# Shape Coding Lite vs simPODD

The clearest difference is review sentiment: simPODD at 78% against Shape Coding Lite's 0%. simPODD also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). Shape Coding Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Shape Coding Lite ships an update every 7 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shape Coding Lite | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 357 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Moor House School & College](https://appshunter.io/developer/1246114840) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### Shape Coding Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-coding-lite/id1292188642)

This app uses a visual coding system to help children and young people with language disorders improve sentence structure and grammar. It employs colors, arrows, lines, and shapes to represent word classes, tense, and sentence structure, aiding in understanding and producing English sentences.

**Highlights:** Visual coding system for grammar, Color-coded word classes, Arrow indicators for tense, Line indicators for plurality, Shape indicators for syntax, Text-to-speech functionality

**In-app purchases:** none


### simPODD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital | $13.99 | per month |
| Yearly Digital + Print | $139.99 | per year |
| Yearly Digital + Print* | $139.99 | per year |
| One Year Digital | $139.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shape Coding Lite free?

Shape Coding Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is simPODD free?

simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Shape Coding Lite or simPODD have ads?

Neither Shape Coding Lite nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shape Coding Lite or simPODD?

Shape Coding Lite ships an update every 7 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Shape Coding Lite was updated on September 26, 2026 and simPODD on September 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*