Comparison

Maktabati vs Arabic Made Simple

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

Head to head
About

Maktabati

Read full description

Read real Classical Arabic, one word at a time. Maktabati is a quiet reading room for anyone learning fuṣḥā. Open a classical text, tap any word, and see what it means in that sentence, along with its root, dictionary form and grammar. Save the words you meet, quiz yourself on them, and earn screen time for the reading you do. READ CLASSICAL TEXTS Begin with Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn, the Stories of the Prophets by Abū al-Ḥasan an-Nadwī: fully voweled, set in clear Arabic type, and divided into short chapters. Choose from three Arabic fonts and the size that suits your eyes, and Maktabati opens on the page where you stopped. Tell us which classical text you'd like next, right from the Library. EVERY WORD EXPLAINED Tap a word to see its meaning in context, its transliteration, and hear it pronounced. Open it further for: • its parts, such as the article al- and the stem • its dictionary form, pattern and part of speech • its meanings in plain English • its plural, feminine and other forms • its root, and other words built from it KEEP THE WORDS YOU MEET Save any word to your flashcards with one tap. Each card shows the word's root and dictionary form, and earns stars as you answer it correctly, moving from new to learning, familiar and mastered. Group words into decks to study them together. QUIZ YOURSELF IN A MINUTE Each question shows a word and seven meanings. Right answers move words toward mastery, and the results show you the words to look at again. EARN YOUR SCREEN TIME Choose the apps that pull you away and give them a balance of minutes. Every minute you read and every quiz answer you get right adds a minute, up to the limit you set. When the balance runs out, Maktabati can block those apps until you've read a little more. Focus uses Apple's Screen Time, and the apps you choose stay private on your device. WATCH YOURSELF GROW Keep a daily streak, see this week's reading at a glance, and follow your words mastered, roots met and quiz accuracy. Eight achievements, each with levels, mark the way. MAKTABATI PREMIUM Maktabati is free to download. The free plan includes reading, the word panel, each word's dictionary form and root, up to 10 saved words, one quiz a day, and Focus. Premium adds full dictionary entries, unlimited words and quizzes, and your own decks. Premium is an auto-renewing weekly or yearly subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple Account when you confirm the purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless it's cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, and your account is charged for the renewal within 24 hours before that period ends. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings at any time. Privacy Policy: https://ilmtech.ltd/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Arabic Made Simple

Learn Arabic vocabulary through engaging stories and context-rich examples. This app uses smart flashcards and integrated learning tools to help intermediate learners retain new words effectively. Move beyond memorization and build practical language skills.

Highlights
  • Story-based vocabulary learning
  • Contextual word usage
  • Smart flashcards for retention
  • Audio support for pronunciation
  • Arabic alphabet and script charts
  • Verb and root form references
Features
Read full description

Arabic Made Simple helps intermediate learners build real Arabic vocabulary through stories rather than isolated word lists. Instead of memorizing disconnected words, you learn vocabulary as it appears in meaningful context, supported by audio, translation, and smart flashcards designed to help words stick. Story-Based Learning Read graded Arabic stories that introduce vocabulary naturally. Listen to audio, follow along at your own pace, and see how words are actually used. Smart Flashcards Tap any word in a story to save it instantly. Review vocabulary using different study modes, including matching, review, and quizzes. Built for Learners Arabic Made Simple was created by someone who learned Arabic as a second language. Every feature focuses on clarity, steady progress, and real understanding. Learning Tools The app includes helpful tools to support your study, such as: • Arabic alphabet and script charts • Verb and root form references • Tagged decks to organize vocabulary Who This App Is For Arabic Made Simple is best for learners who: • Can read the Arabic alphabet • Have basic grammar knowledge • Want to move beyond beginner content • Want to build vocabulary fast!

Screenshots

Maktabati4 screens
Arabic Made Simple4 screens

Verdict

The call

Maktabati and Arabic Made Simple are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Maktabati sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Arabic Made Simple sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Maktabati ships an update every 6 days, Arabic Made Simple every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Maktabati versus Arabic Made Simple: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMaktabatiArabic Made Simple
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—5 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 daysEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.2
Further details — not scored
Size253 MB48 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperIlmtech LimitedTyler Whitcher

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Maktabati

Subscriptions3
  • Maktabati Premium (Weekly)$2.997 Days
  • Maktabati Premium (Monthly)$6.991 Month
  • Maktabati Premium (Yearly)$39.991 Year
1 purchases

Arabic Made Simple

One-time1
  • Full Access$24.99

Questions

Is Maktabati free?
Maktabati is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Arabic Made Simple free?
Arabic Made Simple is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Maktabati or Arabic Made Simple have ads?
Neither Maktabati nor Arabic Made Simple shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Maktabati or Arabic Made Simple?
Maktabati ships an update every 6 days, and Arabic Made Simple every 5 days. Most recently, Maktabati was updated on October 26, 2026 and Arabic Made Simple on October 17, 2026.

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