# Initial Code vs Secret Stories Phonics Reading

The clearest difference is rating: Initial Code at 5.0 against Secret Stories Phonics Reading's 4.4. Initial Code also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (67% vs 30%). Secret Stories Phonics Reading's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (621 vs 2). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Initial Code sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Secret Stories Phonics Reading sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Initial Code holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Secret Stories Phonics Reading has 621 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Initial Code's written reviews are positive against 30% of Secret Stories Phonics Reading's.

Initial Code ships an update every 2 months, Secret Stories Phonics Reading weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Initial Code | Secret Stories Phonics Reading |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/initial-code/id769196201/reviews)** | [4.4 (621 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secret-stories-phonics-reading/id1526893160/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **621** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 29.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 83 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sounds-Write Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/769196204) | [Marenem Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526893162) |

## What reviewers say

### Initial Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/initial-code/id769196201)

This educational app helps young children learn to read and spell in English through interactive activities. It focuses on blending, segmenting, and sound-spelling correspondences, with units unlocking as progress is made. Designed for iPad, it reinforces learning for automatic reading and writing skills.

**Highlights:** Reading and spelling practice, Blending and segmenting activities, Sound-spelling correspondence, Word and sentence reading/writing, Unit-based progression, Reinforces learning through repetition

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Content | $5.99 | one-time |


### Secret Stories Phonics Reading

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/secret-stories-phonics-reading/id1526893160)

This app uses brain-based learning techniques with unique stories and sound images to teach phonics. It helps learners of all ages accelerate literacy by decoding sounds rather than memorizing words. Features include interactive stories, a song for letter sounds, and practice modes.

**Highlights:** Brain-based phonics learning, Interactive sound stories, Better Alphabet song for letter sounds, Structured and random play practice, Accelerated literacy development

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium - 1 Month Access | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium - 1 Year Access | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great teaching resource
- 👍 Helpful for reinforcing learning
- 🚀 Game changer for teaching
- 👍 Engaging for students

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Restrictive copyright/sharing
- 🐛 Glitches and bugs
- 👎 Lack of additional features

**Reported bugs**

- Better Alphabet Song stops abruptly
- App not working/crashing

**Requested features**

- Option to display stories/cards on screen
- More comprehensive coverage of letter sounds
- Ability to restore previous purchases


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Initial Code free?

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

### Is Secret Stories Phonics Reading free?

Secret Stories Phonics Reading is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Initial Code or Secret Stories Phonics Reading?

Initial Code is rated higher. Initial Code averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Secret Stories Phonics Reading averages 4.4 from 621 ratings.

### Do Initial Code or Secret Stories Phonics Reading have ads?

Neither Initial Code nor Secret Stories Phonics Reading shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Initial Code or Secret Stories Phonics Reading?

Initial Code ships an update every 2 months, and Secret Stories Phonics Reading weekly. Most recently, Initial Code was updated on September 18, 2026 and Secret Stories Phonics Reading on July 5, 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.*