The default iOS weather app has 18 icons that can predict subtle changes in future weather conditions. You should be able to take a look at the weather icon and get an idea of what the day ahead will be like.
Apple has changed these icons over the years, so some icons, such as the tornado and dust symbols, are no longer used in the latest iOS versions. iOS 17 and iOS 16 use the same 18 icons (shown below); iOS 15 distinguishes 22 weather conditions.
The iPhone Weather app does not contain descriptions of weather symbols. So Apple has released a handy diagram explaining the iPhone's weather icons. This is convenient because some weather icons have slight differences, while others are easy to understand.
To use the weather app, enter a city name, postal code, or airport. Select a location to see hourly and 10-day weather forecasts. Weather icons appear next to each hour and day.
Apple covers most weather conditions. However, the weather icons displayed on the screen will depend on the selected location. For example, many parts of the world do not experience hurricanes or tornadoes. Severe weather information applies to the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Thailand and most of Europe.
- The sunrise and sunset icons are obvious. Arrows are subtle symbols that represent the direction of the sun.
- The icon for smog is also a sun that appears to be peeking over the horizon, but with multiple horizontal lines representing layers of particulate matter.
- There are subtle differences between types of snowy weather. The two symbols are blended together to show the difference between snow and sleet.
- The icon features a crescent moon and two visible stars, suggesting a clear, starry night. The overcast night icon places the moon behind clouds.
- The weather symbols for rain and heavy rain are not so obvious. Longer lines on the cloud icon mark more severe storms.
The weather app is built into the iPhone. This application uses the symbols listed above. Considering there are many other weather apps out there, it's likely that the icons listed above are unique to Apple apps.
However, here's a tip: most icons are self-explanatory. See the rain icon? Rain is expected. Clouds mean the sun is hidden, so it will be a little dark outside. The wavy lines themselves refer to wind. you understood.
This is how all weather apps work. Some even note weather conditions next to the icon, so there's no guesswork.
FAQWhen you turn on Do Not Disturb Focus Mode on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you'll see a small crescent moon icon at the top of the screen.
The bed icon represents sleep, the car represents driving, the torso icon represents what Apple calls personal focus, and the work badge represents work focus. When you first select these modes, iPhone walks you through how each mode works and who can contact you.
