# Pip and Tim Stage 1 vs simPODD

The clearest difference is price: simPODD at Free against Pip and Tim Stage 1's $3.99. simPODD also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 19 months) and ratings volume (23 vs 1). Pip and Tim Stage 1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

simPODD is free to download; Pip and Tim Stage 1 costs $3.99 up front. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Pip and Tim Stage 1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pip and Tim Stage 1 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: 75% of Pip and Tim Stage 1'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.

Pip and Tim Stage 1 ships an update every 19 months, simPODD every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pip and Tim Stage 1 | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pip-and-tim-stage-1/id828398070/reviews)** | [4.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **23** |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 25 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Learning Logic](https://appshunter.io/developer/828398073) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### Pip and Tim Stage 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pip-and-tim-stage-1/id828398070)

This app provides a phonics-based reading program for young learners, featuring illustrated stories about Tim and Pip. It offers audio support, allowing children to hear words read aloud and tap individual words for pronunciation. The program is designed to build reading confidence through sequenced introduction of letters and sounds.

**Highlights:** Sequenced phonics introduction, Illustrated storybooks, Professionally recorded audio, Tap-to-hear word pronunciation, Word highlighting while reading, Vocabulary and comprehension questions

**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 Pip and Tim Stage 1 free?

Pip and Tim Stage 1 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pip and Tim Stage 1 or simPODD?

Pip and Tim Stage 1 is rated higher. Pip and Tim Stage 1 averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while simPODD averages 4.6 from 23 ratings.

### Do Pip and Tim Stage 1 or simPODD have ads?

Neither Pip and Tim Stage 1 nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pip and Tim Stage 1 or simPODD?

Pip and Tim Stage 1 ships an update every 19 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Pip and Tim Stage 1 was updated on October 24, 2026 and simPODD on October 24, 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.*