# Spectacles

> Magnifier and flashlight app with LED focus assist. (iPhone/iPad app by Jayson Lewis.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectacles/id380054681 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jayson Lewis](https://appshunter.io/developer/380054684)
- Category: Utilities, Medical
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 2.33/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-07-07
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectacles/id380054681/reviews.md

## What is Spectacles?

This is the only Magnification/Reading App that uses the LED light to help the camera focus on its subject. You can also use this application for a flashlight. Just tap to turn the LED flash light on and off. Very easy to use, and works great with iOS 5 as well as the new iPhone 4s. Great for reading Thanksgiving recipes and menus without having to carry your reading glasses.

## Key features

- Magnification with LED focus assist
- Integrated flashlight
- Easy tap controls
- Supports iOS 5 and iPhone 4s
- Useful for reading small text

## Recent user reviews (10 of 10)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectacles/id380054681/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Black screen.

*2019-07-08, version 3.0*

I also get only a black screen. Doesn’t seem to link to camera.

### 1/5 — Nothing but a black screen

*2019-06-24, version 3.0*

Doesn’t work on my iPhone XS. Tapping the screen causes the light to turn off and on but the screen is completely black. Looks like I just threw $1 down the drain. Don’t waste your money.

### 5/5 — Simple and excellent & better than ever on an iPhone 6 Plus

*2014-10-16, version 3.0*

With the very fast focus on the new iPhone 6 and the optical image stabilization of the 6 Plus, this product is vastly more convenient. It was always great, now it's fast and perfect. 

Does exactly what it says. Does it simply and very well.  It makes a huge difference to have the flash helping out, (staying on as long as u want) for those times you're in a dark restaurant reading a menu with small print

This app and the iPhone 6 are like carrying around a very large magnifying glass AND a flashlight 

This app is a real life saver

### 1/5 — Why cellular data?

*2014-10-12, version 3.0*

Complete bogus fraud.
Why is this app trying to access the Internet? What personal information is it capturing or stealing?

### 4/5 — Exceptional!

*2011-04-25, version 1.1*

Didn't believe it until I used my own eyes.  Props to the developer for designing a clever and useful app!

### 5/5 — Great app, but huge spelling error: Specticals

*2011-03-06, version 1.1*

This app is wonderful, not just for people with lesser eye sight, but also for people with perfect vision that need to read small text in total darkness.

However, on the Springboard, it shows up with the app spelled as Specticals, instead of Spectacles.  Unfortunately, as of this writing, it wasn't showing up when searching for Specticals.

The developer should spell the name correctly in the app, or if that can't be done, add the incorrect spelling in the app description so people searching for it can find it if they ask someone what the app is.  Hopefully this review will add Specticals sufficiently such that it gets found in search results.

It's a great app, I'm sure it would get more downloads when it's more discoverable.

### 5/5 — Readers no mo'

*2010-10-10, version 0*

What a deal for 99 cents.  With the aid of the light, I ain't squinting anymore.  Great app.

### 4/5 — A good app needing a few tweaks

*2010-07-29, version 0*

This app works as advertised if you do not use VoiceOver on your iphone. In current 1.1 form, running on iphone 4, IOS 4.01, it successfully turned on my phone's LED and allowed me to "magnify" text on paper held within a few inches of the phone. It works well when combined with the iphone's built-in "white-on-black" feature. The app is simple to use and has a very clean interface. Unfortunately, some of the functions are not accessible if VoiceOver is turned on. Normally I would contact the developer through their website to report bugs or request features, but this developer's website as linked from iTunes does not appear to be live as of 28 July 2010. I'm posting my feature requests below in hopes the developer will find them here.

Features I'd like to see added:
1. Enable the VoiceOver (VO) gestures to increase/decrease the "magnification" level while VO is enabled. This function works fine when VO is turned off, but does not actually increase the magnification if VO is enabled. The swipe to increase/decrease function does make the slider move and the VO voice announces the percentage, but the actual magnification does not change. It is possible to work around this in VO by performing a double-tap and hold, then sliding the finger left/right while the phone is in landscape mode. 
2. Enable the LED to be turned on and off while VO is running.
3. Add an option to set the number of minutes before the LED turns itself off, including an option to never turn off.

Keep up the good work!

### 5/5 — Just what the Dr. Ordered

*2010-07-20, version 0*

I've been waiting for an app the combined variable magnification and the option to use the iPhone 4 LED.  This app is fantastic!  The developer has responded quickly to suggestions.  Highly recommended.

Suggestion...
1) Add an option to not allow "time out" or at least to define a time out period.

### 5/5 — FINALLY!!!!!

*2010-07-09, version 0*

I've been waiting for this kind of app for years! It's so simple but so perfect!

## Frequently asked questions about Spectacles

### What is Spectacles used for?

Spectacles is a utility app that magnifies text using your device's camera and LED light for improved focus. It also functions as a flashlight.

### Does Spectacles have ads?

The provided data does not specify if Spectacles contains advertisements. However, it is a paid application.

### How much does Spectacles cost?

Spectacles is available for a one-time purchase of $0.99.

### What devices is Spectacles compatible with?

Spectacles is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the age rating for Spectacles?

Spectacles has an age rating of 4+.

### When was Spectacles last updated?

Spectacles was last updated on February 28, 2014, with version 3.0.

### What is the user rating for Spectacles?

Spectacles has a rating of 2.3 stars based on 6 user ratings.

### Can Spectacles help me read in low light?

Yes, Spectacles can be used as a flashlight to help illuminate your surroundings, and its magnification feature aids in reading small text.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 3.0 — 2014-02-28

iOS 7 Look and feel
iPhone 5, iPod touch 5 and newer support.

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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.*