Shade shows the live UV index for where you are right now, plus how it will change hour by hour today. The data comes from Apple Weather, and it sits next to your estimated burn time so you can see what the number means for your skin.
What the Today screen shows
- UV gauge: the current UV index, coloured by its WHO band.
- UV curve: the whole day at a glance, so you can see when UV peaks and when it drops off.
- Sunrise, sunset and cloud cover: the context behind the number.
- Recommended SPF: a suggestion for today’s UV level.
- Burn time: your estimated burn time at the current UV.
Reading the UV scale
The UV index is a simple scale for how strongly sunlight can burn skin. The WHO uses five bands:
- 1–2 Low
- 3–5 Moderate
- 6–7 High
- 8–10 Very high
- 11+ Extreme
Every step up means UV that burns faster. At UV 8 your skin takes in burning UV roughly twice as quickly as at UV 4.
Why UV changes through the day
UV is highest around solar noon, when the sun is highest in the sky, and much lower in the early morning and late afternoon. Thin cloud lets a lot of UV through, so a hazy day can still be a high-UV day. Altitude, snow, sand and water raise your real exposure above the forecast number.
That’s why Shade shows the curve, not just the current value. If you want to plan ahead, the UV forecast shows the hours to come.
Where the data comes from
UV and weather data come from Apple Weather. The bands and protection guidance follow the WHO UV Index. Shade shows the index and an estimate; it doesn’t measure UV on your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Shade get the UV index?
From Apple Weather, for your current location. Your location only leaves your iPhone as a coordinate sent to Apple Weather. There is no account and no sign-up.
What do the UV index numbers mean?
The WHO groups the UV index into bands. 1–2 is low, 3–5 moderate, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high and 11 or more extreme. WHO guidance suggests sun protection from UV 3 upward.
Is the live UV index free?
Yes. The current and hourly UV index, the Today screen and your burn-time estimate are all in the free version of Shade.