# Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 — Syllables - Spell To Read

> Scientifically validated phonics app for improving English spelling and reading skills. (iPhone/iPad app by Pyxwise Software Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-2/id527299540 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015)
- Category: Education, Games, Family, Word
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 3.60/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 20 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 203 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-05-25
- Data updated: 2026-07-21
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-2/id527299540/reviews.md

## What is Simplex Spelling Phonics 2?

Scientifically validated as a highly effective approach to improving spelling skills. A published study revealed that students demonstrated an average spelling improvement of 1.9 grades among children in a classroom setting who regularly used Simplex Spelling over a 18 week period. The largest student improvement observed over the same time period was 4.4 grade levels as assessed by administering the Schonell Spelling Test.

Simplex Spelling is one of the best ways to improve English spelling and reading skills. Using a powerful combination of phonics lessons, spelling/word patterns, syllabication, our unique “reverse phonics” (phonics encoding) approach and contextually relevant spelling rules. 

- "Simplex Spelling has a feedback method that rivals anything a teacher can do in the classroom. " - Carolina Nugent, Director of Education KinderTown.
- "No other literacy apps are this comprehensive." - Teachers With Apps
- "WOW!!!! I found my miracle app" - Speech Language Neighborhood
- Academics' Choice Award

  Teaching over a year of spelling curriculum with more than 650 high frequency words divided into 54 lists that are organized by spelling patterns and difficulty levels. Each of the 54 lists comes with a lesson that teaches one of the basic building blocks of spelling in the English language. These basic building blocks include syllables, sounds, spelling rules and some of the more advanced English phonograms.   

Students learn a new concept for each lesson building on the skills learned from previous lessons and those covered in Simplex Spelling Phonics 1. Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 guides the student and acts as a personal spelling coach with every word, while teaching students "how to spell" English words. Our “reverse phonics” hint feature breaks each word down into individual phonemes to improve phonemic awareness, a critical skill in achieving literacy. 

One of the main areas of focus in Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 is on syllables and how they affect the way we speak, read and spell. Every word is broken down into its syllables both visually and auditorily to help students build phonological awareness skills. Many lessons teach the concepts of open and closed syllables, compound words, the rules governing vowels in syllables and syllable stresses. The stress on each syllable is subtly conveyed with every word to help students understand how the stress on a syllable affects the way words are pronounced and spelled. The schwa sound and its occurrence in English words is also taught.  

Recommended age 6+ 
 Note: You can not create your own spelling lists.  

Features:  
- Over 650 high frequency spelling words to help build literacy. 
- Words are spoken and used in a sentence to establish context and improve vocabulary.  
- Introductory spelling list seamlessly leads a student through all of the application’s features. 
- A starting assessment/placement test.
- Review lists to track learning progress.
- 54 instructional lessons teach syllables, phonics, phonograms, and spelling rules. 
 - A full “reverse phonics” approach that builds phonemic awareness.
- Contextually relevant spelling rule hints that help explain “how to spell” English words. 
- Letter by letter feedback system provides feedback while the student is in the process of spelling each word.  
- Support for 40 user accounts.
- Export and email student progress reports.  
 - Supports US, UK and Canadian English spelling of words.  

Privacy Disclosure:
 - Does not contain 3rd party ads  
- Does not share any data  
- Does not contain In-App purchases 
- Contains child protected links to "email the developer questions" and developer's website for additional information, support and teaching tips.

COPPA Compliant 
https://pyxwise.com/privacy-policy/

## Key features

- Scientifically validated approach
- Phonics, word patterns, syllabication
- Over 650 high-frequency words
- 54 instructional lessons
- Reverse phonics hint feature
- Syllable breakdown (visual & auditory)
- Progress tracking

## Recent user reviews (10 of 20)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-2/id527299540/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Too quick to finish

*2020-04-24*

This app seemed perfect for my older child who can’t spell very well but within only a few sittings, she completed the whole lot. She didn’t get them all correct, but it was enough to move on. I know she can redo the activities, but particularly for a paid app, I really thought it would have more words so the whole app wouldn’t end so fast.

### 5/5 — My comments

*2020-04-02*

I really like this app!!!!! I like the voice of the person reading the words. I like how this app designs the level, and that made me a truly good speller!           Thanks!

### 1/5 — IOS7

*2013-09-20*

Every since the upgrade to iOS7 my app has not been working! I'm wondering if the app needs to be upgraded as well! I liked it before but until they fix it I am only giving it 1 star cause we can't even open it and we just bought it a few days ago.

**Developer response:** Thank you Ruthie74 for taking the time to leave your feedback.
We identified and fixed the iOS7 issue that you encountered and we were able to release an update that fixed the problem within a few days of your review.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2013-08-19*

This app is really good it refreshes and also remind you how to spell ultimately learning how to write and read better! Which we all know is a good thing

### 3/5 — Can you add the test of completed topics? I.e. mixture of different rules

*2013-05-27*

Can you add the test of completed topics? I.e. mixture of different rules

**Developer response:** Hi Tat1233,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review with your feedback.

We have since released a large update to Simplex Spelling Phonics 2, in which we added two new modes that have the hints disabled. These two modes are great for evaluating a student's progress and work more like a "test".

The new modes are:
1. A student assessment mode that gauges a student's current spelling ability. Based on how the student performs, the app will choose an appropriate starting spelling list for them. It can also be used later as a review/test, to evaluate how well the student has mastered their spelling skills and if there is a list that the student may need more practice with.

2. Review mode that allows students to review each spelling section that they have already completed to evaluate how well they have learned the concepts and spelling lists.

### 4/5 — Simplex Spelling Phonics 2

*2013-02-24*

I really like the format as it is very useful for the older child it is plain and simple and easy to understand. As a teacher and parent I am disappointed that only one user can be added.

**Developer response:** Hi Patdi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Simplex Spelling provides support for up to 40 users.
You can follow these steps to get to the user account screen, where additional users can be added:
1. Navigate to the home screen.
2. Click on the button at the top left of the screen. The button has a down arrow on it.
3. Once the navigation bar appears, click on the button with an icon of a person on it. This will take you to the user account screen. On this screen user accounts can be created, edited, deleted or selected.

### 4/5 — Pretty good

*2013-01-28*

Would be great if there was a QWERTY keyboard option as many kids are now using computers and are familiar with this setup. They are going to use QWERTY at some point anyway.

**Developer response:** Hi Vpport,
Thank you for leaving a review.
Simplex Spelling does have a QWERTY keyboard option. 
If you click on the button at the top left of the screen with the down arrow on it, it will display the navigation bar.
On the navigation bar, there is a button with an icon of a cog on it that will take you to the settings screen.
The settings screen allows you to change the keyboard layout between QWERTY and alphabetical.
There are also a number of other settings that can also be adjusted in the settings, such as: the volume of the voice and sound effects; the number of times needed to master spelling words; what spelling is used based on your country; the letter case used, etc.

### 5/5 — Awesome app!

*2012-12-02*

I use Phonics 1 and 2 in my special ed classroom-in 6 weeks my students' spelling scores increased by 20%.  This app supports reading reseach that shows study of phonics patterns can help both spelling and reading scores. Plus, my students love it - with only 1 iPad in my classroom, time using this app is at a premium because it is a fun way to study the patterns.

### 3/5 — Needs different accents

*2012-09-22*

A great app that does support different spellings, but unfortunately the accent is USA which is not good for UK phonics.

### 4/5 — Change keyboard please!

*2012-06-19*

This is a great app! My daughter can work independently and the phonograms help to reinforce what she has learned at school. Could you please change the keyboard so the letters are arranged  in the order we are used to using while typing? So much time is wasted looking for the letters because we don't type in alphabetical order. Thanks!

## Frequently asked questions about Simplex Spelling Phonics 2

### What is the learning methodology used by Simplex Spelling Phonics 2?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 uses a scientifically validated approach combining phonics lessons, spelling/word patterns, syllabication, and a unique "reverse phonics" method to teach spelling and reading skills. It breaks down words into individual phonemes and syllables to build phonemic and phonological awareness.

### How does Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 track learning progress?

The app includes review lists that allow students to track their learning progress. It also features a starting assessment/placement test to gauge initial skill levels and guide the learning path.

### What age group is Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 recommended for?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 is recommended for ages 6 and up. The app is designed to build literacy skills progressively, starting with foundational concepts.

### Can I create custom spelling lists in Simplex Spelling Phonics 2?

No, you cannot create your own spelling lists within Simplex Spelling Phonics 2. The app provides pre-defined lists organized by spelling patterns and difficulty levels.

### What kind of certifications or awards has Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 received?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 has received the Academics' Choice Award. It has also been praised by educational reviewers for its comprehensive approach and effective feedback methods.

### On which devices can I use Simplex Spelling Phonics 2?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to be accessible across various Apple mobile devices.

### How often is Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 updated?

The latest version of Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 is 3.6.1, which was last updated on October 12, 2019. While updates have not been frequent recently, the app's core content remains effective for learning.

### What is the price of Simplex Spelling Phonics 2?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 is a paid application priced at $4.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements associated with this one-time purchase.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0.0 — 2026-04-21

Updated for iOS 26.3
Improved app design and layout.
Enhanced student progress feedback.
Minor bug fixes.

### 3.6.1 — 2019-10-12

Updated for iOS 13.1
Fixed screen layout issues on some newer iPhone models running iOS 13.1.

### 3.5.2 — 2019-02-03

Updated for iOS 12.

### 3.5.1 — 2017-11-13

Updated for iOS 11.

### 3.0.1 — 2016-02-04

Major update includes:
- New assessment/placement mode helps determine the most appropriate starting list for each student.
- New randomly generated review/test sessions.
- Graphing data visualization for results of the new assessment & review modes.
- Updated for full future 64 bit support.

If you have any suggestions, please send us your feedback to ios.apps@pyxwise.com.
If you have found that Simplex Spelling has helped your student/child, please take the time to leave a review.
We really appreciate your feedback. :)

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## More apps by Pyxwise Software Inc.

- [Simplex Spelling HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-hd/id456744012)
- [Simplex Spelling Light](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-light/id465715154)
- [Simplex Spelling Phonics 1](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580)
- [Simplex Spelling Phonics 3](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-3/id572136313)
- [Simplex Spelling Phonics CVC](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-cvc/id580762950)

All apps by Pyxwise Software Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015

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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 2026-07-21.*
