AfterhueBest sunset forecast apps for iPhone
The best sunset app depends on whether you want a forecast, a clock or a keepsake. Alpenglow and Sunsethue forecast sunset quality. Helio adds community reports. Golden Hour is a light-time tool for photographers. Afterhue gives a score with reasons and keeps a color log. This guide compares them as of October 2026.
Coming soon to iPhone
Which sunset app should you pick?
For the most established quality forecast with watch and widget support, Alpenglow. For a free multi-day forecast with no account, Sunsethue. For community sky reports on a map, Helio. For golden-hour times and sun position only, Golden Hour. For a score that explains itself and a personal sky log, Afterhue.
Competitor facts were checked on October 10, 2026 against the US App Store listings. Apps change, so verify before you commit. Afterhue is made by the publisher of this site, is in development and is not on the App Store yet, so it has no rating and no listed price.
Sunset apps at a glance
| App | Best for | Price model | US rating (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterhue | Score with reasons, golden-hour reminder, color log | Not on the App Store yet. Free app plus Pro: weekly, yearly or lifetime | New, no rating |
| Alpenglow | Quality forecasts, alarms, widgets, Apple Watch | Free, optional Pro subscription | 4.5 from about 2,100 ratings |
| Sunsethue | Forecast up to three days, no account | Free, Glow paid tier (annual or lifetime) | 4.9 from 22 ratings |
| Helio | Quality scores and community sky reports | Free download | 4.2 from about 140 ratings |
| Golden Hour (Applorium) | Golden-hour times and sun position | Free download | 4.7 from about 400 ratings |
Afterhue: a score that shows its work
Afterhue opens on one answer: a Glow Score from 0 to 100, a band word (Flat, Soft, Glowing or On fire) and up to three reasons such as high clouds or clear air to the west. After sunset you rate how it looked, and after three ratings the score nudges toward your own sky. Each catch becomes a Hue Chip and, over a year, a Sky Strip.
Limits: the forecast is an estimate from Apple WeatherKit data. The free plan shows tonight in full, tomorrow as a band and one saved place. It is in development and iPhone only.
Alpenglow, Sunsethue, Helio and Golden Hour
Alpenglow lists sunrise and sunset quality forecasts, flexible reminders, an AR sun path, widgets, Live Activities and Apple Watch support. Pro adds a 4-day forecast and threshold notifications. Sunsethue is free without an account for forecasts up to three days ahead, with paid alerts, maps and widgets in Glow. Helio rates sunsets with an ML model and shows community reports and top predicted spots. Golden Hour gives the two best photo-light windows and the sun position, with a Watch app.
Does a better score mean a better sunset?
Not always. Any forecast is a probability, and clouds change fast. Read our explanation of what makes a good sunset and how sunset quality is forecast, then use the score as a prompt to look up, not a promise.
Sources, checked October 10, 2026: Alpenglow, Sunsethue, Helio, Golden Hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to predict sunsets?
Alpenglow is the most established quality forecaster in the US App Store. Sunsethue and Helio are newer alternatives. Afterhue adds reasons and a color log and is still in development.
Are sunset forecast apps free?
All five list a free download. Alpenglow, Sunsethue and Afterhue sell paid tiers for alerts, longer forecasts or extras.
What time is golden hour?
Golden hour is the period after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low. Its length changes with season and latitude. See what golden hour is.
Is Afterhue on the App Store?
Not yet. It is in development, and an App Store link will appear here after release.
Keep exploring
Golden Hour Alerts and Reminders for SunsetsA free daily golden-hour reminder, plus Pro alerts only for evenings above your threshold.Afterhue PricingFree: tonight's score, reminder, chips. Pro: Glow alerts, 3-day outlook, up to 10 places. Weekly, yearly or lifetime.