Proloquo4Text

What Proloquo4Text is

Proloquo4Text is a text-based AAC app for children, teens, and adults who can write but may not always be able to speak. It turns typed messages into speech and uses word and sentence prediction that learns from a person’s writing. A single-screen interface keeps communication options available, and users can customize the layout. It works offline and supports touch, typing, switch scanning, Apple Watch switch, VoiceOver, and keyguards. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac; the watch version requires a paired iPhone. Its iOS app is available in nine listed languages and supports nine more. It offers over 150 free adult and children’s voices, as well as Apple voices and Personal Voice on compatible devices. Vocabulary can be backed up to iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive; AssistiveWare says it cannot access those backups. The maker says the app does not send personal information to AssistiveWare or third parties and does not collect conversation transcripts. There is no free plan. Listed options include the Mac version for $59.99, paid once and the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch version for $119.99, paid once.

Who it suits

It suits people who can type but cannot always speak, including children, teens, and adults. Its multiple access methods and offline use may fit different communication needs.

Limits

There is no free plan. The Mac purchase requires macOS 15 or later, while the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch purchase requires iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later; Apple Watch also requires a paired iPhone.

Getting started

1. Open the Proloquo4Text product website
2. Choose the Mac purchase or the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch purchase
3. Install on a compatible Apple device
4. Pair Apple Watch with an iPhone if using the watch version
5. Configure the layout and preferred access method
6. Optionally connect iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive for vocabulary backups

Verdict

Proloquo4Text provides text-based speech with prediction, customization, and several accessibility methods. Check the listed platform requirements and one-time purchase options before choosing a version.