# Astro Pics vs Desktop Astro Clock

The clearest difference is rating: Astro Pics at 4.4 against Desktop Astro Clock's 3.7. Astro Pics also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Desktop Astro Clock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Astro Pics sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Desktop Astro Clock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Astro Pics holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 3 respectively.

Astro Pics ships an update every 5 weeks, Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Astro Pics | Desktop Astro Clock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-pics/id1084241387/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 4 MB | 416 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Type440 LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/588229898) | [BEHR Consulting International](https://appshunter.io/developer/385816833) |

## What reviewers say

### Astro Pics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-pics/id1084241387)

Explore stunning daily images of space with a beautiful photo viewer and automatic syncing across Apple devices. View breathtaking astronomy pictures on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

**Highlights:** Daily astronomy pictures, Favorites syncing, Apple Watch app, New photo viewer, Cross-device support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AstroPics Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


### Desktop Astro Clock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370)

This utility app displays time in various formats, including Julian, Sidereal, and GMT. It offers always-on display options, moon and meteor shower information, and customizable clock configurations. Widgets and a watchOS app are also supported for enhanced functionality.

**Highlights:** Multiple time formats (Julian, Sidereal, GMT), Always-on display with battery threshold, Moon phase and meteor shower information, Customizable display configurations, Widget support, WatchOS app with specialized displays

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Astro Pics free?

Astro Pics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Desktop Astro Clock free?

Desktop Astro Clock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Astro Pics or Desktop Astro Clock?

Astro Pics is rated higher. Astro Pics averages 4.4 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Desktop Astro Clock averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Astro Pics or Desktop Astro Clock have ads?

Neither Astro Pics nor Desktop Astro Clock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Astro Pics or Desktop Astro Clock?

Astro Pics ships an update every 5 weeks, and Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. Most recently, Astro Pics was updated on October 24, 2026 and Desktop Astro Clock on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*