Apple has bought weather app Dark Sky, which is highly regarded for its radar maps and accuracy of its hyperlocal, by-the-minute weather predictions. It’ll still be available on the iOS App Store, as you might expect, but the Android and Wear OS versions will shut down on July 1st. You’ll no longer be able to download the app on those platforms, and people who are still subscribed to the service when Dark Sky pulls the plug will receive a refund.
Dark Sky announced the news in a blog post today. The news will certainly mean much improved native weather app for iOS but also brings with it some downsides like ending access to the API in 2022 and killing off the Android app.
The native iOS Weather app hasn’t seen a major overhaul since iOS 7. Back then it was still powered by Yahoo Weather before making the switch to The Weather Channel with iOS 8.
Details on how much Apple paid for Dark Sky weren’t shared.
Here’s the full announcement from Dark Sky:
Today we have some important and exciting news to share: Dark Sky has joined Apple.
Our goal has always been to provide the world with the best weather information possible, to help as many people as we can stay dry and safe, and to do so in a way that respects your privacy.
There is no better place to accomplish these goals than at Apple. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to reach far more people, with far more impact, than we ever could alone.
What happens to our existing products?
iOS App
There will be no changes to Dark Sky for iOS at this time. It will continue to be available for purchase in the App Store.
Android and Wear OS App
The app will no longer be available for download. Service to existing users and subscribers will continue until July 1, 2020, at which point the app will be shut down. Subscribers who are still active at that time will receive a refund.
Website
Weather forecasts, maps, and embeds will continue until July 1, 2020. The website will remain active beyond that time in support of API and iOS App customers.
API
Our API service for existing customers is not changing today, but we will no longer accept new signups. The API will continue to function through the end of 2021.
As part of this transition, use of Dark Sky by Apple is subject to the Apple Privacy Policy, which can be found at apple.com/privacy.
Thank you!
To our customers, family and friends, we are grateful for your support over the past eight years. We look forward to continuing to build great products, so stay tuned…
The Dark Sky Team
It seems likely Apple will use Dark Sky’s know how to bolster its own Weather app.
