Customer Reviews (500)

AWKirk • 2025-03-23T19:37:00-07:00

I paid for this app and used it for years but a recent update broke it so that it now crashes on my watch. Hope it gets fixed because I loved it and the complications were great.

RSN1925 • 2025-03-23T09:57:25-07:00

With the most recent update and the many new options for the complications to use on Apple Watch with a reasonable price for the Pro version, this is the best app I have found for showing the weather on my Watch. It is also nice to have the very local forecast. Great work on the many benefits of the recent update for both the Watch and iPhone. Thanks.

Frizzyroo • 2025-03-18T18:52:02-07:00

Firstly…love the new complications for the watch. However there seems to be a connectivity issue. It is not updating the weather info and frequently just not working. Please keep up the good work, Im sure you will sqaush these bugs soon

Summary of Key Insights

Weather Mate Pro - Forecast generally receives positive feedback, with users praising its comprehensive feature set, accurate hyperlocal forecasts, customizable options, and responsive customer support. The app's strength lies in its detailed weather data, especially the interactive maps with various layers, and its Apple Watch integration. However, recent updates have introduced bugs and removed features, leading to user frustration and lower ratings. Accuracy issues, particularly related to forecasts not matching real-world conditions, are also a recurring concern. There are also many requests for UI modernization, particularly in the area of widget customization and dark mode implementation. The app has a strong base of loyal users, but addressing recent issues and incorporating requested features is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge.

  • Overall Rating: High, with a significant portion of 5-star reviews.
  • Key Strengths: Comprehensive features, hyperlocal forecasts, Apple Watch integration, responsive customer support (mentioned frequently).
  • Key Weaknesses: Recent updates introducing bugs, accuracy issues, outdated UI, and limitations in widget customization.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mostly positive, but with increasing concerns about recent issues and unmet feature requests.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 73.2%, 4-star: 10.6%, 3-star: 6%, 2-star: 3.8%, 1-star: 6.4%.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span a considerable period, with mentions of updates going back to 2014, but most reviews appear more recent (2020-2024).
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and categorization of user reviews, focusing on sentiment identification, keyword extraction (e.g., "widget," "accuracy," "Apple Watch"), and issue frequency analysis.

Key User Pain Points

  • Bugs Introduced by Recent Updates: Many users report crashes, functionality loss (e.g., watch complications not updating), and removal of previously available features (e.g., custom complications) after recent updates, specifically version 7.9.6. This is the most prominent and immediate issue.
  • Accuracy Issues: A significant number of users report inaccurate forecasts, with the app failing to predict precipitation type (snow vs. rain) or temperature correctly. This undermines the app's core value proposition.
  • Apple Watch Complication Problems: Several users experience issues with Apple Watch complications, including them not updating, disappearing, or not displaying the correct information.
  • Widget Issues: Similar to watch complications, widgets are also reported to have issues with updating and general functionality.
  • Lack of Customization: Users express frustration over the inability to customize widgets and complications to display specific information they want.
  • Outdated UI: Some reviewers feel the user interface is outdated and needs modernization.
  • Delayed Radar Updates: Some users reported that the radar updates too slowly.
  • Inconsistent Temperature Readings: A few users mentioned discrepancies in temperature readings between the iPhone app and the Apple Watch app.
  • No Response from Support: Some users mention contacting support and not receiving a response.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Lock Screen Widgets: A very common request is for lock screen widgets, taking advantage of iOS 16 features.
  • Improved Widget Customization: Users want more control over the information displayed in widgets and complications.
  • Dark Mode for Maps: Request for automatic dark mode switching based on system settings, or at least an option for dark maps.
  • Larger Font/Text Size Options: Users, especially those with older eyes, desire larger font sizes, particularly on warnings and the main screen.
  • Hourly Precipitation Graphic: A visual representation of hourly precipitation chances and amounts.
  • Android Version: Many users request an Android version of the app.
  • River Levels: Specifically requested by users in the Pacific Northwest.
  • "Feels Like" Temperature in Complications: The ability to display the "feels like" temperature in Apple Watch complications.
  • Lightning Tracker Button: A dedicated button for tracking lightning on the map.
  • Live Activities Support: Request for Live Activities to track weather events on the lock screen.
  • Pollen Tracking Improvement: Users in areas with high pollen levels desire more accurate pollen tracking.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Comprehensive Feature Set: Users appreciate the wide range of features, including detailed forecasts, interactive maps, weather history, and various weather data points.
  • Hyperlocal Forecasts: The app's ability to use data from personal weather stations (PWS) for localized forecasts is a significant advantage.
  • Customizable Options: Users like the ability to customize the app's display and choose which data points to show.
  • Interactive Maps: The animated radar and satellite maps with various layers (e.g., fronts, wind streams, severe weather alerts) are highly valued.
  • Apple Watch Integration: The comprehensive Apple Watch app with customizable complications is a major selling point.
  • Responsive Customer Support: Many users praise the quick and helpful customer support, although some recent reviews indicate a decline in responsiveness.
  • One-Time Purchase: Users appreciate the one-time purchase model compared to subscription-based weather apps.
  • Accurate Information: Many users find the app to be accurate, particularly in its current weather conditions and radar data.
  • Informative and Educational: Some users find the app educational and helpful in understanding weather patterns.
  • Easy to Use: Many users find the app easy to navigate and understand.
  • Fronts and Pressure Systems: The app's ability to display weather fronts and pressure systems is a unique and appreciated feature.
  • Wind Stream Animation: Users like the wind stream animation feature for visualizing surface wind flow.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Bug Fixing: Address the bugs introduced by recent updates (especially version 7.9.6) immediately. Focus on resolving crashes, restoring lost functionality (custom complications), and ensuring Apple Watch complications and widgets are working correctly.
  • Improve Forecast Accuracy: Investigate and improve forecast accuracy, particularly regarding precipitation type and temperature. Compare forecasts with actual conditions and adjust algorithms accordingly.
  • Address Apple Watch Issues: Resolve the issues with Apple Watch complications not updating, disappearing, or displaying incorrect information.
  • Improve Widget Functionality: Ensure widgets are updating correctly and reliably.
  • Restore Customer Support Responsiveness: Ensure all support requests are responded to promptly and effectively.

Medium Priority:

  • UI Modernization: Redesign the user interface to be more modern and visually appealing.
  • Implement Lock Screen Widgets: Add lock screen widgets to take advantage of iOS 16 features.
  • Enhance Widget Customization: Provide users with more control over the information displayed in widgets and complications.
  • Dark Mode for Maps: Implement automatic dark mode switching for maps based on system settings, or provide a dedicated dark mode option.
  • Larger Font Options: Add options for larger font sizes throughout the app.
  • Improve Radar Update Frequency: Increase the frequency of radar updates.

Low Priority:

  • Android Version: Consider developing an Android version of the app if resources allow.
  • Add River Levels: Add river level information for relevant regions.
  • Lightning Tracker Button: Add a dedicated button for tracking lightning on the map.
  • Live Activities Support: Implement Live Activities support.
  • Pollen Tracking Improvement: Improve pollen tracking accuracy.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyperlocal Weather Data Aggregation Platform: A platform that aggregates data from various sources, including personal weather stations, to provide highly accurate and localized weather forecasts. This could be a standalone service or integrated into existing weather apps.
  • Customizable Weather Widget Builder: A tool that allows users to create highly customized weather widgets with specific data points and visual styles. This could be offered as a separate app or as a feature within a weather app.
  • AI-Powered Weather Forecast Correction: A service that uses AI to analyze weather forecasts from various sources and correct inaccuracies based on real-time data and historical patterns.
  • Personal Weather Station Integration Platform: A platform that simplifies the process of integrating personal weather station data into weather apps and services.

Trends and Observations

  • Recent Updates Causing Issues: A clear trend is the negative impact of recent updates on app stability and functionality.
  • Importance of Apple Watch Integration: The Apple Watch app and complications are a significant factor in user satisfaction.
  • Desire for Customization: Users consistently express a desire for more customization options, particularly for widgets and complications.
  • Demand for Accuracy: Accurate forecasts are essential for user satisfaction.
  • Android Users Want a Version: There is a recurring request for an Android version of the app, indicating a potential market opportunity.
  • Loyal User Base: Many users have been using the app for years, indicating a strong base of loyal customers.
  • Competition with Free Apps: The app competes with free weather apps, so it needs to offer unique value propositions to justify its price.

Conclusion

Weather Mate Pro - Forecast is a feature-rich weather app with a strong base of loyal users. Its strengths lie in its comprehensive feature set, hyperlocal forecasts, customizable options, and Apple Watch integration. However, recent updates have introduced bugs and removed features, leading to user frustration and lower ratings. To maintain its competitive edge, the developers need to prioritize bug fixing, improve forecast accuracy, address Apple Watch issues, modernize the UI, and incorporate requested features. By addressing these issues and continuing to innovate, Weather Mate Pro - Forecast can remain a top choice for weather enthusiasts.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weather-mate-pro-forecast/id608515289?uo=2