# Picture Packets vs READING MAGIC 4

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Picture Packets at 100% against READING MAGIC 4's 0%. Picture Packets also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). READING MAGIC 4's advantage is ratings volume (52 vs 2) and update cadence (every 26 months vs every 69 months). On ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Picture Packets holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: READING MAGIC 4 has 52 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Picture Packets's written reviews are positive against 0% of READING MAGIC 4's.

Picture Packets ships an update every 69 months, READING MAGIC 4 every 26 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Picture Packets | READING MAGIC 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | — | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picture-packets-transition/id499955675/reviews)** | [4.1 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-4/id1211351945/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **52** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 69 months | **Every 26 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 28 MB | 208 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.7** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bob Baratta-Lorton](https://appshunter.io/developer/499646138) | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) |

## What reviewers say

### Picture Packets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picture-packets-transition/id499955675)

This app is part of a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum designed for beginning readers or those who have struggled with literacy. It focuses on transitioning from phonetic sounds to reading words in letters, helping children become independent readers and writers.

**Highlights:** Part of a 14-app reading curriculum, Aids transition from sounds to letters, Develops independent reading skills, Encourages creative writing, No ads or in-app purchases

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### READING MAGIC 4

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-4/id1211351945)

This app uses interactive activities based on the science of reading to help young learners develop essential reading skills. It focuses on phonograms, digraphs, blending, and segmenting through engaging modes and sequential lessons.

**Highlights:** Science of Reading methodology, Phonograms and digraphs focus, Blending and segmenting modes, Reading mode with hidden pictures, Sequential lessons, Progress tracking for multiple students, Diverse male and female voices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Picture Packets free?

Pricing for Picture Packets is not currently listed on the App Store.

### Is READING MAGIC 4 free?

READING MAGIC 4 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Picture Packets or READING MAGIC 4?

Picture Packets is rated higher. Picture Packets averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while READING MAGIC 4 averages 4.1 from 52 ratings.

### Do Picture Packets or READING MAGIC 4 have ads?

Neither Picture Packets nor READING MAGIC 4 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Picture Packets or READING MAGIC 4?

Picture Packets ships an update every 69 months, and READING MAGIC 4 every 26 months. Most recently, Picture Packets was updated on October 13, 2026 and READING MAGIC 4 on October 7, 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.*