Grid for iPad vs Unity AAC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Grid for iPad
This app provides a comprehensive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for individuals with diverse communication needs. It offers a wide range of symbol sets, customizable layouts, and AI-powered tools to facilitate clear and personalized communication.
- Evidence-based AAC resources
- Online Grids for community content
- In-app and Remote Editing
- AI-powered tools
- Multiple symbol sets (SymbolStix, PCS, Widgit)
- Multilingual support
- Pre-built communication tools (Super Core, Alpha Core, Text Talker)
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This version can be purchased under the Apple VPP service as well as on the App Store. Free 30 day trial available with the Grid for iPad - AAC version. Search 'Grid for iPad' in the App Store. Grid for iPad is a complete Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution designed for people of all ages and communication needs. It offers a range of resources, flexible communication tools, and options that can be adapted over time. Try it FREE for 30 days - voices included! Key features: ► A range of included content for people who need symbol or text based AAC, including Super Core, Voco Chat, and Text Talker ► Suitable for use with touch access or switches. ► Evidence-based symbol AAC vocabularies, created by experienced speech and language therapists and education professionals, with a focus on vocabulary for communicating within everyday routines and activities. ► Includes SymbolStix, PCS and Widgit symbols – choose the symbol library that is most suitable, to match the symbols already being used in the environment, or to support transition from other AAC systems. ► Voices and grid sets for over 20 languages to support communication in a range of languages. Ideal for multilingual families or classrooms. Why families and professionals choose Grid for iPad for children and adults with communication difficulties: ► In-app editing – Fast, intuitive editing makes it easy to add new words, personalise vocabulary, and adapt layouts to the needs of the individual. ► Remote Editing – SLTs, teachers and families can edit any time, without needing the device in their hands. ► Powerful voice technology – Choose from a range of voices, including the latest AI powered multilingual voices from ElevenLabs, or for those who are able to, record your own voice messages. ► AI Powered Tools - Make use of optional tools to correct typing errors, or support the user to change the tone or wording of their message. ► Talk to your Smart Speaker – Use Grid for iPad to speak instructions to smart home devices, request music, hear the latest news and weather, play games and ask questions. ► Online Grids – Do even more with Grid for iPad by searching and downloading FREE ready-made grid sets created by clinicians, educators, and the Grid community. What’s included: ► Super Core - Evidence-based core vocabulary focused on communication within everyday routines and activities. Designed for supporting AAC learners from single words to building full sentences. Available in 30‑cell and 50‑cell sizes, with simpler 12 and 20 cell learning grids for those just starting out. ►Voco Chat – Designed to enable users to communicate for a wide range of reasons, with supported message pathways and carefully chosen vocabulary, for fast and efficient symbol communication. ► Alpha Core - Offers a range of text-based layouts to support the communication of people with changing physical abilities, with quick access to predictive text and common phrases, alongside a keyboard of your choice. ► Text Talker - Enabling people to say what they want to say in the moment, or prepare and save messages in advance for faster conversations. ►Aphasia Duo - Designed specifically for people with aphasia and their communication partners to support participation in everyday life, including a range of word-finding and conversational supports, and whiteboard for writing and drawing. ► PODD (in-app purchase) - Created by Australian Speech Pathologist Gayle Porter, PODD organises language according to the reason for communication, designed to support spontaneous communication in any situation. ► And MUCH more - Grid for iPad also includes a range of interactive learning activities (just try Dilbert the Dog!), animated communication from Symoji, and educational resources. Contact our tech support experts any time at support@thinksmartbox.com For more details on our evidence-based vocabularies, visit the Smartbox Hub.
Unity AAC
This app offers a comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system with a research-based vocabulary. It adapts to users of all ages and skill levels, supporting language development and independence through various access methods and customizable layouts. Multiple language options are available.
- Core word vocabulary system
- Supports multiple access methods
- Customizable button layouts
- High-quality synthesized voices
- Vocabulary Builder and Word Finder tools
- Language progress tracking
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Unity® AAC: Empowering Communication for All Ages The Unity AAC app features the Unity vocabulary, a widely used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) solution, trusted by tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. Unity offers a flexible, intuitive platform that adapts to users of all skill levels, helping them communicate more effectively and build language skills for greater independence. The Unity AAC app makes this research-based, Minspeak® vocabulary more accessible for all voices. Whether you're just beginning to explore communication or seeking more advanced capabilities, Unity grows with you. It supports early communication with simple words and expands to complex adult-level language, all within one system. English, German, and Spanish vocabulary options are available. Who Can Benefit from Unity? Designed for individuals of all ages, Unity supports a wide range of users, including those with apraxia, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, and other communication challenges. It accommodates different access methods, such as: • Touch • Head tracking (integrated into the app) • Eye tracking (using iOS Accessibility) • Switch scanning (using iOS Accessibility or integrated into the app) (Access methods may be dependent on iPad® or iPhone® hardware and software compatibility.) Key Features and Benefits: • High quality Acapela® and Almagu voices • Comprehensive Vocabulary: Multi-meaning pictures mean thousands of words are stored under a smaller set of symbols for more nuanced, independent communication. • Pre-programmed Vocabulary Builder™ Lists: Quickly engage with ready-to-use vocabulary builder lists, based on developmentally appropriate language growth. • Flexible User Options: Choose from 28, 36, 60, or 84 button layouts to suit your needs and communication style. • Consistent Motor Plans: Smooth, predictable interactions that support easier learning and greater independence over time. Two Versions for All Skill Levels: o 1-hit: A simplified version with hundreds of core words and basic communication options. o Sequenced: A more advanced system with thousands of words, including full word endings for complex communication. User-Friendly Tools: o Word Finder: Quickly locate any word within the system. o Vocabulary Builder: Customize and limit vocabulary visible on the display to reduce overwhelm and focus on key words. o Realize Language™ Integration: Track progress with easy-to-use language analysis and data logging tools. o Built-in Tutorial: New to Unity? The app includes a built-in tutorial to help you get started with the Unity language system. iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. By downloading and using the Unity AAC app, the purchaser accepts the PRC-Saltillo Unity AAC Software License Terms. The Manufacturer of the iOS application – Unity AAC is: Prentke Romich Company dba PRC-Saltillo 1022 Heyl Rd Wooster, OH 44691 USA Tel.: (330) 262-1984 // (800) 262-1984 Fax: (330) 262-4829 Email: info@aacapps.com Web: www.prc-saltillo.com The EU Authorized European Representative for the iOS application – Unity AAC is: Prentke Romich GmbH Karthäuserstr. 3 D-34117 Kassel Germany Tel.: (05 61) 7 85 59-0 Fax: (05 61) 7 85 59-29 Email: info@prentke-romich.de Web : www.prentke-romich.de The UK Responsible Person for the iOS application – Unity AAC is: Liberator Ltd Glenside Business Park West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3SA Tel: +44 (0)1733 370470 Email: info@liberator.co.uk Web: www.liberator.co.uk/ The Swiss Authorized Representative for the iOS application – Unity AAC is: Inspera GmbH Thunstrasse 64 | CH-3110 Münsingen Phone +41 31 819 74 60 | Mobile +41 79 435 53 09 mail@inspera.ch | www.inspera.ch
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Unity AAC at 5.0 against Grid for iPad's 2.0. Unity AAC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). Grid for iPad's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). On price, ads, monetization model 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
Grid for iPad costs $299.99 and Unity AAC $299.99 up front. Grid for iPad sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Unity AAC asks for nothing beyond the download.
Unity AAC holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.
Grid for iPad ships an update fortnightly, Unity AAC every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Grid for iPad | Unity AAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Rating | 2.0 (4 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1.4 GB | 1.7 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Smartbox Assistive Technology | Prentke Romich Company |
Customer experience
Grid for iPad
Unity AAC
In-app purchases
Grid for iPad
- Metacom Symbol Library$49.99
- PODD for Grid (English)$99.00
Unity AAC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Grid for iPad free?
Is Unity AAC free?
Which has better reviews, Grid for iPad or Unity AAC?
Do Grid for iPad or Unity AAC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Grid for iPad or Unity AAC?
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