Software · head to head
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) vs AirVisual
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Software
Hyperlocal precipitation forecasts built into iOS
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apple Weather (Dark Sky) dark Sky as a standalone app and API no longer exists, it was removed from the App Store and its API shut down; Dark Sky's technology now only exists folded into the built-in Apple Weather app, so any 'Dark Sky' branded product/API can no longer be evaluated or purchased; AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- They diverge on capability: Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Weather (Dark Sky) and AirVisual actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Weather (Dark Sky) | AirVisual |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS | Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2011 | 2015 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Minute-by-minute precipitation
- Next-hour forecasts
- Severe weather alerts
- Air quality
- UV index
- iOS widgets
- Siri
- CarPlay
Only in AirVisual
- Global AQI coverage
- 3-day forecasts
- Health recommendations
- City rankings
- Historical data
- Widgets
- Smart displays
- Android support
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Checking hyperlocal current conditions and next-hour precipitation forecasts on iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple Watchnot AirVisual
- Viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 daysnot AirVisual
- Viewing high-resolution precipitation radar mapsnot AirVisual
- Receiving severe weather notificationsnot AirVisual
AirVisual
- Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Seven day air quality forecastsnot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Health guidance based on current pollutionnot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Dark Sky as a standalone app and API no longer exists, it was removed from the App Store and its API shut down; Dark Sky's technology now only exists folded into the built-in Apple Weather app, so any 'Dark Sky' branded product/API can no longer be evaluated or purchased
- Apple Weather has no public pricing/API tier of its own comparable to the old Dark Sky API, developers must use Apple's separate WeatherKit product instead
- Apple Weather (the consumer app) is limited to Apple's own platforms; it is not available on Android or Windows
AirVisual
- Outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- Indoor measurement needs an IQAir AirVisual monitor bought separately
- The app pages do not state what, if anything, costs money
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Free- FreeFree
- Full weather features
- Minute-by-minute rain
- Severe alerts
AirVisual
Free- FreeFree
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- Health tips
- Pro$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Historical data
- Widgets
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Weather (Dark Sky) if
- You need minute-by-minute precipitation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, macOS.
- You also want next-hour forecasts.
Choose AirVisual if
- You need global aqi coverage.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want 3-day forecasts.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or AirVisual better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) starts at Free and AirVisual at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or AirVisual?
- Apple Weather (Dark Sky) starts at Free and AirVisual at Free.
- Does Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or AirVisual run on more platforms?
- Apple Weather (Dark Sky) runs on iOS, macOS. AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web.
- Can I use Apple Weather (Dark Sky) for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Apple Weather (Dark Sky) best used for?
- Apple Weather (Dark Sky) is most often used for checking hyperlocal current conditions and next-hour precipitation forecasts on iphone/ipad/mac/apple watch, viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 days, viewing high-resolution precipitation radar maps, receiving severe weather notifications. Of those, checking hyperlocal current conditions and next-hour precipitation forecasts on iphone/ipad/mac/apple watch and viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 days are not what AirVisual is typically brought in for.
- What can Apple Weather (Dark Sky) do that AirVisual cannot?
- Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Next-hour forecasts, Severe weather alerts, Air quality. AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support.