If you’re an Android user, you might have noticed that the default weather app has gone missing. The app, which used to be pre-installed on Android devices, is no longer available for use.
So what happened to the Android weather app? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Did the Android Weather App Disappear?
The disappearance of the Android weather app is due to a decision made by Google. In 2018, Google announced that it would be shutting down its Weather API service. This service provided weather data to many third-party apps, including the default Android weather app.
As a result, the app was removed from all Android devices that were updated after April 2019. If your device was updated before this date, you may still have access to the app.
What Are Your Options Now?
If you’re missing the convenience of having a default weather app on your device, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives available on the Google Play Store.
Some popular options include AccuWeather and The Weather Channel. These apps offer similar features as the default Android weather app such as current conditions and hourly forecasts. Additionally, they provide more detailed information like precipitation chances and wind speeds.
AccuWeather
AccuWeather is one of the most popular weather apps available for Android users. One of its standout features is its MinuteCast feature which provides hyper-localized minute-by-minute forecasts for your exact location.
Pros:
- MinuteCast feature for hyper-localized forecasts
- Detailed information on precipitation chances and wind speeds
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Ads in free version
- Premium version required for some features like radar maps
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel app is another popular choice for Android users. Its standout feature is its social weather feature which allows users to report on weather conditions in their area.
Pros:
- Social weather feature for user-reported conditions
- Detailed information on precipitation chances and wind speeds
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Ads in free version
- Premium version required for some features like radar maps and extended 15-day forecasts
The Verdict
While it’s unfortunate that the default Android weather app has disappeared, there are plenty of alternatives available on the Google Play Store. Both AccuWeather and The Weather Channel offer similar features as the default app, with some additional benefits like hyper-localized minute-by-minute forecasts and user-reported weather conditions.
Ultimately, the choice of which weather app to use comes down to personal preference. Try out a few different options and see which one suits you best!