--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Noir - Dark Mode for Safari" developer_entity: "Jeffrey Kuiken" bundle_id: "nl.jeffreykuiken.NoirApp" app_store_id: "1581140954" google_play_id: "systems.maju.darkmode" category: "Utilities" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Paid" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-03-25" report_date: "2026-04-17" report_version: "2026.1.2" total_reviews: 137666 overall_rating: 3.19 sentiment: "Mixed" sentiment_score: 55 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.85 data_age_days: 48 intelligence_version: 3 nemesis: "1Blocker: Ad Blocker" competitor_count: 8 tags: ["utilities", "paid", "mixed sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "privacy-conscious", "apple", "power"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/noir-dark-mode-for-safari" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" last_verified: "2026-04-17T00:30:44.384Z" --- # Noir - Dark Mode for Safari App Audit > **TL;DR:** Noir - Dark Mode for Safari is a utilities app by Jeffrey Kuiken, rated 3.19/5 by 137.7K users, with Mixed user sentiment (55/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** β€” Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Noir - Dark Mode for Safari shows Mixed sentiment (3.19/5 from 137.7K reviews) β€” users praise safari integration & quality but report issues with functional failure & ads (android). ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 3.19/5 (137.7K reviews) | | **User Mood** | Mixed | | **Category** | Utilities | | **Developer** | Jeffrey Kuiken | | **Pricing** | Paid | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.85/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 0d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Jeffrey Kuiken - **Category:** Utilities - **Target Audience:** Privacy-conscious Apple power users and night-time browsers who value high-fidelity aesthetics and native OS integration. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Audited:** 2026.1.2 - **Audit Date:** 2026-04-17 - **Signal Count:** 137666 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.85/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 1581140954 - **Bundle ID:** nl.jeffreykuiken.NoirApp - **Google Play ID:** systems.maju.darkmode - **Performance Trend:** Mixed - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-04-17 - **Short Description:** Activate the Android Dark Mode. Darken Instagram, Google Photos and more.. ## Executive Snapshot Noir is a premium Safari extension ($2.99) that uses a custom color-matching engine to provide automated dark mode for all websites. It is currently a top-performing utility (#3 Paid Utilities US) targeting privacy-conscious Apple users. While the iOS version is highly polished and integrated with system features like Shortcuts and Focus Filters, the Android version suffers from neglect and poor user sentiment. The app differentiates itself through its high-fidelity visual results and a one-time purchase model that rejects the industry trend toward subscriptions. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Automatic Website Dark Mode:** Generates custom dark styles based on real-time color analysis of websites. * *User Intent:* Users value self-expression and personalized experiences. - **[Differentiator] System Integration:** Deep support for iOS Shortcuts, Control Center, Focus Filters, and Widgets. * *User Intent:* Users want to quickly find relevant content or features. - **[Differentiator] Site-Specific Customization:** Granular controls to enable/disable or theme dark mode on a per-website basis. * *User Intent:* Users value self-expression and personalized experiences. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Paid - **Tiers:** One-time purchase of $2.99 - **Price:** iOS: $2.99 - **Analysis:** Noir leverages a 'buy once, use forever' model to attract users frustrated by the subscription-heavy utility market. This is a core part of its marketing and a major driver of positive sentiment. ## 🟑 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 137.7K reviews) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 3.19/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.6/5 (1.3K ratings) | Android 3.2/5 (136.4K ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Mixed ### Top Praises - **Safari Integration & Quality** - **Fair Pricing Model** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Functional Failure & Ads (Android)** - **Performance & Load Times** ## SWOT Analysis **Core Strengths:** - Sophisticated color-matching engine - Deep iOS/iPadOS system integration - Strong 'No-Subscription' brand loyalty - Privacy-first architecture (no data collection) **Critical Frictions:** - Page load performance overhead - Broken/Neglected Android version - Occasional site compatibility issues (e.g., maps) - Single-feature dependency **Growth Levers:** - Bundle with other Safari-enhancing utilities - Optimize CSS injection speed to reduce 'flashbang' effect - Expand into desktop Safari as a unified cross-platform tool **Market Threats:** - Native browser 'Night Mode' improvements (Brave, Safari) - High-velocity competitors like 1Blocker adding visual features - Platform-level changes to Safari extension APIs ## What's Changed (v2 β†’ v3) {#recent-changes} Noir's market position has shifted from a universally praised iOS utility to a 'mixed' sentiment product due to an abandoned Android version and performance-related churn. - **[HIGH]** **[Declined] Sentiment Downgrade:** Overall sentiment shifted from 'positive' to 'mixed' as user complaints regarding performance and the neglected Android version gained prominence. - **[HIGH]** **[Added] Android Neglect Identified:** The Android version is now explicitly listed as a weakness and a source of negative brand sentiment, marking a shift in the product's cross-platform viability. - [MED] **[Shifted] Competitive Benchmarking:** The report now includes a detailed competitive landscape, positioning Noir as an 'aesthetic specialist' against broader utilities like 1Blocker and browsers like Brave. - [MED] **[Improved] Granular Customization:** Site-specific customization has been elevated from a 'standard' feature to a 'differentiator' in the current feature set. ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### Noir - Dark Mode for Safari vs 1Blocker: Ad Blocker β€” Head to Head - **[1Blocker: Ad Blocker](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/1blocker-ad-blocker)** by 1Blocker LLC: A dominant Safari extension that competes for the same 'web enhancement' real estate with a high update velocity (9 releases in 6 months). - **Key differences:** - Broad utility focus: filters ads, trackers, and annoyances compared to Noir's singular focus on visual dark mode. - Subscription-based monetization model vs. Noir's one-time $2.99 purchase price. - Advanced firewall and regional blocking rules that go beyond Safari's standard extension capabilities. - **Where Noir - Dark Mode for Safari wins:** - βœ… Sophisticated color-matching engine: Noir generates custom dark themes based on a site's specific palette, whereas 1Blocker focuses on element removal. - βœ… Lower long-term cost: One-time purchase provides better value for users who only want visual comfort without recurring fees. - **Verdict:** Noir should position itself as the 'aesthetic specialist' that complements ad-blockers. A bundle or partnership strategy with privacy tools could defend against users looking for a single 'all-in-one' extension. ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **[Brave Browser & Search Engine](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-brave-ios-browser)** by Brave Software: A platform-level threat that renders Safari extensions redundant by baking dark mode and blocking directly into the browser engine. - Native 'Night Mode' implementation that doesn't require extension permissions or injection overhead. - Integrated rewards system and VPN services that create a closed ecosystem for privacy-conscious users. - **[Opera: AI browser with VPN](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-opera-operatouch)** by Opera Norway AS: Aggressively ships feature updates (8 in 6 months) including AI-driven dark mode enhancements and built-in utilities. - Integrated 'Aria' AI assistant that can summarize pages, competing for the user's attention during the browsing experience. - Built-in free VPN and ad-blocker, positioning the browser as a 'pro' tool compared to the standard Safari experience. ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **[Vinegar - Tube Cleaner](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-andadinosaur-vinegar)** by And a Dinosaur: A fellow high-quality Safari extension that targets a specific niche (YouTube) within the same utility ecosystem. - Replaces the YouTube player with a minimal HTML video tag, removing ads and restoring PiP. - Niche focus on a single domain (YouTube) vs. Noir's universal application across all websites. - **[Vivaldi Powerful Web Browser](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/vivaldi-powerful-web-browser)** by Vivaldi Technologies: Focuses on extreme customization and power-user features, including highly configurable dark mode settings. - Desktop-class tab management (tab stacks) on mobile that Safari currently lacks. - Built-in notes and end-to-end encrypted sync for power users. - **[AdGuard VPN: Free Your Privacy](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/productivity/com-adguard-ios-adguardvpn)** by Adguard Software Limited: While a VPN, AdGuard is a major player in the Safari extension space via its sister apps, creating a brand-level rivalry. - Network-level protection vs. Noir's browser-level visual modification. - Proprietary tunneling protocol designed for speed and stealth. ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **Nitefall: Browser dark mode** by FoxfortMobile: A direct feature-for-feature rival in the Safari Dark Mode niche with a recent update signal. - **Super Agent for Safari** by Super Agent, Inc: Emerging extension that automates cookie consent, often installed alongside dark mode tools to 'clean up' the web. ## What's New - **Latest (v2.29, 3 years ago):** Added night mode support for select Android 11/12 devices and Czech language localization. ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Noir - Dark Mode for Safari is an established utilities app that is a paid app. With a 3.19/5 rating from 137.7K reviews, it shows polarized user reception. > **Bottom Line:** Noir is the gold standard for Safari dark mode extensions, but it is vulnerable to performance-related churn and platform-level feature creep. To maintain its #3 ranking, the PM must prioritize rendering speed and double down on 'Apple-only' features that third-party browsers like Brave cannot replicate. **Best for:** Privacy-conscious Apple power users and night-time browsers who value high-fidelity aesthetics and native OS integration. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [HIGH] Optimize rendering engine to reduce page load latency. β€” *Performance and load times are the #1 functional complaint among iOS users, directly impacting retention.* - [ ] [MEDIUM] Address the Android version disparity. β€” *The 3.17 rating and 'scam' accusations on Android are diluting the brand's premium reputation.* - [ ] [MEDIUM] Implement a 'Report Broken Site' quick-action in the extension UI. β€” *Users report specific site compatibility issues (e.g., Craigslist); a streamlined feedback loop would improve the color-matching algorithm.* ### Feature Gaps vs Competitors - Ad and tracker blocking (available in 1Blocker) - Built-in VPN and AI assistant (available in Opera) - Cookie consent automation (available in Super Agent) ### Outlook: Stable - 🟒 v2026.1.2 update (Mar 2026) shows active maintenance and quick response to iPadOS bugs. - πŸ”΄ Android version has not been updated since July 2022, signaling a pivot away from cross-platform support. - βšͺ Rankings show a slight decline in overall paid charts (↓17), suggesting increased competition in the utility space. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 3.19/5 | | Total Reviews | 137.7K | | Sentiment | Mixed (55/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Paid | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Trend | Mixed | | Outlook | Stable | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Noir - Dark Mode for Safari** (this app) | 3.19/5 | Mixed | Jeffrey Kuiken | | [Vinegar - Tube Cleaner](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-andadinosaur-vinegar) | 4.3/5 | N/A | And a Dinosaur | | [AdGuard VPN: Free Your Privacy](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/productivity/com-adguard-ios-adguardvpn) | 4.6/5 | N/A | Adguard Software Limited | | [Opera: AI browser with VPN](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-opera-operatouch) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Opera Norway AS | | [Vivaldi Powerful Web Browser](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/vivaldi-powerful-web-browser) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Vivaldi Technologies | | [1Blocker: Ad Blocker](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/1blocker-ad-blocker) | 4.5/5 | Mixed | 1Blocker LLC | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Jeffrey Kuiken - **Website:** [https://getnoir.app](https://getnoir.app) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/noir-dark-mode-for-safari/id1581140954?uo=4) - **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=systems.maju.darkmode&hl=en&gl=us) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://getnoir.app) - **Sources:** Developer website content, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Vinegar - Tube Cleaner*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-andadinosaur-vinegar) (And a Dinosaur) β€” 4.3/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*AdGuard VPN: Free Your Privacy*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/productivity/com-adguard-ios-adguardvpn) (Adguard Software Limited) β€” 4.6/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Opera: AI browser with VPN*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-opera-operatouch) (Opera Norway AS) β€” 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Vivaldi Powerful Web Browser*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/vivaldi-powerful-web-browser) (Vivaldi Technologies) β€” 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*1Blocker: Ad Blocker*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/1blocker-ad-blocker) (1Blocker LLC) β€” 4.5/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Brave Browser & Search Engine*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/com-brave-ios-browser) (Brave Software) β€” 4.8/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment - [*Potatso*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/potatso) (Potatso Lab LTD) β€” 4.4/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment - [*Free VPN by Free VPN .orgβ„’*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/free-vpn-by-free-vpn-org) (Free VPN LLC) β€” 4.3/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*V2Box - V2ray Client*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/v2box-v2ray-client) (techlaim) β€” 4.5/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment - [*Quantumult X*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/quantumult-x) (Cross Utility Ltd) β€” 3.9/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Noir better than the free dark mode extensions for Safari? Yes, according to user reviews. While free extensions often use simple color inversion, Noir's algorithm analyzes a site's specific palette to generate a 'native-looking' dark mode that preserves image quality and contrast. ### Does Noir - Dark Mode for Safari collect my browsing history? No. Noir's privacy policy and app description explicitly state that it does not collect any browsing data. Your settings are stored locally or synced via your personal iCloud account. ### Will Noir slow down my web browsing in Safari? Some users report increased page load times when the extension is active. While it is designed to be fast, the process of analyzing and overriding a website's CSS can add a slight delay on complex pages. ### What is the difference between Noir and 1Blocker? Noir is a specialist tool for visual dark mode customization. 1Blocker is a broader utility suite focused on blocking ads, trackers, and annoyances. Many users install both to complement each other. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 3-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Feature & Positioning Extraction** β€” Analyzes app metadata, developer website content, and version history to identify key features, target audience, and competitive positioning. 2. **Sentiment Analysis** β€” Processes user reviews (minimum 5 reviews required) to extract praise themes, complaint themes, and overall sentiment with evidence quotes. 3. **Intelligence Synthesis** β€” Combines stages 1 & 2 with App Store rankings to produce SWOT analysis, executive summary, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.85/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 137.7K - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 0 days since last refresh --- Β© 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/utilities/noir-dark-mode-for-safari) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.