$2.99

Details

Released
January 3, 2009
Updated
October 22, 2026

Features

Big Ben screenshot #1 for iPhone
Big Ben screenshot #2 for iPhone
Big Ben screenshot #3 for iPhone
Big Ben screenshot #4 for iPhone
Big Ben screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

Experience the iconic Big Ben on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Customize your display with digital clock options, a seconds hand, and authentic tick-tock sounds. Enjoy hourly chimes and quarter-hour alerts, even when the app is closed, for a decorative and timely experience.

✓Digital clock display
✓Seconds hand option
✓Tick-tock sound
✓Quarter-hour chimes
✓Hourly tolling
✓Background notifications
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What users say about Big Ben

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What's New in Big Ben

3.0

October 22, 2026

• You can now choose whether to hear the chimes every quarter of an hour or just once an hour. • You can choose a period of "Quiet Hours" during which no chimes will play. • Big Ben now also supports iPad, AppleTV and the new iPhone Duo.

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User reviews

Amazing app, just some things to improve

I love this app so much. I also love how it notifications to remind you it’s a quarter of the hour or a full hour. However, I would like the chimes to sound more like the most recent one which is actually quite softer, it would be cool on updating the clock tower but it’s totally understandable if you don’t want to change it, and I want the notification to stay on until the chimes are done, because during the full hour, it randomly cuts off.

Also, Please make the movement for the clock hands much smoother, it seems un realistic because it just immediately cuts to the minute with no motion
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Doesn’t Work on phone

The app only sends a notification to my watch, but does not ring any chimes. I do believe the issue is integration with my watch. It has worked when I have my watch off and being charged.

Runs Chimes in my Backyard

I’ve had this app for a long time. I recently installed a post clock in my backyard, plugged in an old iPhone 7 to speakers, and now I have Big Ben in the neighborhood. Surprisingly, neighbors love it!

Great for hands free work

By some margin the best 99p I have spent in ages.

Great but not perfect

The quarter bells on the hour should start a little earlier, maybe at xx:xx:37, to leave a longer gap. Not so bothered about the app interface itself, but minute hand should be moving fluidly like any clock. This would more capture the essence of Big Ben, but otherwise cool to have a striking clock app.
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Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

11 issues

App crashes immediately upon opening

Bug

Not compatible with iOS 15, iOS 17, iOS 12

Bug

Doesn't chime when phone is locked or in background

Bug

No sound output despite notifications enabled

Bug

App won't launch on iPhone 15.3.1

Bug

Crashes on iPhone 12 mini

Bug

VoiceOver notifications interfering with chimes

Bug

Hourly chime not functioning on iOS 11.2.6

Bug

Chimes stop working after app update

Bug

Tick-tock sounds out of sync with second hand

Bug

Paid version requires repurchase and doesn't work

Bug
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Requested Features

20 requests

Night mode/silent hours scheduling (9pm-5am)

Feature

Adjustable volume control within app

Feature

Smooth minute hand animation

Feature

Hourly-only chime option (disable quarter chimes)

Feature

Background chimes while phone is locked

Feature

Chimes on half-hour intervals

Feature

Dynamic backgrounds based on time of day/weather

Feature

Updated Big Ben chimes post-renovation

Feature

Customizable lock screen display

Feature

iPad/universal app version

Feature

Weather integration

Feature

Multiple background images/locations

Feature

Chimes on watch/wearables

Feature

Alarm functionality

Feature

Tick-tock sounds in sync with second hand

Feature

Floodlit Big Ben for nighttime display

Feature

GPS-based daylight/sunset lighting

Feature

Screen saver functionality

Feature

Quieter/softer tick-tock option

Feature

Delay between quarter and hour chimes

Feature

FAQ

What does the Big Ben app do?

This app displays the time on your iPhone or iPod Touch with a Big Ben-themed interface. It offers customizable options like a digital display, a seconds hand, and authentic tick-tock sounds. You can also set it to chime every quarter hour and toll on the hour.

Can the chimes play when the app is closed?

Yes, the chiming and tolling sounds will play even when the app is not open, provided your device is not muted and you have allowed notifications for Big Ben in your device's General Settings.

Is this app free to download?

Yes, the application is available for free download. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned.

What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Note that sounds will only play through earphones on the 1st generation iPod Touch.

What are the main features of the Big Ben app?

Key features include a customizable clock display with options for a digital clock and a seconds hand. It also offers a tick-tock sound effect, and the ability to hear chimes every quarter hour and toll on the hour, with background notification support.