Apple will no longer use the integrated weather app and has also been removed from the App Store. Despite the improvements that Apple made to the app, "Dark Sky" will no longer work for the users who still have them.
No Dark Skies for 2023
Just recently, Apple announced an update with "Dark Sky." The app could forecast the weather hourly for the next ten days, which includes temperature, precipitation amounts, humidity, dew point, wind speed, and barometric pressure.
"Dark Sky" can also offer hyperlocal forecasts, as mentioned in MacRumors, which can pinpoint 0.001 degrees of longitude and latitude. Its specificity allows the app to notify the users of forecasts on their block and can tell the start of precipitation up to the minute.
It was supported on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, and was acquired by Apple on March 2020. Aside from the fact that the app has been discontinued, Dark Sky's API for third-party weather apps will also shut down by March 31st, and be replaced with WeatherKit API.
WeatherKit
The WeatherKit API can be used on apps for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS 13, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9. Although, it only works with platform-specific Swift API or other platforms that use REST API, according to Apple.
The company also claims that it has the same capability as what they recently posted about 'Dark Sky." The API is said to be customizable, so users can request the specific data they want or need to see.
Weather App Alternatives
Carrot Weather
Carrot Weather has all the features that constitute a weather app. You can view data based on a layout that can be customized by users, which comes with detailed maps for various types of data like daily forecast data and chances of precipitation.
It also comes with Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets for quicker access. The widgets can also change their design depending on the current weather condition and forecasts, which can easily be disabled if you want a standard-looking weather app.
AccuWeather
This weather app can provide real-time alerts and in-depth forecast information. The live weather forecast shows precipitation updates by the minute, and can offer local weather forecasts which include severe weather alerts, temperature, and allergy outlooks as well.
It has the WinterCast feature which warns you of possible snowfall and accumulation. The advanced weather radar allows users to be updated with snow, rain, ice, and temperature changes, according to 9To5Mac.
Weather Strip
The app allows you to see the forecast by the hour in the span of a week. It also offers Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets. You can view all the data you need without having to scroll through or press more options.
It comes with a map so you can view the forecasts anywhere in the world. This is an ideal feature for travelers since you can also see forecasts for mountains, lakes, trails, and other places as well if you put a marker on the location.
You'll be updated with extreme weather as soon as you open the app, which includes storms, fires, hurricanes, flooding, landslides, and anything else that can be tracked by NOAA meteorologists. Although, you'll have to subscribe to the app after the two-week trial.
