Best AAC Apps for iOS

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps are great tools if you ever have trouble speaking. They can run on existing smartphones or tablets and are powerful enough to help you express yourself easily and fully. There is one unfortunate downside to them, though — many are exclusive to specific operating systems (like Android or iOS). In this article, we'll be highlighting some of the best AAC apps available on iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. So, if you're looking for an AAC app for iOS, be sure to read on!

Our Top Choices

Spoken - Tap to Talk AAC

Spoken AAC app, shown on a smartphone and tablet.

Price: Free (With a premium upgrade priced at $12.99/month, $99.99/year, or $249.99 for life)
Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Spoken is a modern AAC app designed for adults and teenagers who need speech assistance but want more flexibility than most other apps allow. Unlike traditional symbol-based AAC apps, Spoken adapts to the way you communicate by learning your speech patterns and predicting what you want to say next. This makes it perfect for users who require some communication support but are proficient enough to work outside the limitations of pre-set vocabulary grids.

Spoken can also recognize handwriting or simple drawings and convert them to speech. The variety of input methods makes it a fairly versatile tool.

Proloquo2Go

Price: $249.99 with additional in-app purchases
Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

One of the most well-known apps of its type, Proloquo2Go is designed for individuals with communication challenges caused by autism, cerebral palsy, and down syndrome. It features a customizable, symbol-based communication system. We like that you can adjust the layout and vocabulary to suit users of different ages and skill levels. Another plus is that the app is available in many different languages and even supports bilingual use.

Speak For Yourself

Price: $299.99 with additional in-app purchases
Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision

Speak For Yourself was designed by two speech-language pathologists. The app claims to be designed “with an evidence-based foundation.” This app is particularly good for younger users as it incorporates motor learning principles and contains features important in developing automaticity and language. However, the app can grow with you and offer more words as your vocabulary and skill level increase. We like that every word can be accessed with a maximum of two taps, allowing you to quickly and easily construct full sentences.

TouchChat HD

Price: $149.99 with additional in-app purchases
Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Mac

TouchChat is a sleek app. It lets you choose a vocabulary file that consists of pages and buttons with words, phrases, sentences, and other functions. The vocabulary files let you personalize your grid layout, buttons, messages, and symbols. Users have access to over 40,000 symbols when creating new buttons. Or, you can take a photo with the built-in camera and add that image to a button. One of our favorite features is that you can import and export your vocabulary files easily through AirDrop, email, DropBox, or Google Drive.

Leeloo AAC

Leeloo AAC for tablet, advertised as an AAC app for kids with autism.

Price: Free (with optional premium upgrade for $6.99/month, $59.99/year, or $99.99 for life)
Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Leeloo is an excellent choice for children who have trouble speaking. Its fun illustrations and relevant vocabulary make it particularly suited for them. It's also really simple to use thanks to its approachable, clean, and distraction-free design. We really like that Leeloo offers several languages to select from and allows you to create multiple different user profiles.

We would not suggest Leeloo for adult users due to its limited vocabulary, but it's a great starter option for young children. Its appealing design and simplicity make it perfect in that regard. The app was removed from Google Play for an unknown reason, but Android users can still get the app by downloading the APK on the developer's official website.

TD Snap

Price: $9.99/month
Availability: iPad

TD Snap is a symbol-based AAC app designed to support a wide range of communicators, from emerging to advanced users. Developed by Tobii Dynavox, it features customizable page sets tailored for different communication needs, including Core First, Text, Aphasia, and PODD.

One of TD Snap's strengths is its integration with Tobii Dynavox's larger ecosystem, including eye tracking devices for users with complex access needs.

While TD Snap is a solid option for symbol-based communication, it is only available on iPad, making it inaccessible for users trying to find an AAC option on their iPhone. It was also recently changed to only be available through a monthly subscription, which may add additional complications for users.

Conclusion

The apps discussed in this article are well-designed and run great on your iPhone or iPad. They are powerful, easily customizable, and speak with realistic voices. Give these apps a look if you need help speaking and have an iOS device.