# ISS Spotter

> App to track and spot the International Space Station. (iPhone/iPad app by Mediapilot.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iss-spotter/id523486350 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Mediapilot](https://appshunter.io/developer/523486353)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 629 App Store ratings · 271 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 7.0 · 17 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-05-10
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iss-spotter/id523486350/reviews.md

## What is ISS Spotter?

> The most downloaded ISS spotting app on iOS!
> 5 star rating 
> Used by astronauts and astronomers 
> No ads. 100% functionality in the free version 

ISS Spotter makes it easy for you to spot the International Space Station (ISS). You can see the forecast of visible passes and set alarms to be on time to view the ISS. The built in compass and tools will allow you to spot the ISS easily.

This app requires an Iphone 4S or better and iOS7+. Works on iPhone and iPad (full screen)

## Key features

- ISS pass forecasts
- Sighting alarms
- Built-in compass
- Spotting tools
- Astronaut and astronomer approved

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ISS Spotter donation 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| ISS Spotter donation | $2.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of ISS Spotter?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Accurate and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🌟 Fantastic app
- 🌌 Great for stargazing and space enthusiasts
- 🎉 Exciting to watch the ISS
- 🤩 Wonderful experience

**Cons**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔍 Inaccurate location and timing information
- 🔧 Needs updates and improvements
- 🔋 Alarm issues and unreliable notifications

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when accessing forecast or settings
- Alarms not working or disappearing
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Most requested features**

- Offline mode or caching for location data
- More customization options for alerts and notifications
- Integration with other astronomy apps or services
- Expanded forecast and visibility information

## Recent user reviews (10 of 271)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iss-spotter/id523486350/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Not accurate. For days,this app says,no shows for next ten days

*2026-03-19, version 1.6.1*

I watched it twice within 90 minutes tonight,over UK,and yet the app states,no passes for the next ten days!!

### 5/5 — Best ISS spotter

*2026-01-25, version 1.6.1*

I’ve had this APP for over 4 years.  I check it frequently so that I can run outside and find ISS.  It is amazing to be able to locate and watch.  I highly recommend this App to everyone.

### 1/5 — Crashing 100% of time

*2025-12-05, version 1.6.1*

Used to love the app!!  If you fix it I will still love it. BUT, it just doesn’t work anymore. It crashes as soon as you try to open the forecast or settings.

### 2/5 — Used to be great

*2025-11-10, version 1.6.1*

App doesn’t work any more and hasn’t been properly updated in a while. We used to love this app.

### 3/5 — Good app, but it’s let down by an outdated UI that doesn’t suit modern iPhone screens.

*2025-10-07, version 1.6.1*

ISS Spotter remains a fantastic resource for viewing the ISS. However, the app’s outdated interface and lack of updates for recent iOS versions and iPhone screens make it feel neglected — as if development has been abandoned.

### 1/5 — No longer working

*2025-10-04, version 1.6.1*

I am watching the ISS pass over now and other apps list it as above, but even if the map shows it, the forecast says no scheduled passes for the next 10 days.  That is wrong!!

### 5/5 — Magic

*2025-09-30, version 1.6.1*

I’ve loved satellites since I was a boy. This app predicts, almost by magic, exactly the arrival time and trajectory of the ISS. And that is a lovely thing to share. 
Free of charge and no grubby privacy policy. 
Thank you.

### 5/5 — Fantastic app

*2025-09-28, version 1.6.1*

Very simple to use, always accurate, we love this app! It still blows my mind that the ISS is travelling 25tines faster than a jet plane! My young son likes the winter because he can also see the ISS, thanks to the alarms we set up on this app (it’s darker earlier) .

### 1/5 — App stopped working in august

*2025-09-02, version 1.6.1*

App is great have been using for years but in Aug 2025 it stoped working.  It just quits while using.  Please fix.

### 5/5 — Exactly what is needed, nothing more

*2025-07-13, version 1.6.1*

I love that this is a free app that provides all that is needed to let you see the ISS. It doesn’t try to pack a lot of features in that you won’t use, this hoping you’ll pay some fee. 

Kudos to the developer for having a big heart

## Frequently asked questions about ISS Spotter

### What does ISS Spotter do?

ISS Spotter helps you track and view the International Space Station (ISS). It provides forecasts for when the ISS will be visible from your location and allows you to set alarms to ensure you don't miss these opportunities. The app also includes tools to aid in spotting the station.

### What are the key features of ISS Spotter?

Key features include forecasts of visible ISS passes, the ability to set alarms for sightings, a built-in compass, and other tools designed to help you easily spot the ISS in the sky. The app is also noted for being used by astronauts and astronomers.

### Is ISS Spotter free to use?

Yes, the core functionality of ISS Spotter is free and includes 100% functionality without ads. While the app is free, it does have in-app purchases, suggesting optional premium features or content may be available.

### What are the compatibility requirements for ISS Spotter?

ISS Spotter requires an iPhone 4S or better and iOS 7 or later. It is compatible with both iPhone and iPad devices, offering full-screen functionality on iPads.

### Who would find ISS Spotter useful?

This app is ideal for amateur astronomers, space enthusiasts, students learning about space, and anyone who enjoys observing celestial events. Its ease of use and accurate tracking make it accessible for casual skywatchers and more dedicated observers alike.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6.1 — 2016-12-20

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

- fixed bug for notifications in iOS7

### 1.6.0 — 2016-12-13

Bug fix for notifications

### 1.5.1 — 2014-12-30

v1.5.1
- Fix for notification permissions (alarms were not always working in iOS8)

### 1.5.0 — 2014-11-21

- Feature: iOS8 + iPhone 6 compatible
- Feature: added social Sharing options
- Feature: better address lookup 
- Bug fix for earliest/latest alarm windows
- Bug fix for menu styling 
- fixed typos 
- added FAQs

### 1.4.1 — 2013-11-01

- Bugfix for maps when resuming app
- Bugfix for the ISS path that caused straight lines
- Map is centered after resuming app
- Removed Apple connection error

## Apps similar to ISS Spotter

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Constellation Map mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/constellation-map-mobile/id1435568096) | 4.7 (4,602) | Free | Education |
| [Star Walk：Find Stars & Planets](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-walkfind-stars-and-planets/id295430577) | 4.7 (25,013) | Free | Education |
| [Classic Sky Map 2](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-sky-map-2/id1137455038) | 4.7 (8,890) | Free | Education |
| [GoISSWatch ISS Tracking](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goisswatch-iss-tracking/id672216880) | 4.2 (60) | Free | Education |
| [Spot the Station](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spot-the-station/id6449235044) | 4.8 (7,225) | Free | Education |
| [SkyView®](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyview/id404990064) | 4.6 (7,536) | $2.99 | Education |

## Related topics

[iss tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iss-tracker) · [international space station](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/international-space-station) · [spot the station space](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spot-the-station-space) · [iss tracker space](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iss-tracker-space) · [space station locate](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/space-station-locate)

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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 2026-06-10.*