# Pip and Tim Stage 3 vs simPODD

The clearest difference is price: simPODD at Free against Pip and Tim Stage 3's $3.99. simPODD also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 19 months). Pip and Tim Stage 3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (100% vs 78%). On ads there is nothing between them.

simPODD is free to download; Pip and Tim Stage 3 costs $3.99 up front. simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Pip and Tim Stage 3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pip and Tim Stage 3 ships an update every 19 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pip and Tim Stage 3 | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **23** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% 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 | 30 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 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pip-and-tim-stage-3/id829690005)

This app offers a collection of beautifully illustrated decodable books designed to help young children learn to read. It uses a sequenced phonics approach with audio support, allowing children to hear words pronounced and highlighted as they read. The stories feature engaging characters and are based on evidence-based reading research.

**Highlights:** Sequenced phonics reading program, Professionally recorded audio, Words highlighted as they are read, Tap words to hear pronunciation, Engaging stories with Tim and Pip, 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 3 free?

Pip and Tim Stage 3 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Do Pip and Tim Stage 3 or simPODD have ads?

Neither Pip and Tim Stage 3 nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pip and Tim Stage 3 or simPODD?

Pip and Tim Stage 3 ships an update every 19 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Pip and Tim Stage 3 was updated on October 23, 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.*