Software · head to head
Hello Weather vs Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Software
Hyperlocal precipitation forecasts built into iOS
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Hello Weather limited features in free version compared to competitors with native rain alerts; 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
- They diverge on capability: Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Hello Weather and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) actually diverge.
| Attribute | Hello Weather | Apple Weather (Dark Sky) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | free |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS | iOS, macOS |
| Founded | 2016 | 2011 |
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 Hello Weather
- Multiple data sources
- Simple design
- Comparison mode
- Custom icons
- Widgets
- Siri shortcuts
Only in Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Minute-by-minute precipitation
- Next-hour forecasts
- Severe weather alerts
- Air quality
- UV index
- Siri
- CarPlay
- Macos support
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- iOS widgets
- Ios support
- Watchos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Hello Weather
- Professional Worknot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Content Creationnot Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
- Checking hyperlocal current conditions and next-hour precipitation forecasts on iPhone/iPad/Mac/Apple Watchnot Hello Weather
- Viewing hourly forecasts for the next 10 daysnot Hello Weather
- Viewing high-resolution precipitation radar mapsnot Hello Weather
- Receiving severe weather notificationsnot Hello Weather
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Hello Weather
- Limited features in free version compared to competitors with native rain alerts
- Smaller development team means slower feature updates compared to enterprise weather apps
- No native invoicing or team management for business 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
Pricing, plan by plan
Hello Weather
Free- FreeFree
- Current, hourly, daily forecasts
- Multiple data source options
- Dark mode
- VIP$3/year
- Home screen and lock screen widgets
- Push notifications for precipitation
- Apple Watch app
Apple Weather (Dark Sky)
Free- FreeFree
- Full weather features
- Minute-by-minute rain
- Severe alerts
Which should you pick?
Choose Hello Weather if
- You need multiple data sources.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS.
- You also want simple design.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is Hello Weather or Apple Weather (Dark Sky) better?
- Neither clearly leads. Hello Weather starts at Free and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Hello Weather or Apple Weather (Dark Sky)?
- Hello Weather starts at Free and Apple Weather (Dark Sky) at Free.
- Does Hello Weather or Apple Weather (Dark Sky) run on more platforms?
- Hello Weather runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, watchOS. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) runs on iOS, macOS.
- Can I use Hello Weather for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Hello Weather best used for?
- Hello Weather is most often used for professional work, content creation. Of those, professional work and content creation are not what Apple Weather (Dark Sky) is typically brought in for.
- What can Hello Weather do that Apple Weather (Dark Sky) cannot?
- Hello Weather covers Multiple data sources, Simple design, Comparison mode, Custom icons. Apple Weather (Dark Sky) covers Minute-by-minute precipitation, Next-hour forecasts, Severe weather alerts, Air quality. Both handle Apple Watch, iOS widgets, Ios support, Watchos support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Hello Weather: What is Hello Weather's business model?
Hello Weather is free to download from the App Store with optional VIP membership. VIP costs $3 for one year, $5 for two years, or $7 for lifetime access.
SourceHello Weather: What weather data sources does Hello Weather support?
Hello Weather supports multiple weather data sources including Apple Weather, AccuWeather, Foreca, OpenWeather, Pirate Weather, The Weather Company, Tomorrow.io, Visual Crossing, Weatherbit, and Xweather.
SourceHello Weather: What platforms does Hello Weather support?
Hello Weather is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android. It includes Apple Watch app and complications, plus home screen and lock screen widgets.
SourceHello Weather: Is Hello Weather an independent project?
Yes, Hello Weather is developed by indie developers Jonas Downey and Trevor as a side project. The team describes themselves as friends with day jobs who make the app for fun.
SourceHello Weather: When was Hello Weather first launched?
Hello Weather was launched in 2016 and has achieved half a million downloads with thousands of paying VIP customers.
Source