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Apple Weather (Dark Sky) vs Today Weather

Apple Weather (Dark Sky) logo

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

Software

Hyperlocal precipitation forecasts built into iOS

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Today Weather logo

Today Weather

Software

Clean minimalist weather with multiple data sources

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Today Weather weather forecast accuracy is dependent on underlying data sources and cannot account for local microclimates
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Today Weather covers Multiple data sources.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Apple Weather (Dark Sky) and Today Weather differ
AttributeApple Weather (Dark Sky)Today Weather
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
PlatformsiOS, macOSiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, Android
Founded20112017

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
  • UV index
  • Siri
  • Apple Watch
  • CarPlay
  • Macos support

Only in Today Weather

  • Multiple data sources
  • Clean design
  • Hourly forecasts
  • Precipitation alerts
  • Android widgets
  • Wear OS
  • Android support

Both cover

  • Air quality
  • iOS widgets
  • 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 Today Weather
  • Viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 daysnot Today Weather
  • Viewing high-resolution precipitation radar mapsnot Today Weather
  • Receiving severe weather notificationsnot Today Weather

Today Weather

  • Professional Worknot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
  • Content Creationnot 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

Today Weather

  • Weather forecast accuracy is dependent on underlying data sources and cannot account for local microclimates
  • App does not provide offline forecast capability
  • Premium features require subscription or one-time purchase

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Weather (Dark Sky)

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

Today Weather

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Weather forecasts
    • Basic radar
    • Air quality and UV index
  • Premium$2.99/year
    • Ad removal
    • Full radar capabilities
    • Advanced weather alerts
  • Premium (Lifetime)$17.99/one-time
    • All premium features
    • Perpetual license

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 Today Weather if

  • You need multiple data sources.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, Android.
  • You also want clean design.
Today Weather review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or Today Weather better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) starts at Free and Today Weather 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 Today Weather?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) starts at Free and Today Weather at Free.
Does Apple Weather (Dark Sky) or Today Weather run on more platforms?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) runs on iOS, macOS. Today Weather runs on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, Android.
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 Today Weather is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Weather (Dark Sky) do that Today Weather cannot?
Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Next-hour forecasts, Severe weather alerts, UV index. Today Weather covers Multiple data sources, Clean design, Hourly forecasts, Precipitation alerts. Both handle Air quality, iOS widgets, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Today Weather: Is Today Weather free?

Today Weather is free to download and use, with premium features available. Premium subscriptions are $2.99/year (with additional one-time purchase options at $17.99 for perpetual access), which unlock ad removal and full radar capabilities.

Source
Today Weather: What weather data sources does Today Weather use?

Today Weather integrates data from multiple sources including NOAA, AccuWeather, Dark Sky, Weatherbit, OpenWeatherMap, Foreca, and national meteorological services for each country such as Weather.gov (US) and UK Met Office.

Source
Today Weather: What platforms does Today Weather support?

Today Weather is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac (M1+), iPod touch, and Apple Vision Pro. An Android version is also available on Google Play.

Source
Today Weather: Does Today Weather offer widgets?

Yes, Today Weather includes 23 customizable widgets with multiple styles, allowing users to see weather data they need directly on their home screen.

Source
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Related pages

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