# iNaturalist Classic — Connect with Nature

> Record and identify species, contribute to science, and learn about nature. (iPhone/iPad app by iNaturalist.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist-classic/id421397028 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/developer/421397031)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 4,707 App Store ratings · 531 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: American English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (France), German (Germany) and 23 more
- Released: 2011-02-25
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist-classic/id421397028/reviews.md

## What is iNaturalist Classic?

iNaturalist Classic is the original version of our app. For the best experience, including many new features and ongoing updates, we recommend using the new, redesigned iNaturalist app.

iNaturalist Classic offers a simple interface to record encounters with biodiversity for people who are already familiar with iNaturalist. 

KEY FEATURES
• Identify species from anywhere in the world (while online)
• Keep a record of species you see
• Contribute to science by sharing your observations
• Add your observations manually to projects
• Learn about biodiversity 
• Connect with and learn from other nature enthusiasts

iNaturalist’s nonprofit mission is to connect people to nature and advance science and conservation. iNaturalist is freely available thanks to generous support from our community of donors.

Explore and learn even more at https://www.inaturalist.org.

## Key features

- Identify species globally
- Record species sightings
- Contribute observations to science
- Add observations to projects
- Learn about biodiversity
- Connect with nature enthusiasts

## What do users think of iNaturalist Classic?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Helpful for identifying plants, animals, and fungi
- 🤝 Supportive community of experts
- 🌱 Contributes to citizen science and research
- 🔍 Accurate identification suggestions
- 🌐 Works well globally
- 📚 Expands knowledge of local biodiversity

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Difficulty finding/sorting observations
- 🔒 Privacy concerns around data sharing
- 🤖 Concerns about AI/ML identification accuracy
- 💬 Negative interactions with some community members

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Login issues or inability to create account
- Slow upload speeds or observation syncing
- Inconsistent performance between mobile and web versions

**Most requested features**

- Ability to follow other users and see their observations
- More filtering and sorting options for observations
- Offline mode for taking photos and uploading later
- Easier location input for observations
- Private/personal project functionality

## Recent user reviews (10 of 531)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist-classic/id421397028/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Better than the new app but not by much

*2026-08-17, version 3.3.9*

This app needs a lot of work but unfortunately they seem to be putting all their energy into the Android versions. Classic is still easier to use and interact with than the newer iPhone app, but functionality for identifying is limited and the "explore" feature is useless, only showing you some of the nearby observations and in no apparent particular chronological order even though you can sort "newest to oldest". I have both versions on my phone and use Classic most  of the time. Overall though, I have been very disappointed since changing from Android to iPhone. It works fine for making observations in the field, but if you want to do much more you will be far better off waiting until you can get to a desktop. Unfortunately, that ends up meaning I use the platform less than I otherwise would.

### 2/5 — Less functionality than the Android version

*2026-08-16, version 3.3.9*

I recently switched to an iPhone and I thought this Classic version of the app was the same as the Android version. But I'm shocked to find that this app lacks the Compare feature. That feature is critical to avoiding confirmation bias in the Computer Vision model and helping users learn to find distinguishing characteristics. We should not thoughtlessly feed photos to an AI. This is not Seek, where you get told the answer; we should be learning with help from the CV model. I'm very disappointed that neither app lives up to the Android version.

### 5/5 — J’adore

*2026-08-16*

Facile à utiliser et très bien fait !

### 5/5 — LionsandTigersandBears, oh my!

*2026-08-13, version 3.3.9*

Of all the apps I've used this is the most amazing and helpful! I love the help and input of others! Thank you.

### 5/5 — An Amazing Tool

*2026-08-06, version 3.3.9*

iNaturalist is an awesome tool for both the curious observer and researchers alike!

### 5/5 — Easy for amateurs to use

*2026-07-07*

Simple method for tracking forms of wildlife and plants

### 5/5 — iNaturalists

*2026-06-15, version 3.3.9*

iNaturalists is GREAT, FANTASTIC, FACINATING! Also fun and a great way to contribute to the science of nature all around us. Just take some pictures of wildlife/nature around you. Post it on iNaturalists. Find out intereasting things. If you choose get  connected to like minded nature lovers , citizen scientist , and scientists

### 5/5 — Excellent

*2026-06-12*

I love inaturalist and other than ID books never use anything else.  I highly recommend.

### 5/5 — Classic is sometimes better!

*2026-06-06, version 3.3.9*

I’ve been using iNaturalist & Seek for over 3 years. While the new iNaturalist app is alright, this one is my #1 go-to for any IDs I want to upload or contribute to. It’s faster, uploads are more stable, and is exactly how I like to manage observations. I really only use the newer version for the integrated Seek-like IDing feature and for filtering observations. 

I think I’d be devastated if this one was suspended…

### 5/5 — Evaluating plant types

*2026-06-01, version 3.3.9*

Reliable IDs and helpful data.

## Frequently asked questions about iNaturalist Classic

### What does iNaturalist Classic do?

iNaturalist Classic is an application designed to help you record your encounters with biodiversity. It allows you to identify species, keep a record of what you see, and contribute your observations to scientific projects. The app also facilitates learning about the natural world and connecting with other nature enthusiasts.

### What are the key features of iNaturalist Classic?

Key features include the ability to identify species from anywhere in the world (when online), maintain a personal record of species you've encountered, and contribute your observations to scientific research. You can also manually add observations to projects, learn about biodiversity, and connect with other nature lovers.

### Is iNaturalist Classic free to use?

Yes, iNaturalist Classic is freely available. Its nonprofit mission is supported by generous donations from its community of users.

### What is the best way to use iNaturalist Classic?

This classic version offers a simple interface for recording biodiversity encounters, particularly for users already familiar with the iNaturalist platform. For an enhanced experience with more features and ongoing updates, the new, redesigned iNaturalist app is recommended.

### How does iNaturalist Classic contribute to science?

By sharing your observations of species, you contribute valuable data to scientific research and conservation efforts. These observations can be added to various projects, helping scientists and researchers understand biodiversity patterns and trends.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.3.9 — 2025-09-06

We added analytics to help us better understand how users are interacting with iNaturalist Classic.

### 3.3.8 — 2025-06-25

bugfixes and performance improvements

### 3.3.7 — 2025-04-14

iNaturalist Classic is the original version of our app. For the best experience, including many new features and ongoing updates, we recommend using the new, redesigned iNaturalist app.

### 3.3.6 — 2025-03-10

Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 3.3.5 — 2024-09-27

bugfixes and performance enhancements

## Apps similar to iNaturalist Classic

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Seek by iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seek-by-inaturalist/id1353224144) | 4.8 (30,887) | Free | Education |
| [Plant Identifier And  Care](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plant-identifier-and-care/id1495963472) | 4.3 (362) | Free | Education |
| [Animal Sounds: Learn & Explore](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/animal-sounds-learn-and-explore/id1543642881) | 4.3 (1,554) | Free | Education |
| [Identify Birds – Smart Bird ID](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/identify-birds-smart-bird-id/id1271449623) | 4.7 (16,721) | Free | Education |
| [AI Scanner Identifier Cam Scan](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ai-scanner-identifier-cam-scan/id6739302291) | 4.1 (47) | Free | Education |
| [Bird Sound Identifier Bird ID](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bird-sound-identifier-bird-id/id1618581273) | 4.5 (371) | Free | Education |

## More apps by iNaturalist

- [Seek by iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/seek-by-inaturalist/id1353224144)
- [iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561)

All apps by iNaturalist: https://appshunter.io/developer/421397031

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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 2026-08-27.*