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Software · head to head

Apple Weather (Dark Sky) vs ChartCo

Apple Weather (Dark Sky) logo

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Software

Hyperlocal precipitation forecasts built into iOS

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ChartCo logo

ChartCo

Software

Integrated maritime compliance platform

From
$300/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apple Weather (Dark Sky) has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; ChartCo requires specialized maritime knowledge to fully utilize features
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, ChartCo covers Chart management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Weather (Dark Sky) and ChartCo actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Weather (Dark Sky) and ChartCo differ
AttributeApple Weather (Dark Sky)ChartCo
Starting priceFree$300/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, macOSWeb, Desktop
Founded20111998

Identical on both: 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
  • Apple Watch

Only in ChartCo

  • Chart management
  • Publication updates
  • Compliance tracking
  • Fleet administration
  • ECDIS
  • Fleet management systems
  • Procurement
  • Web 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 ChartCo
  • Viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 daysnot ChartCo
  • Viewing high-resolution precipitation radar mapsnot ChartCo
  • Receiving severe weather notificationsnot ChartCo

ChartCo

No use cases recorded yet. See the ChartCo review.

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

ChartCo

  • Requires specialized maritime knowledge to fully utilize features
  • High cost for maritime-specific software

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full weather features
    • Minute-by-minute rain
    • Severe alerts

ChartCo

$300/month
  • OneOcean$600/month
    • Chart management
    • Publications
    • Compliance tracking

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.
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) review

Choose ChartCo if

  • You need chart management.
  • You work on Web, Desktop.
  • You also want publication updates.
ChartCo review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or ChartCo better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) starts at Free and ChartCo at $300/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or ChartCo?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apple Weather (Dark Sky) and $300/month for ChartCo.
Does Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or ChartCo run on more platforms?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) runs on iOS, macOS. ChartCo runs on Web, Desktop.
Can I use Apple Weather (Dark Sky) for free?
Yes. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ChartCo starts at $300/month.
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 ChartCo is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Weather (Dark Sky) do that ChartCo cannot?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Next-hour forecasts, Severe weather alerts, Air quality. ChartCo covers Chart management, Publication updates, Compliance tracking, Fleet administration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ChartCo: What does ChartCo OneOcean provide?

ChartCo OneOcean is an integrated maritime software platform that combines electronic navigational charts, publications, weather data, and compliance tools for voyage planning and maritime safety.

ChartCo: How many vessels use ChartCo PassageManager?

ChartCo's PassageManager software is used by approximately 6,500 vessels worldwide for passage planning and navigational chart management.

ChartCo: Does ChartCo help with environmental compliance?

Yes, ChartCo OneOcean includes EnviroManager for compliance with MARPOL and regional environmental regulations, helping crews manage waste and minimize discharge risks.

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Related pages

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