Plan your perfect 2026 total solar eclipse experience with these smartphone apps

The Aug. 12 total solar eclipse is imminent, with over 15 million people in Spain, Greenland, and Iceland set to witness totality. Meanwhile, nearly a billion will experience a partial eclipse as the moon blocks a portion of the sun's light. Each individual's experience varies based on factors like timing, terrain, and sky conditions. Smartphone apps can enhance this experience by offering location-based alerts, weather forecasts, and real-time data.

SolarWatch, an iOS stargazing app, has received a major update for the upcoming eclipse. It provides interactive eclipse path maps, precise timing simulations for each phase, cloud obscuration data, and educational content on phenomena such as Baily's Beads. The app also tracks each phase with countdowns and shows the moon's shadow's speed at your specific location.

The Eclipse App, also available on iOS, offers similar features tailored for the Aug. 12 event. Users can view precise timing simulations from their vantage point, receive eclipse alerts, and observe the percentage of the sun covered at any given moment during totality. Additionally, the app allows for real-time recording and playback of the experience.

Big Kid Science's Totality app for iOS and Android offers detailed eclipse timings based on GPS data, safety guidelines, science explanations, and navigation tools to find the path of totality. It also includes a solar smartphone filter kit tutorial for capturing the eclipse.

Solar Snap is another iOS and Android app designed to help users capture the eclipse with their smartphones. It offers useful controls, an interactive global eclipse map, and step-by-step instructions for using a solar filter or making a homemade filter with eclipse glasses. The app also provides tutorials and tips for optimal eclipse photography.