# READING MAGIC vs Patterns

The clearest difference is update cadence: Patterns at weekly against READING MAGIC's every 6 months. Patterns also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 62%) and iOS requirement (6.1 vs 13.7). READING MAGIC's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Patterns sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

READING MAGIC holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 42 and 43 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 62% of READING MAGIC's written reviews are positive against 85% of Patterns's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, Patterns weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC | Patterns |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853/reviews)** | [4.3 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterns-includes-3-pattern-games-in-1-app/id1111322024/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 42 | **43** |
| Positive reviews | 62.2% of reviews | **85.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 208 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **6.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Innovative Investments Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/414603477) |

## What reviewers say

### READING MAGIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-learning-to-read/id416896853)

This app makes learning to read an exciting adventure for young children. It focuses on CVC words and uses science-based phonics principles to build essential reading skills like blending and segmenting.

**Highlights:** CVC word focus, Blending and segmenting practice, Phonemic awareness building, Phonological processing improvement, Engaging games and activities, Discourages picture guessing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $3.99 | one-time |


### Patterns

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patterns-includes-3-pattern-games-in-1-app/id1111322024)

This educational app offers three engaging pattern games designed to teach foundational pattern recognition skills to young children. It features a wide variety of colorful characters and customizable game modes to keep learning fun and interactive.

**Highlights:** Teaches AB, AABB, ABC, AAB, ABB patterns, Three distinct pattern games, Customizable game modes, Variety of character themes, Engaging for young learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Game 2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 3 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 4 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 5 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 8 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 10 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 17 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 19 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Game 12 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Everything | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for beginners
- 🎨 Cute and colorful pictures
- 🌟 Encouraging praise for effort
- 🧠 Good for early pattern recognition
- 🧸 Child-friendly design

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⬆️ May be too easy for older children
- 🗣️ Annoying feedback voice
- 🖼️ Visually complex pictures for some
- 🤔 Limited challenge for advanced users
- 🚫 No incorrect answers allowed

**Reported bugs**

- Parental control unlock not working
- Three-finger tap for parent doesn't work on iPhone

**Requested features**

- Add language options
- Allow custom voice feedback
- Enable object naming instead of AB format
- Increase complexity with more subtle image variations
- Allow drag and drop for pattern completion


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC free?

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

### Is Patterns free?

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

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC or Patterns?

READING MAGIC is rated higher. READING MAGIC averages 4.6 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Patterns averages 4.3 from 43 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC or Patterns have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC nor Patterns shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC or Patterns?

READING MAGIC ships an update every 6 months, and Patterns weekly. Most recently, READING MAGIC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Patterns on November 6, 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.*