# Phobys

> Augmented reality app for spider phobia reduction using exposure therapy. (iPhone/iPad app by Nan WANG.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phobys/id1527481614 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nan WANG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1527481616)
- Category: Health & Fitness
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.83/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 669 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-09-14
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phobys/id1527481614/reviews.md

## What is Phobys?

Phobys is an augmented reality (AR) app to reduce fear of spiders. Test your fear in the two free test levels and then continue your training with the low cost full version. This can help you to deal more calmly with real spider situations and to feel less fear. 

Who is Phobys designed for?
Phobys is suitable for those who suffer from a mild, clinically insignificant fear of spiders and who are at least 16 years of age. 

Development of Phobys
The Phobys AR app is a tool developed by the University of Basel and MindGuide to help people adjust to spider situations. The training uses a scientifically proven approach to reduce fear, known as exposure therapy.
A realistic 3D AR spider model is projected into the real world which creates a virtual simulation of a spider actually being present.
To test the effectiveness of the treatment in real-life situations, the University of Basel conducted a randomized, controlled study. Subjects either completed an at-home-training with Phobys (6 times for 30 minutes) or were assigned to a control group. Before and after treatment, the study participants approached a real spider in a sealed box as far as their fear allowed. The group that trained with Phobys exhibited less fear and disgust in the real-life spider situation and was able to go closer to the real spider as compared to the control group. These effects were statistically significant. For further information, visit our website: www.phobys.com.

How does Phobys work?
The AR app Phobys consists of 10 levels with different tasks of exposure and interaction with a realistic 3D AR spider model or interact with it. Task instructions are given via small text pop-up windows within the levels. 
You can test your fear with the free version and then continue your training and face your fear with the full version by unlocking all 10 levels at once and for all times. The training starts really easy by just looking at a spider from the distance and then gradually increases in difficulty and intensity of the exposure. Start with the lowest level and work your way up, step by step. After each level, indicate whether you were able to complete the tasks and rate your fear and disgust. You will be asked to repeat the level if your fear and disgust ratings are still high or you were not able to complete the tasks. When your fear and disgust ratings are low, and you feel comfortable enough, move on to the next level.
Each level starts with a surface scan of e.g. a table or the floor with a distance of approx. 1 meter to the surface, followed by a tap on the display, which places the 3D AR spider model in the scanned area. In order to assure the AR is working well, use a flat surface with some structure and good light. Make sure there are no objects lying around, otherwise multiple surfaces will be detected. Avoid hasty movements and don’t cover the camera. 
You can stop the training at any time by closing the app. 

Who is responsible for the Phobys AR app, and who can I contact if necessary?
MindGuide, a Division of the University of Basel spin-off GeneGuide
Birmannsgasse 8
4055 Basel
Switzerland
https://www.geneguide.com/mindguide 
contact@phobys.com

## Key features

- Augmented reality spider simulation
- Scientifically proven exposure therapy
- 10 progressive interaction levels
- Free test levels
- Low-cost full version
- Fear and disgust rating system

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Phobys Full Version | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phobys/id1527481614/reviews.md

### 1/5 — App does not go beyond test phase

*2024-09-29*

Unlock tab, which would allow person to start gradual exposure, does not respond.  Can only keep taking the gentle/scary test over and over and not move beyond that.  Pity. App has lots of potential - if only problem was solved. I emailed developer but never heard back.

### 5/5 — This really works

*2024-09-15*

I did this every day for about a week and my fear of spiders is about 50% what it was before! I’m only halfway through all the stages but it truly is effective, I had a crippling fear of spiders my whole life and when I saw a spider recently I didn’t even have a visceral reaction. Which is crazy! Exposure therapy really really works, highly recommend.

### 1/5 — Phobys

*2024-08-01*

Malheureusement ne fonctionne pas pour acheter

### 3/5 — Please change

*2022-12-31, version 1.3*

This is truly a great app. I have a huge fear of spiders, and I struggled with the gentle test. The graphics are amazing, and I believe that this app could help. It is super realistic, I threw down my phone during the scary test. The only thing, money. Please, please change this. I cannot spend on this, and my fear is getting worse. Maybe have adds, or a pro version, with extras such as learning about spider types, ect. Five star potential, not quite there.

**Developer response:** Hi there, thank you so much for this comment! We're happy to hear that you react well to the app and might truly benefit from it to face your fear of spiders. Improvements are also in our interest, we’ll see what future developments and research will bring. For now, in comparison to an exposure training or therapy, the app really is a low-cost option to start or continue facing your fear of spiders. We hope this does not stop you to continue your training and invest in your health, all the best!

### 4/5 — Great graphics, money?!

*2022-05-24, version 1.3*

I started with the gentle one and it was scary but not too bad. I loved it but, I don’t have any money to spend on this. Could you add maybe like a completely free one with ads? I just cannot spend that money and my fear is so bad that I cannot do stuff if I even see a spider or am told one is there. It’s okay if you decide not too, the price is not too bad either.

**Developer response:** Hi there! Thanks for your feedback. We're glad you might see a benefit in using Phobys to reduce your fear of spiders. For now, we're keeping the current price, as it still offers a very low-cost alternative to an exposure therapy, but understand the hurdle. See it as an investment in your health - we wish you all the best to continue facing your fear of spiders!

### 1/5 — Way too scary

*2021-09-21, version 1.0*

They do NOT start gently.  They do not ease you in. If you’ve got a severe fear, I don’t recommend this. 😅

**Developer response:** We now also have a gentler test in our latest update! Phobys is designed for people with a high fear of spiders. When suffering from a severe phobia we recommend using the app together with a friend or to get professional assistance. Exposure is an effective treatment for spider phobia and the app Phobys uses this to train self-exposure.

## Frequently asked questions about Phobys

### What is Phobys?

Phobys is an augmented reality app designed to help users reduce their fear of spiders. It utilizes exposure therapy principles through interactive AR simulations.

### How does Phobys work?

Phobys projects a realistic 3D AR spider into your environment, allowing you to interact with it through 10 progressive levels. You start with simple exposure and gradually increase the intensity of interaction.

### Is Phobys suitable for everyone?

Phobys is intended for individuals aged 16 and older who experience mild, clinically insignificant fear of spiders. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for severe phobias.

### What is the effectiveness of Phobys?

A study by the University of Basel showed that users who trained with Phobys exhibited statistically significant reductions in fear and disgust towards real spiders compared to a control group.

### Does Phobys have ads?

No, Phobys does not contain advertisements. The app is free to test with in-app purchases available for the full version.

### What devices does Phobys support?

Phobys is supported on iPhone and iPod devices. It requires a flat surface with good lighting for optimal AR performance.

### How often is Phobys updated?

The latest version of Phobys is 1.3, last updated on January 19, 2022. Updates typically focus on improving performance and user experience.

### What is the cost of Phobys?

Phobys offers two free test levels. The full version, which unlocks all 10 levels, is available as a low-cost in-app purchase.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.3 — 2022-01-19

Update Welcome Page Text.
Update Gentle and Scary landing Page Text.

### 1.2 — 2021-10-28

Update App Description text.
Update Screenshots of iOS. 
Update text in Unlock Page.

### 1.1 — 2021-09-30

Modification of Test Level:
Now we have Gentle Test and Scary Test for free.

### 1.0 — 2021-09-15

No release notes.

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## More apps by Nan WANG

- [EASYHEiGHTS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/easyheights/id1589187860)

All apps by Nan WANG: https://appshunter.io/developer/1527481616

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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 2026-06-10.*