Comparison

simPODD vs IssieDocs

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

Head to head
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

About

IssieDocs

This app provides an accessible digital workspace for learners of all abilities to complete, organize, and share their assignments. It offers flexible input methods, customizable tools, and organizational features to reduce barriers in educational settings.

Highlights
  • Multiple import options (camera, gallery, email, PDF, blank page)
  • Customizable text input with adjustable sizes and colors
  • Pen tool for drawing, highlighting, and annotating
  • Enhance worksheets with photos, tables, audio, and more
  • Folder-based organization with icon + text interface
  • Adaptive orientation and user settings for accessibility
Read full description

IssieDocs is an accessible digital binder designed to help learners of various abilities complete, organize, and share their work with confidence. Built with inclusive design principles, IssieDocs reduces barriers for students who find handwriting, navigation, or traditional worksheet formats challenging. Whether annotating a PDF, filling out a photo of a handout, or creating a new page from scratch — IssieDocs supports meaningful participation in the classroom. Key Features: Flexible Input & Markup • Multiple Import Options: Add worksheets via camera, photo gallery, email, or PDF—or start from a blank page. • Customizable Text: Use the device keyboard with adjustable sizes and colors to match any worksheet. • Pen Tool: Draw, highlight, circle answers, and annotate using various colors and line widths. • Worksheet Enhancements: Add photos, tables, audio recordings, highlights, a ruler, and more to enhance editing Organization & Accessibility • Folder-Based Filing: Organize your work with subject‑based visual folders. • Icon + Text Interface: Designed to support users with reading or cognitive challenges. • Adaptive Orientation: Works seamlessly in portrait or landscape. • User Settings: Adjust interaction and display features to meet motor or cognitive needs. • Translated to three languages (English, Hebrew and Arabic). About Us IssieDocs was created through a collaboration between The Technology Center of Beit Issie Shapiro and SAP Labs Israel. As part of our mission to develop accessible and affordable digital tools, IssieDocs is offered completely free and is available across major mobile platforms — enabling students, educators, and therapists to work together more effectively. Your feedback matters. Use the in-app Feedback link to help us continue improving IssieDocs for our community. Learn more: Home – Beit Issie Shapiro Explore additional apps: Applications – Beit Issie Shapiro Visit our blog: Tech it Issie – Beit Issie Shapiro

Screenshots

IssieDocs1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: IssieDocs at 5.0 against simPODD's 4.5. IssieDocs also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and device support (3 vs 1). simPODD's advantage is ratings volume (21 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads 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. IssieDocs asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IssieDocs holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: simPODD has 21 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
simPODD versus IssieDocs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametersimPODDIssieDocs
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (21 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size539 MB45 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperAssistiveWareBeit Issie Shapiro

Customer experience

simPODD

All ratings21 ratings
Positive90.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.5%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral11.1%
Negative11.1%

IssieDocs

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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
None

IssieDocs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is simPODD free?
simPODD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IssieDocs free?
IssieDocs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, simPODD or IssieDocs?
IssieDocs is rated higher. simPODD averages 4.5 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while IssieDocs averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do simPODD or IssieDocs have ads?
Neither simPODD nor IssieDocs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, simPODD or IssieDocs?
simPODD ships an update every 2 months, and IssieDocs every 2 months. Most recently, simPODD was updated on September 3, 2026 and IssieDocs on September 17, 2026.

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