If you only want to see how high the UV index is today, Apple Weather on your iPhone already shows it, for free. If you want that same UV data turned into an estimated burn time for your skin type and sunscreen, with a countdown during a tanning session, pick Shade.
What each app does
Apple Weather is built into iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. As of October 2026, Apple’s iPhone User Guide lists the UV index among the weather details for each location, next to air quality, wind, sunrise and sunset, and you can tap a detail for more information.
Shade uses Apple Weather as its UV source, then adds the parts that are specific to time in the sun. You pick your Fitzpatrick skin type (I–VI) and protection (bare skin, sunscreen or covered up), and Shade shows your estimated burn time. Start a session and you get a countdown, turn-over cues, a reapply reminder every 2 hours with sunscreen and a heads-up before your estimated burn time. Estimates follow WHO UV Index guidance.
Key differences
- Same source, different output. Both show UV from Apple Weather. Apple Weather gives you the index; Shade gives you an estimate in minutes for your skin.
- Skin type and sunscreen. Apple Weather doesn’t ask. Shade uses both, and counts sunscreen well below the SPF number because people under-apply.
- Sessions. Shade times a session, with a Live Activity on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island in Shade Plus. Apple Weather has no session timer.
- Cost and reach. Apple Weather is free, already installed, and on more devices. Shade needs a download, runs on iOS 26 and has some features in Shade Plus.
Who each is for
Apple Weather is enough if you check the UV index now and then and know how your skin reacts. Shade suits you if you spend planned time in the sun and want a number for your skin type, plus cues during the session.
Other options
UVLens adds a burn-risk estimate and runs on Android; SunSafe and Tan AI add tanning routines. See all Shade comparisons or the best tanning apps in 2026.