Customer Reviews (500)

Navanas Institute • 2025-03-28T05:47:51-07:00

Use it all the time.

Salt•in•your•sea • 2025-03-16T20:44:36-07:00

If you choose to be guided by the moon, this app in very useful. Very practical.

Mybellegirls • 2025-03-14T18:30:55-07:00

I’ve had this for over a year but with not being able to go back in dates, I find it useless. It is nice that it provides the Astro sign the Moon is in yet I need more functionality.

Summary of Key Insights

The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases app has a mixed reception. While many users appreciate its simplicity, accuracy, and affordability, a significant portion report experiencing a critical crashing issue that renders the app unusable. This crashing issue is the dominant theme in recent reviews, overshadowing many of the app's previously praised features. The app's overall rating is skewed positively by older reviews, but current user sentiment is considerably lower due to the persistent bug. There are also requests for additional features like widgets and more detailed information in the free version. The app suffers from a lack of responsive customer support, exacerbating user frustration.

Key Strengths: Simplicity, accuracy (when working), affordability, useful information for specific purposes (gardening, photography, astrology). Key Weaknesses: App crashing, lack of responsive customer support, limited functionality in the free version, calendar sync issues, inaccurate moonrise/moonset times for some users.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed, trending negative due to crashing issues. Overall Rating: While the current rating is relatively high, the recent reviews indicate a significant drop in user satisfaction. Score Distribution: 5-star: 58.2%, 4-star: 5.8%, 3-star: 7.4%, 2-star: 8.4%, 1-star: 20.2%

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 500 reviews Time Frame: Primarily recent reviews (last few months) are heavily weighted due to the prevalence of the crashing issue. The provided reviews span a longer period, but the focus is on identifying current trends. Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (manual), keyword extraction, frequency analysis of mentioned issues and requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Crashing on Opening: This is the most prevalent and critical issue. The app opens briefly and then immediately closes, rendering it unusable. Many users report this problem occurring after recent iOS updates.
  • Lack of Customer Support: Users report difficulty contacting developers and receiving no response to bug reports or subscription issues.
  • Inaccurate Moonrise/Moonset Times: Some users report that the moonrise and moonset times are inaccurate for their location.
  • Calendar Sync Issues: Several users report issues with syncing the app with their iOS calendar, including duplicate entries and deletion of existing calendar events.
  • Limited Free Functionality: Many users feel that the free version is too limited and that essential features (like viewing future moon phases) are locked behind a paywall.
  • Pasting Clipboard Content: One user reported that the app automatically pastes clipboard content, raising privacy concerns.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Widgets: A widget for the home screen to quickly view the current moon phase and other information.
  • More Detailed Information in Free Version: Users want access to more features without requiring a subscription, such as the ability to view future moon phases.
  • Lunar Eclipse Information: Users want the app to include information about lunar eclipses.
  • Calendar Sync Fix: Resolving issues with calendar syncing, including preventing duplicate entries and data loss.
  • Vedic Moon Cycles: Addition of Vedic moon cycles.
  • Perigee/Apogee Indication: Displaying when the moon is in perigee or apogee.
  • Option to Turn Off Background Movement: Users with motion sensitivity requested an option to disable the background movement.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: Many users appreciate the app's straightforward design and ease of navigation.
  • Accuracy (When Working): When the app is functioning correctly, users find the moon phase information accurate.
  • Affordability: The subscription price is considered reasonable by many users.
  • Useful Information: Users find the app helpful for various purposes, including gardening, photography, astrology, and setting grandfather clocks.
  • Specific Moon Phase Information: Users appreciate the specific degrees of the moon.
  • Howling Wolf Notification: Some users enjoy the howling wolf notification for full moons.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix the Crashing Issue: This is the most critical issue and should be addressed immediately. Investigate compatibility with recent iOS versions and identify the root cause of the crashes.
  • Improve Customer Support: Establish a reliable channel for users to report bugs and receive assistance. Respond to user inquiries promptly and provide helpful solutions.
  • Address Calendar Sync Issues: Investigate and resolve the problems with calendar syncing, ensuring that the app does not create duplicate entries or delete existing events.

Medium Priority:

  • Enhance Free Version Functionality: Provide more value in the free version by unlocking some basic features, such as viewing future moon phases.
  • Investigate Moonrise/Moonset Time Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of moonrise and moonset times for different locations and address any discrepancies.
  • Implement Home Screen Widget: Develop a widget for the home screen to provide quick access to key information.

Low Priority:

  • Add Lunar Eclipse Information: Include information about upcoming lunar eclipses.
  • Add Vedic Moon Cycles: Incorporate Vedic moon cycles for users interested in this feature.
  • Perigee/Apogee Indication: Display when the moon is in perigee or apogee.
  • Option to Turn Off Background Movement: Provide an option to disable the background movement for users with motion sensitivity.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Moon Phase App with Robust Customer Support: A moon phase app with a strong focus on customer support and bug fixes could differentiate itself from the competition.
  • Customizable Moon Phase Widget: A moon phase widget that allows users to customize the information displayed (e.g., moon phase, moonrise/moonset times, zodiac sign).
  • Subscription-Free Moon Phase App: A moon phase app that offers all features for a one-time purchase, rather than a recurring subscription.

Trends and Observations

  • Crashing Issue Dominates Recent Reviews: The overwhelming majority of recent reviews mention the app crashing, indicating a significant and widespread problem.
  • Frustration with Lack of Support: Users are particularly frustrated by the lack of response from the developer.
  • Desire for More Free Features: Many users feel that the free version is too limited and that essential features should be available without a subscription.
  • Calendar Sync Issues Persist: Calendar sync problems have been reported over time, suggesting that this is an ongoing issue.

Conclusion

The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases app has the potential to be a top-rated app, but the persistent crashing issue is severely damaging its reputation. Addressing this bug and improving customer support are critical priorities. Enhancing the free version and adding requested features would further improve the user experience. The app needs immediate attention to address the critical bugs and restore user confidence.

Overall Recommendation: Fix the crashing issue immediately and improve customer support.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-moon-calendar-moon-phases/id1077455978?uo=2