Comparison

i vs simPODD

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

i

Features
Read full description

i-Click allows you to control your world wirelessly via the iClick or iControl hardware products available from Pretorian Technologies. The iClick hardware allows you to switch one or two mains appliances on and off, such as lamps, fans and food processors. iControl is for battery powered products such as switch adapted toys. One or two buttons are shown on screen and their colour and appearance may be changed to suit individual requirements. You can also replace each button with a photograph taken right from your iPad to give the buttons increased relevance. You can even add some text to each button. The app is fully accessible using iOS Switch Control. Choose from the following modes: Direct- touch and the appliance comes on- release and the appliance turns off. Use for appliances that shouldn’t be continuously energised such as food mixers. Latched- touch one and the appliance comes on- touch again and it turns off. Use for appliances that may need to be on for extended periods such as lamps. Timed- touch to turn on for a given amount of time between 1 second and 250 minutes. Co-operative Direct- for two users. Both on-screen buttons must be touched for the appliance to turn on. Great for teaching co-operation. Co-operative Latched- for two users. Both on-screen buttons must be touched for the appliances to turn on and then back off again. Co-operative Timed- for two users. Both on-screen buttons must be touched for the appliances to turn on for a timed period. On/Off- for either one or two users. Button 1 turns on the appliances and button 2 turns them off again. You could, for example, have a photo of a lamp turned on for button 1 and turned off for button 2. Please note that you will need the hardware products to be able to make use of this app. More information can be found at www.pretorianuk.com/output-devices

About

simPODD

This app simplifies augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals who cannot speak. It integrates digital PODD page sets with a printing interface, offering streamlined editing and access to various vocabulary options. Designed in collaboration with the PODD system's creator, it aims to make communication more accessible and efficient.

Highlights
  • Digital PODD page sets
  • Integrated printing interface
  • Streamlined editing
  • SymbolStix integration
  • Multiple text-to-speech voices
  • Regionally specific vocabulary
Features
Read full description

simPODD is an app for the popular PODD system that makes communication more simple for those who can’t speak. Built in collaboration with Gayle Porter, it’s the only PODD app for iPad to bring digital page sets and a printing interface into one app. From the makers of Proloquo2Go, this augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app is sure to become a favorite among PODD users, because it's the only PODD app built specifically for their needs. “simPODD’s integration of PODD communication books and electronic page sets in a single product supports people to "say what I want to say, to whoever, whenever and however I choose to say it.” - Gayle Porter, creator of the PODD system Highlights • Access to all PODD digital page sets: 15 Preschool, 15+ Preschool, 15 School, 15+ School, 60 Complex Syntax, 60 Expanded Key Word • Fully integrated printing interface in the app to print direct access individual and group PODD books (with yearly subscription) • Streamlined and simplified editing process • Uses SymbolStix • Regionally specific vocabulary and American, British and Australian voices • 38 natural-sounding text-to-speech voices including genuine children’s voices • Free 1-month trial How it works simPODD makes using PODD much simpler. First, it brings the digital page sets and printing experience into one app. No need to manage different payments and subscriptions, or learn how to use multiple programs. It’s all rolled into one. It’s easy to use, no matter who you are: parent, teacher, speech therapist or PODD user. Customizing and editing digital page sets is also very straightforward with simPODD. Quickly edit the vocabulary, create new buttons and link folders without following a lot of complicated steps. Since we worked closely with PODD users while building the app, we took all of the hassle and frustration out of these processes. The easiest PODD book printing experience The printing function for PODD books is right inside the app. Just select a book and customize. Print the book all at once, instead of page by page. It only takes a few minutes! You can create as many books as you need, and print them for all of the people in a PODD communicator’s life. What is PODD? PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) is a popular AAC system created and owned by Gayle Porter. PODD organizes vocabulary around communication function and predicted likely usage to make it more efficient to get something across. PODD's range of books and page sets support language development from first words to complex syntax. The books and page sets for early communicators also include strategies like pragmatic branch starters. This supports more intelligible and varied communication. Comprehensive support We’re there for you every step of the way. Help articles on the website are there to guide you through set up. New to AAC? Our website has background resources in the Learn AAC section. You can also connect directly with our community on our Facebook groups. Questions? Our support team is available 7 days a week. Choose the subscription that’s right for you: Yearly Digital + Print or Monthly Digital. Yearly Digital + Print • Print direct access PODD books right from the app • Full access to all of the digital page sets • Regular updates • Save money - 2 months free compared to the monthly subscription Monthly Digital • Full access to all of the digital page sets • Regular updates • Cancel month to month, so you only pay for what you use • An inexpensive way to try PODD Try the app out with our 1-month free trial! How payment works • Payments will be charged to your Apple ID (after your free trial ends) • Subscriptions renew automatically. Payment is charged 24 hours before the current subscription period ends • Don’t want to renew? Cancel more than 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period • Want to cancel or change your subscription? Manage it in your account settings on the App Store

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: i at none against simPODD's 4. i also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). simPODD's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 75 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. i asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

i ships an update every 75 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
i versus simPODD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterisimPODD
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (21 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings—21 — better
Update frequencyEvery 75 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB539 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPretorian TechnologiesAssistiveWare

In-app purchases

None

i

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

simPODD

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Digital1 Month trial$13.991 Month
  • Yearly Digital + Print$139.991 Year
  • Yearly Digital + Print*1 Month trial$139.991 Year
One-time1
  • One Year Digital$139.99

Questions

Is i free?
i is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is simPODD free?
simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do i or simPODD have ads?
Neither i nor simPODD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, i or simPODD?
i ships an update every 75 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, i was updated on September 17, 2026 and simPODD on September 3, 2026.

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