# GravLens3

> Educational tool to simulate gravitational lensing effects on images and live camera feeds. (iPhone/iPad app by Eli Rykoff.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gravlens3/id318275930 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Eli Rykoff](https://appshunter.io/developer/318275933)
- Category: Education, Photo & Video
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.70/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.1 · 4 MB
- Languages: enc
- Released: 2009-06-06
- Data updated: 2026-06-05
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gravlens3/id318275930/reviews.md

## What is GravLens3?

Gravitational lensing is a remarkable astrophysical phenomenon, where the light
of a distant galaxy is bent by a massive foreground galaxy.

Now you can simulate the effect of a gravitational lens on your iPhone or iPad!

With GravLens3, a remarkable and educational tool you can:

* Simulate Hubble Space Telescope images of strong gravitational lenses
* Adjust the size and ellipticity of the lens model
* See the distortion on a picture from your photo library or camera
* Save the image, tweet it, post to Facebook, or print it
* Live View: view the world through a gravitational lens!  Real-time lensing with your camera.  
* Airplay and external monitor support.  Broadcast your lensing to an external projector or Apple TV.  Great for lectures!
* Retina display, iPhone 6/6 plus all supported.

## Key features

- Simulate Hubble Space Telescope images
- Adjust lens size and ellipticity
- Distort photos from library or camera
- Live real-time lensing view
- AirPlay and external monitor support
- Save and share distorted images

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gravlens3/id318275930/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2020-02-03, version 3.2*

This app is a great demonstrator for gravitational lensing

### 1/5 — Needs an update for ios 11

*2018-11-26, version 3.2*

This is a fantastic app when it works - but it doesn't save your edits reliably. It keeps saving the unedited source.

update:

11/18: iOS 12.1 on a new iPhone X - still isn't working properly. It allows you to manipulate the image to your heart's content, but will not save anything but the source image. Very disappointing. Used to be a great app.

### 5/5 — Excellent app

*2009-10-14, version 0*

Does exactly what it says. Yes, it is somewhat like some Photoshop effects, but this is real physics. And cool physics at that!

### 5/5 — Nice

*2009-06-13*

& intuitive

### 5/5 — Great app

*2009-06-10, version 0*

Well done! Easy to use, instructive, and fun.

## Frequently asked questions about GravLens3

### What is GravLens3?

GravLens3 is an educational application that allows users to simulate the phenomenon of gravitational lensing on their iOS devices. It enables the bending of light from distant objects by massive foreground objects, creating distorted images.

### How does GravLens3 work?

The app simulates gravitational lensing by allowing users to adjust parameters like the size and ellipticity of a lens model. These adjustments then distort images from a user's photo library, camera, or a live camera feed.

### Can I use GravLens3 for lectures?

Yes, GravLens3 supports AirPlay and external monitor output, making it suitable for broadcasting lensing simulations to projectors or Apple TVs, which is ideal for lectures and educational presentations.

### What devices is GravLens3 compatible with?

GravLens3 is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It supports Retina displays and specific models like iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

### Is GravLens3 free to use?

Yes, GravLens3 is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements associated with the application.

### How often is GravLens3 updated?

The last update for GravLens3 was on February 19, 2015, with version 3.2. The app was initially released on June 6, 2009.

### What is the age rating for GravLens3?

GravLens3 has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in learning about astrophysics.

### What do users like about GravLens3?

Based on its description, users likely appreciate the educational value and the ability to visualize complex astrophysical concepts like gravitational lensing in a hands-on manner. The live view and sharing features also add to its appeal.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.2 — 2015-02-19

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Camera now works on iOS8 + iPad

### 3.1 — 2015-01-05

iOS 8 Support!
iPhone 6/6 plus Support!

### 3.0 — 2013-11-18

Rebuilt from the ground up!

Improved interface
iPad Camera support (finally!)
Full airplay/external monitor support (including "Live View".  Great for lectures and demonstrations!)
Full Twitter, Facebook, AirPrint integration
Retina iPad support
iPhone 5/5s support

### 2.0 — 2011-02-05

GravLens is now GravLensHD -- a Universal iPhone/iPad app for simulating gravitational lenses on the go...in high definition!

Complete rebuild and many new features, including:
- iPad support
- iPhone 4 retina display support
- Live View: view the world through a gravitational lens! Real-time lensing with the iPhone/iPod Touch camera (requires iPhone 3GS or better and iOS 4)
- VGA out: connect your iPad or iPhone 4 to a VGA output connector to display the lensed image on an external projector.  Great for lectures!
- E-mail the lensed image directly from GravLensHD
- Higher resolution processing (requires iPhone 3GS or better)

### 1.0 — 2009-06-06

No release notes.

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## More apps by Eli Rykoff

- [CosmoCalc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cosmocalc/id334569654)
- [FVidUp - Flickr Video and Photo Uploader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fvidup-flickr-video-and-photo-uploader/id811804075)

All apps by Eli Rykoff: https://appshunter.io/developer/318275933

## Related topics

[gravlens3](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/gravlens3) · [eli rykoff](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/eli-rykoff) · [elio](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/elio)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-05.*