# iOptron Optical Polar Scope — Pole Star Assistant > Pole Star position assistant for iOptron telescope mount polar scopes. (iPhone/iPad app by 成城 徐.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-optical-polar-scope/id564078961 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [成城 徐](https://appshunter.io/developer/564078964) - Category: Utilities, Reference - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 2.70/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 25 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 18.0 · 1 MB - Languages: American English, Chinese (Simplified, China) - Released: 2012-10-10 - Data updated: 2026-08-31 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-optical-polar-scope/id564078961/reviews.md ## What is iOptron Optical Polar Scope? This is an app to show the position of the Pole Star (Polaris in Northern Hemisphere, or Sigma Octantis in Southern Hemisphere) in the polar scope of all the iOptron(R) telescope/camera mounts. The app uses the best algorithm to calculate the position of Pole Star: The algorithm calculates 3D space motion of the Pole Star itself, precession, temperature and barometric pressure corrected atmospheric refraction, nutation, parallax, aberration, and etc.). The overall accuracy of the algorithm has reached sub 0.1 arc-seconds now. The app now using a 10 minute marker reticle, the same reticle used in the polar scope of iOptron(R) telescope mount since 2014. A must have for iOptron(R) SkyGuider Pro, iOptron(R) SkyTracker Pro, SkyGuider and SkyTracker users! Also very helpful for any iOptron(R) telescope mount owners. It may also be used with other brand telescope/camera mounts with similar polar scope reticle. No human interaction required when iOS devices can using location service normally. iOS users can manually enter the location when location service is unavailable. ## Key features - Pole Star position calculation - Sub-arcsecond accuracy algorithm - 10-minute marker reticle - Supports Northern and Southern Hemispheres - Manual location entry option ## Recent user reviews (10 of 25) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-optical-polar-scope/id564078961/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Not useful *2025-07-29* Shows polar position that is not accurate. Its position varies at different times of day even if you are standing on the same position/location. ### 1/5 — Waste of money - DO NOT BUY, ABSOLUTELY USELESS. *2025-04-30* Minimal function compared to other polar align apps. Installed and tested for less than 1 minute.. absolutely useless and I want my money back! ### 1/5 — UNA FREGATURA *2022-11-11, version 8.12* Non serve per il collegamento alla montatura, mostra solo l’ora polare come altre app gratuite. ### 1/5 — Don’t use this anymore. Get ds align *2021-01-10* This one is only for ioptron with very limited functionality. No new features after all these years. I use DS align now, support many many other mounts polar scope and so much more functionality. Even has a iwatch version. ### 1/5 — Do not buy - very weak functionality *2020-10-14* It tells you where Polaris is located for your current time and location. But with no options or way to configure the display (other than English / Chinese). Other apps do this as well but with plenty of options for customization. It might be OK if it were free, but it is dismal at $1.99. ### 1/5 — Yep...not good *2020-01-19* Purchased and no instructions or troubleshooting guide. Couldn’t even figure out how to contact the developer. I can’t even give it a rating...I guess I’ll have to buy ZWO... ### 2/5 — Not American English *2020-01-15* The elevation is in metric not much help in the USA. If it can be converted to Chinese why not USA measurements? I’m not knocking metric but I’ve spent 60 years using feet ,miles and Fahrenheit. So only half of this app is of any use for me. It’s only good for alignment I should have paid better attention and not assumed it was for the US market. I can use it but I won’t have a clue about my elevation. ### 1/5 — Useless *2019-10-10* This app no longer works on my iPad. The update clearly is not backwards compatible and is not recognised by older iOS. 10Oct19 New version still won't download. ### 1/5 — Hopeless App.. *2019-09-17* I feel ripped-off! I’m in the southern hemisphere and can’t figure out how to use the darn thing to find sigma-oct! Piece of junk!! ### 4/5 — Great App *2019-04-13* It serves its purpose, but should’ve been a free app. ## Frequently asked questions about iOptron Optical Polar Scope ### What is the main purpose of iOptron Optical Polar Scope? iOptron Optical Polar Scope helps users accurately align their iOptron telescope mounts by showing the precise position of the Pole Star in the polar scope. This is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography and accurate tracking of celestial objects. ### How accurate is the Pole Star calculation in iOptron Optical Polar Scope? The app utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that accounts for various astronomical factors, achieving an overall accuracy of sub-0.1 arc-seconds. This high precision ensures reliable polar alignment for your telescope. ### What reticle does iOptron Optical Polar Scope use? The app features a 10-minute marker reticle, which is the same reticle used in iOptron telescope mounts manufactured since 2014. This ensures compatibility and ease of use with supported equipment. ### Which iOptron mounts are specifically recommended for iOptron Optical Polar Scope? The app is a must-have for users of iOptron SkyGuider Pro, iOptron SkyTracker Pro, SkyGuider, and SkyTracker. It is also very helpful for owners of any iOptron telescope mount. ### Can iOptron Optical Polar Scope be used with non-iOptron mounts? Yes, the app may be used with other brands of telescope or camera mounts that feature a similar polar scope reticle. This broadens its utility for a wider range of users. ### Does iOptron Optical Polar Scope require an internet connection? No human interaction is required when iOS devices can use location services normally. For iOS users, manual location entry is available if location services are unavailable. ### What is the price of iOptron Optical Polar Scope? iOptron Optical Polar Scope is available for a one-time purchase price of $1.99. This makes it an affordable tool for serious astrophotographers. ### How often is iOptron Optical Polar Scope updated? The app was last updated on October 24, 2025, indicating ongoing development and support. This suggests that users can expect continued improvements and bug fixes. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 8.30 — 2025-10-24 Added support for new iOS and iPadOS devices. Now requires iOS 18. Minor improvments. ### 8.20 — 2024-05-21 Barometric pressure now correctly displayed in iOS 17.4 and later. ### 8.12 — 2021-12-12 Now display 2 more decimal digits in longitude and latitude. ### 8.11 — 2021-12-09 Now display 2 more decimal digits in longitude and latitude. ### 8.10 — 2021-09-28 Added support for iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max and iPad mini 6. Added support for ProMotion (120Hz refresh) for iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Added support for iOS 15.x. ## Apps similar to iOptron Optical Polar Scope | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Polar Scope Align](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965) | 4.7 (171) | Free | Utilities | | [Bubble Level + Compass](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-level-plus-compass/id1374372463) | 5.0 (34) | Free | Utilities | | [GeoBallistics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geoballistics/id972536756) | 4.0 (239) | Free | Utilities | | [SatFinder Pro Satellite Finder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satfinder-pro-satellite-finder/id523233755) | 4.5 (211) | $2.99 | Utilities | | [Polar Scope Align Pro Watch](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro-watch/id986082042) | 4.9 (50) | $4.99 | Utilities | | [Polar Scope Align Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align-pro/id970161373) | 4.9 (300) | $3.99 | Utilities | ## More apps by 成城 徐 - [iPano Commander](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ipano-commander/id1058694402) - [iOptron Commander (iOS)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-commander-ios/id1626958667) - [iOptron iPolar Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ioptron-ipolar-mobile/id6470996795) All apps by 成城 徐: https://appshunter.io/developer/564078964 ## Related topics [ioptron optical polar scope](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron-optical-polar-scope) · [ioptron](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron) · [ioptron ipolar mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ioptron-ipolar-mobile) --- *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 2026-08-31.*