Report updated Apr 7, 2026
Solar System for iPad
v1.1.9Amateur astronomers, students, and science enthusiasts who value high-quality, interactive educational content on tablet devices.
What Is Solar System for iPad?
Launched Dec 21, 2010
Updated Aug 2021
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What are the key features?
A 3D model that allows users to control the orbits of planets and moons from any viewpoint.
Features a custom theme song composed by Björk specifically for the application.
Provides real-time astronomical information powered by Wolfram|Alpha.
Includes over 600 images from NASA, ESA, and JAXA, plus movies and animations.
Over 40 rotatable and zoomable 3D astronomical objects with detailed technical data.
150+ pages of content written by bestselling author Marcus Chown.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate visual quality and interface and educational value, but report outdated content and imagery and app stability and crashes.”
What Users Love
The layout is wonderful, it’s easy to use.
GORGEOUS graphics, and the best Solar System app I own.
It brings it all the planets into perspective for young and old alike.
I am a homeschool mom, so I am constantly looking for educational information that captures students.
Pain Points
Pluto is still pre-New Horizon’s picture.
The imagery is so 10 years ago.
So this freezes constantly, and I mean constantly.
Great app... It crashes frequently throughout my experience.
High confidence · 49 reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- High-quality narrative by Marcus Chown
- Unique artistic collaboration with Björk
- Award-winning UI/UX design
- Wolfram|Alpha live data integration
Cons
- Outdated planetary imagery (e.g., Pluto)
- Frequent app crashes and stability issues
- Infrequent update cycle (last updated 2021)
- High price point for stagnant content
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Refresh content with James Webb and New Horizons imagery
- Introduce a freemium model to increase user acquisition
- Expand to other platforms or categories (e.g., Education/Reference)
Market Threats
- Free high-quality alternatives like the official NASA app
- Aggressive feature updates from competitors like Solar Walk 2
- Perception as 'abandonware' leading to brand damage
Who competes with Solar System for iPad?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
- +
Users are happier — sentiment 65/100 vs 35
- +
Higher rated at 4.7★ vs 4.1★
Contenders
A popular alternative that uses AR to help users locate and learn about planets within our solar system.
Time Travel
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map
Noctua Software Ltd
A mobile version of the famous open-source software, providing high scientific accuracy for solar system exploration.
A mobile version of the famous open-source software, providing high scientific accuracy for solar system exploration.
Peers
The primary source of the scientific data and imagery used in the analyzed app, offered as a free official resource.
NASA+ Streaming Service
Exoplanet
★4.7 (916)Hanno Rein
Extends the concept of planetary exploration to systems beyond our own solar system using real scientific data.
Extends the concept of planetary exploration to systems beyond our own solar system using real scientific data.
ISS Detector
★4.1 (159)Derk Vrijdag
Focuses specifically on man-made objects in the solar system, such as the International Space Station.
Focuses specifically on man-made objects in the solar system, such as the International Space Station.
Moon Globe
★4.6 (555)Midnight Martian
Provides a specialized, high-detail interactive 3D map of the Moon's surface and topography.
Provides a specialized, high-detail interactive 3D map of the Moon's surface and topography.
New Kids on the Block
A modern, streamlined approach to astronomy that simplifies the discovery of solar system events.
Interactive Trajectories Relative to Observer
An innovative educational app that uses a scale-based approach to explore the universe, including high-quality solar system data.
Seamless Scale Zooming
What are the key takeaways?
Solar System for iPad is a frustrating book app that is a paid app. With a 4.1/5 rating from 23 reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate visual quality and interface, though outdated content and imagery remains a common concern.
Best for: Amateur astronomers, students, and science enthusiasts who value high-quality, interactive educational content on tablet devices.
How much does it cost?
Model: paid
Premium, one-time purchase model targeting users looking for a high-quality, ad-free, and curated educational experience without recurring costs.