Shade is a sun timer for beach and pool days. Start a session when you lie down and it counts down to your estimated burn time, based on today’s UV, your skin type and your sunscreen, then reminds you to turn over, reapply and call it a day.
A beach day with Shade
- Check the morning: the Today screen shows the UV curve, so you can see when UV peaks.
- Lie down, tap start: your tanning session counts down using the hourly UV forecast.
- Turn over: a cue tells you when to switch sides.
- Reapply: if you’re wearing sunscreen, a reminder every two hours, as the WHO recommends.
- Heads-up: a warning before your estimated burn time, so you can move under the umbrella.
If you go back out after lunch, the morning’s time is already counted.
Why beach and pool UV runs high
Water, sand and white surfaces reflect UV, and a breeze makes the sun feel weaker than it is. Swimming also washes sunscreen off. That combination is why people often burn on a day that didn’t feel hot. Shade can’t see reflection or how much sunscreen is left on your skin, so the estimate is a guide, not a line you can rely on to the minute.
Phone in the bag, countdown on the screen
Sandy fingers and bright sun make apps awkward. With Shade Plus, the Live Activity keeps your countdown on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, with a button to mark that you reapplied. On Apple Watch you can see the countdown on your wrist.
Free to start
The live UV index, your burn-time estimate and widgets are free, and your first sun session includes everything. Shade Plus adds unlimited sessions and the cues.
About the numbers
UV data comes from Apple Weather. Burn-time estimates follow WHO UV Index guidance and standard skin-type values, with sunscreen counted conservatively.
Frequently asked questions
Does sand or water change the UV I get?
Yes. Sand, water and sea foam reflect some UV back at you, so your real exposure can be higher than the forecast number. Shade’s estimate doesn’t measure reflection, so treat it as a guide and cover up early.
Do I need to reapply sunscreen after swimming?
Yes. Even water-resistant sunscreen comes off in water and with towelling. WHO advice is to reapply at least every two hours and after swimming.
Can I check my countdown without unlocking my phone?
With Shade Plus, your session countdown appears on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island. Your first sun session includes it for free.