Alpenglow turns 10
Alpenglow was released on the App Store 10 years ago.
Back then, it didn’t even include sunrise or sunset times.
It was a much simpler idea: people would rate the sky after sunrise or sunset, and those ratings would power alerts for others nearby.
It relied entirely on a whole bunch of people using it and rating the sky, which meant it had a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem early on.
Today, I’m shipping one of the biggest updates in the app’s history.
And it includes features I’ve wanted to build since day one.
Forecast Maps
Earlier this year, I introduced Alpenglow’s own forecast model.
Instead of relying on external providers, Alpenglow can now generate its own predictions.
More reliable, faster to improve, and finally flexible enough to build entirely new experiences on top.
Forecast Maps is the first feature made possible by having full control over the forecasts.
You can now open the map and see how sunrise and sunset conditions look across your area or the world. Pan around. Zoom in. Find the best light, whether it’s nearby or worth a short drive.
It turns planning from guesswork into something much more visual.
7 Days Ahead
For the first time, Alpenglow can look further ahead.
You’re no longer just checking “is tonight good?”
You can start planning days in advance.
Scouting shoots. Planning trips. Keeping an eye on a stretch of weather that might line up perfectly.
As always, the further out you go, the less certain forecasts become, and they’re updated multiple times a day, so it’s worth checking back as things get closer.
And a lot more...
This update touches almost every part of the app:
- A redesigned map experience
- Forecast map widgets on your Home Screen
- Sun alignment in AR (one of my favorites)
- Ability to use Current Location in Forecast Widgets
- More control over times and calculations, including the ability to enable astronomical and nautical times
- And a bunch of smaller improvements throughout
Forecast maps will be available on Android soon. Just waiting on review from Google.
10 years later…
Alpenglow is still about the same thing: helping you not miss a great sunset and to help you catch better light.
It finally feels like the app I imagined back at the start.
Thanks to everyone who’s been part of it along the way 🙏
