# Symbol vs simPODD

The clearest difference is review sentiment: simPODD at 78% against Symbol's 0%. simPODD also leads on price (Free vs $5.99) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 39 months). Symbol's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

simPODD is free to download; Symbol costs $5.99 up front. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Symbol asks for nothing beyond the download.

Symbol holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: simPODD has 23 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of Symbol's written reviews are positive against 78% of simPODD's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Symbol ships an update every 39 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Symbol | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-adjectives/id726232615/reviews)** | [4.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 39 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 37 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Widgit Software Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/579573323) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### Symbol

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/symbol-adjectives/id726232615)

This app helps students develop basic description skills through progressive activities. It uses symbols, illustrations, and recorded speech to teach adjective use and descriptive language. Students are rewarded with animations and can earn printable certificates upon completion.

**Highlights:** Progressive description activities, Widgit symbol integration, Clear recorded speech with intonation, Two levels of difficulty, Reward animations, Printable certificates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### simPODD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596)

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:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital | $13.99 | per month |
| Yearly Digital + Print | $139.99 | per year |
| Yearly Digital + Print* | $139.99 | per year |
| One Year Digital | $139.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Symbol free?

Symbol costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Symbol or simPODD?

Symbol is rated higher. Symbol averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while simPODD averages 4.6 from 23 ratings.

### Do Symbol or simPODD have ads?

Neither Symbol nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Symbol or simPODD?

Symbol ships an update every 39 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Symbol was updated on October 9, 2026 and simPODD on October 22, 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.*