The best iPhone app for teaching preschoolers both math and letter recognition offline is Meet Anvi for a calm all-in-one screen, with Khan Academy Kids as the broader free alternative.
Meet Anvi covers letters A to Z with spoken sounds and tracing alongside counting from 1 to 100, shapes and number tracing, with no third-party ads. Khan Academy Kids is free and covers both, with an offline library to download first. Duolingo ABC teaches letters and reading only, so it is not a math option.
Last reviewed and updated on October 12, 2026.
Competitor details come from public App Store listings and published reviews and can change. Confirm price, ads and offline behavior on each listing, and run an Airplane Mode test before you travel.
Quick comparison
| App | Letter recognition | Math | Offline | Ads | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet Anvi | A to Z with spoken sounds, guided tracing | Counting 1 to 100, shapes, number tracing; Math Wizard in optional Anvi Plus | Learning activities work offline; internet only to sign in and sync | None | Free core; optional Anvi Plus |
| Khan Academy Kids | Letter names, sounds, tracing | Counting, shapes, sorting, early addition | Offline library | None | Free |
| Duolingo ABC | Phonics, handwriting, sight words | None | Download lessons first | No ads reported | Free |
Why pick one app for both subjects
Recognizing the numeral 3 and the letter B uses the same skill: linking a symbol to a meaning, and tracing both builds the same hand control. One app gives the child a single set of controls, voice and rewards.
Meet Anvi
Learn, Count, Trace, Draw and Stories sit on one home screen for non-readers, with spoken instructions. It has no third-party ads or tracking, and settings are behind a parent PIN.
Not the best pick if: you are on Android, or want the widest multi-subject curriculum.
Khan Academy Kids
Free and ad-free for ages 2 to 8, with a large catalog. Younger preschoolers can find it busy, and offline use needs content downloaded in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can one iPhone app cover math and letters?
Yes. Meet Anvi and Khan Academy Kids both cover letter recognition and early math.
Is Math Wizard free?
No, it is part of optional Anvi Plus. Counting, letters and tracing are in the free core.
Does it need internet?
The learning activities work offline. A connection is only needed to sign in and sync.
Related guides: offline learning apps for 3-year-olds covering math and phonics and a safe, ad-free offline app for preschool math and counting.
Sources
- Duncan, G. J., et al. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6).
- Hirsh-Pasek, K., et al. (2015). Putting Education in "Educational" Apps. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
- Khan Academy Kids, App Store listing.