| Core Identity |
| Developer | michael webb | Cogitap Software | PhotoPills S.L. | Noctua Software Ltd | Vito Technology Inc. | Adobe Inc. | Luma Touch LLC |
| Category | Photo & Video | Photo & Video | Photo & Video | Education | Education | Photo & Video | Photo & Video |
| Platform | iOS | iOS | iOS | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 94 | 2,745 | 1,500 | 35,790 | 66,644 | 50,677 | 24,545 |
| Price | USD3.99 | $2.99 | $10.99 | Free | $2.99 | Free | $29.99 |
| Release Date | Mar 1, 2021 | Feb 23, 2010 | Mar 21, 2013 | Apr 7, 2019 | Aug 21, 2014 | Apr 8, 2014 | Dec 22, 2016 |
| Last Updated | Jul 28, 2025 | Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | Mar 30, 2026 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | - | mixed | - | mixed | mixed | mixed |
| Score | 55/100 | - | 65/100 | - | 65/100 | 48/100 | 42/100 |
| Praises | - Astrophotography enthusiasts value the ability to stack hundreds of raw images into star trails
- Simple interface design allows amateur photographers to produce high quality results without complex software
| - | - Comprehensive planning tools for sun and moon photography provide significant value for landscape photographers
| - | - Educational depth regarding astronomical objects provides significant value for novice stargazers and hobbyists
| - Powerful Editing Capabilities
- Ease of Use
| - Professional Editing Power
- Exceptional Customer Support
|
| Complaints | - Frequent application crashes during the image rendering process prevent users from completing their projects
- Restrictive photo access permissions create dead ends for users who select specific photos during setup
| - | - Steep learning curve and complex interface design overwhelm casual users who lack technical photography knowledge
| - | - Inaccurate sky tracking and compass calibration issues prevent reliable identification of celestial objects
| - Stability and Performance
- Workflow and Naming Bugs
| - Monetization and Subscription Shift
- Export and Performance Bugs
|
| Requests | - Integration with the native files app would improve workflow efficiency for managing large image batches
| - | - Improved search functionality for specific landmarks to avoid manual map navigation and pin dropping
| - | - Weather forecast integration for stargazing would provide practical utility for planning observation sessions
| - | - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - Specialized stacking algorithms for faded and shooting star trails
- Accessible interface design for non-professional photographers
| - | - Educational content ecosystem translates planning data into legendary photographic results
- All-in-one utility consolidates multiple single-purpose calculators into one interface
| - Scientific accuracy derived from open-source heritage sustains high user trust
- Telescope control protocols create high switching costs for hobbyists
- Minimalist UI reduces cognitive load for casual stargazers
| - AR-driven interface lowers the barrier to entry for casual users
- 3D model depth functions as a brand moat for educational utility
| - Generative AI (Firefly) integration for object removal
- Seamless cross-platform sync with Creative Cloud
- Advanced AI-driven culling and organization tools
| - Touch-first optimized hybrid timeline
- Professional FCPXML export workflow
- Highly rated technical support
|
| Weaknesses | - Frequent rendering crashes on large image batches
- Restrictive photo library permissions that cannot be reset
- Lack of native Files app integration for batch management
| - | - $10.99 upfront price point exceeds the casual-utility median
- Manual landmark navigation creates high friction in the location scouting workflow
| - Premium tier lacks cross-platform notification parity
- No wearable integration limits active outdoor engagement
- Android-iOS rating gap suggests inconsistent performance
| - Compass calibration failures persist across devices
- Monetization structure creates friction post-purchase
| - Severe performance issues/freezing on iPad Pro
- Feature disparity between iPhone and iPad versions
- Critical file-naming bug ('bright' bug)
| - Subscription friction for legacy users
- Unintuitive/cramped UI for new users
- Export stability bugs (black screens)
|
| Pricing | paid | paid | paid | freemium | paid | subscription | paid |
| Momentum | Zombie | Intense | Maintenance | - | Maintenance | Intense | Maintenance |
| Update Cadence | 1 versions, 1 majors/6mo | 5 versions | 3 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~81d avg | - | 4 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~28d avg | 3 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~15d avg | 2 versions, ~41d avg |
