# Desktop Astro Clock vs Ara Authentic

The clearest difference is update cadence: Ara Authentic at every 3 weeks against Desktop Astro Clock's every 9 months. Ara Authentic also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Desktop Astro Clock ships an update every 9 months, Ara Authentic every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Desktop Astro Clock | Ara Authentic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 416 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BEHR Consulting International](https://appshunter.io/developer/385816833) | [Maik Arink](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699272203) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Ara Authentic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ara-authentic-ir/id6740208604)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Desktop Astro Clock free?

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

### Is Ara Authentic free?

Ara Authentic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Desktop Astro Clock or Ara Authentic have ads?

Neither Desktop Astro Clock nor Ara Authentic shows ads.

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

Desktop Astro Clock ships an update every 9 months, and Ara Authentic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Desktop Astro Clock was updated on November 3, 2026 and Ara Authentic on October 30, 2026.

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