13.

### 2.1 — 2017-01-06

- Improved feedback when completing a test unlocks more words.
- Makes full use of all iPad, iPhone and iPod touch screen sizes.
- Improved use of landscape orientation on iPad.
- Allows Split View on supporting iPads.
- Can switch to landscape on iPhone and iPod touch.

### 2.0 — 2014-11-18

- Adds speech practice: say a word, then hear it played back in sequence with the PBPhonics recordings.
(On the first launch after installing this update, PBPhonics will request permission to use the microphone.)
- Screens have more contrast and more space between buttons.
- Updated for iOS 8.
- Updated for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus screen sizes.

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## More apps by Cowirrie

- [PBPhonics 1 to 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbphonics-1-to-3/id448032923)
- [StepScape](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepscape/id1532868047)

All apps by Cowirrie: https://appshunter.io/developer/381724640

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*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 2026-08-15.*