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the scheduler

The FSRS spaced repetition app built for iPhone

Most flashcard apps still default to SM-2, an algorithm from the 1980s. Imprimo runs FSRS, the Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler, from the very first card, so each review lands just before you would forget. The result is fewer cards a day for the same retention, natively on iPhone and iPad, fully offline.

why it matters

FSRS vs SM-2 at a glance

FSRS (Imprimo)SM-2 (legacy)
Recall prediction error~4%~14%
Daily reviews at same retention20–30% fewerBaseline
Default in ImprimoYes, from day oneNo SM-2 mode
Personalized weightsOn-device optimizerFixed ease formula

FSRS from the first card

No legacy SM-2 mode and nothing to configure. Imprimo runs the modern scheduler out of the box, so your very first review is already optimized.

Fewer reviews, same retention

FSRS times each card for the moment just before you would forget it. Most students clear 20–30% fewer cards a day for the same recall, which is the difference between sustainable and abandoned.

Personalized on-device optimization

Once you have enough review history, an on-device optimizer tunes the scheduling to your actual memory. It runs on the free tier, with no data leaving your phone.

Calm by design

Native iPhone review with swipe-to-rate and haptics, offline support, and streaks treated as a passive stat rather than a pressure mechanic. The schedule does the work so you don't dread the queue.

faq

Common questions about FSRS on iPhone

What is an FSRS flashcard app?

An FSRS flashcard app schedules reviews with the Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler, a modern algorithm that predicts when you are about to forget each card and shows it just before that point. Imprimo runs FSRS on iPhone from the first card, with no older SM-2 mode to enable.

Is FSRS better than SM-2?

For most learners, yes. FSRS predicts recall with roughly 4% error versus SM-2's ~14%, and at the same retention target it typically cuts daily reviews by 20 to 30%. That means fewer cards per day for the same memory outcome.

Is there an FSRS app for iPhone?

Yes. Imprimo is a native iPhone and iPad app that uses FSRS by default. Anki also supports FSRS as an opt-in setting, but its official iOS app costs a one-time fee and ships with SM-2 as the default.

Does FSRS work offline?

In Imprimo, yes. Scheduling and review run on-device, so you can study without a connection. An on-device optimizer also personalizes your scheduling once you have enough review history, even on the free tier.

related reading

Go deeper on scheduling and study systems

ready when you are

Study with the modern scheduler, not a 1980s one

Imprimo runs FSRS from the first card, times every review, and works offline on your iPhone. Free to start.

Download on the App Store