Killed by Apple: Dark Sky isn't alone in Android app graveyard

Dark Sky isn’t the first Android app culled by Apple.

- MICHAEL SIMON

In a press release that was as surprising as it was terse, weather app and API purveyor Dark Sky announced that it had been acquired by Apple. Of course, iOS users will be fine and the Dark Sky will continue to be available for purchase in the App Store until it inevitably replaces the stock weather app in an upcoming iOS release.

Android users aren’t so lucky. Dark Sky offered no promises or hope, saying plainly that the Android and Wear OS apps will no longer be available for download in the Play Store and service to existing users and subscribers will end on July 1.(Subscribers who are still active at that time will receive a refund for whatever remains of their $3 annual subscription fee.)

What really hurts is that Apple will also be pulling the Dark Sky API, which gave developers powerful tools for tracking weather all over the world, and powers some of the best Android weather apps, including Tiny Clouds and the ultra-minimal Sun. They have until the end of next year to find a new provider that will hopefully be as comprehensive as Dark Sky.

Unfortunately, Android users are no stranger to the effects of Apple’s spending spree. Over the years, Apple has bought some of the best and most beloved apps and left Android users twisting in the wind with no alternative other than to switch to an iPhone.

And sadly, this won’t be the last time it happens. Apple has a history of buying and killing (or crippling) Android apps and services over the years with a smile, and with a ton of money, lots of clout, and a billion-plus customers, there isn’t much Google can do to stop it.

CHOMP