3.0 Safe to install
MagidForYou — lightweight, privacy-friendly AAC app for non-verbal users
MagidForYou is a free, multilingual augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app and keyboard extension designed for non-verbal autistic children and others with speech disabilities, offering hierarchical symbol boards, text-to-speech, Dropbox backup, and a commitment to not collecting user data, though its interface and customization options are relatively basic.
MagidForYou is an Alternative Augmented Communication (AAC) application designed primarily for non-verbal autistic children, though it can be used by individuals with speech disabilities.
From a reviewer’s perspective, its core concept is straightforward: users select symbols organized into hierarchical "communication boards" to compose text, which is then spoken aloud. The interface aims to enable rapid text entry for users who rely on symbol-based communication.
- Symbol-based input and spoken output: Enter text by tapping symbols that are arranged in boards; the chosen symbol appends its label to the message and triggers speech synthesis.
- Keyboard extension: The app can function as a keyboard within other apps, allowing a user to compose text in MagidForYou and send it from within other applications (for example, messaging apps).
- Cloud backup and sharing: Optional Dropbox integration provides continuous backups and sharing capabilities, contingent on cloud connectivity.
- Language support: The product supports multiple languages, including right-to-left writing systems.
Observations and considerations:
- setup and customization of boards may require time to tailor to a user’s needs, which is typical for AAC tools but can affect initial adoption.
- reliance on symbol libraries and hierarchical navigation may influence learning pace and ease of use across users with varying cognitive and motor skills.
- cloud features introduce dependencies on internet connectivity and account management (Dropbox), which can impact accessibility in low-bandwidth environments or for users prioritizing offline use.
- voice output quality and language availability will vary, and users may wish to evaluate the naturalness of speech synthesis and voice options within the app's settings.
Overall, MagidForYou provides a modular approach to AAC with flexible input options, cross-application usability, and multilingual support, suitable for families and clinicians exploring symbol-based communication tools.
Overview
MagidForYou is a Freeware software in the category Education developed by Shai Shalev-shwartz.
The latest version of MagidForYou is 3.0, released on 04/30/2026. It was initially added to our database on 04/30/2026.
MagidForYou runs on the following operating systems: iOS.
Users of MagidForYou gave it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Designed specifically for AAC use — aimed at non-verbal autistic children and others with speech disabilities
- Hierarchical symbol-based "communication boards" make constructing phrases intuitive for users with limited literacy
- Can act as a system keyboard extension, allowing use in any app (e.g., sending messages)
- Supports multiple languages and right-to-left languages (per developer site)
- Small app size (≈1.5 MB) — lightweight and low storage impact
- Privacy-focused: developer states the app does not collect or store user data on servers
- Optional Dropbox integration for backup and sharing of boards
- Includes useful features added over time (color options, board duplication, edit-mode password, help button, picture-taking)
- Provides a tutorial and documentation on the developer site
- Free on the App Store
Cons
- Very few public reviews/ratings (App Store shows only one rating) — limited social proof and community feedback
- App UI can feel cramped — users report lack of scrolling for long lists of buttons and limited visible words in the viewer
- Keyboard appearance issues reported (keyboard appears black on dark app backgrounds) and limited theming/custom color controls historically
- Limited customization of how many words show in the text line (though a max setting was added)
- Dropbox is the primary cloud integration; some users requested Files.app import/export instead of Dropbox
- Historically had text-to-speech problems on newer iOS versions (iOS 16) — developer released fixes but it indicates potential compatibility lag with OS updates
- App Store lists only English while the developer site claims many languages — potential mismatch or limited localization in practice
- Development/updates appear infrequent (few updates noted over several years), which may concern users about long-term maintenance and compatibility
- Designed primarily for iPad (App Store mentions iPad design) though compatible with iPhone/iPad — UX may be suboptimal on smaller screens
- Mac support limited to newer Macs (requires macOS 11+ and Apple M1 or later)
FAQ
What is MagidForYou and who is it for?
MagidForYou is an Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) app designed primarily for non‑verbal autistic children but usable by anyone with speech disabilities. It lets users produce spoken and written text by tapping symbols organized into hierarchical communication boards.
How does the app work (basic usage)?
You navigate hierarchical "communication boards" of symbols. Tapping a symbol enters the associated text into the message/viewer line and speaks it aloud. Boards can be edited and organized to suit the user’s needs. A full tutorial is available from the developer (Magid Tutorial PDF).
Can MagidForYou be used in other apps (as a keyboard)?
Yes — MagidForYou can be installed as a keyboard extension so it can be used inside other apps (for example, to send messages). The keyboard uses the same symbol-to-text functionality as the main app.
Which languages and platforms does the app support?
The app supports many languages, including right-to-left languages. It is available for iOS/iPadOS (requires iOS 13.4 or later) and is listed as compatible with recent macOS on Apple Silicon and visionOS; check the App Store listing for current compatibility details.
Is MagidForYou free and who is the developer?
The app is free (listed on the App Store) and the developer is Shai Shalev‑Shwartz. Copyright information on the site dates to 2017; check the App Store page for the latest version and release notes.
Does the app save or share my data? What is the privacy policy?
According to the developer and the App Store listing, the app does not collect or send your data to the developer’s servers. The developer’s privacy policy is available from the Magid website for details.
How can I back up or share boards and settings?
Earlier versions supported Dropbox integration for backup and sharing. Recent user feedback and release notes indicate Dropbox integration was removed and users requested import/export via the iOS Files app. Check the app’s current settings or release notes for the available import/export or backup options.
What editing and customization features are available?
Features include edit mode (which can be password protected), duplicating boards, assigning colors to boards/buttons, taking or adding pictures for symbols, and limiting the number of words shown in the viewer text line. A Help button and other usability improvements have been added across versions.
Are there known issues or limitations I should be aware of?
Some users have reported issues such as text‑to‑speech problems on specific iOS versions (e.g., iOS 16) and keyboard appearance/color problems when used over dark app backgrounds. The developer has released updates addressing some TTS and UI issues; check the App Store release notes for fixes and the current version.
Where can I find tutorials, support, or more information?
The developer hosts a Magid tutorial PDF and other documentation on the project site (http://www.cs.huji.ac.il/~shais/Magid/). The App Store listing (MagidForYou) includes version history, release notes, and a link to the developer’s page and privacy policy.
Boris Weber
I am an editor at UpdateStar. I started as a support engineer, and am now specialized in writing about general software topics from a usability and performance angle among others. I telecommute from UpdateStar’s Berlin office, when I am not working remote as a digital nomad for UpdateStar. When I'm not analyzing the latest software updates, you can find me exploring new cities, immersing myself in local cultures, and discovering innovative tech trends across the globe.
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