iOS 8 code analysis points to built-in barometer for iPhone 6

Shawn Knight

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Much has been said about the larger screen and the redesigned chassis expected from the iPhone 6 but Apple’s upcoming flagship may arrive with a couple of features that nobody saw coming. Recent analysis of some code in iOS 8 suggests the new devices will include a built-in barometer, opening up a wealth of possibilities.

As 9to5Mac points out, the sensor – commonly found in Android-based handsets – would allow the iPhone to more accurately track altitude. It’s a feat already possible using an iOS device’s GPS and motion chips but a dedicated barometer would offer faster and more accurate data.

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Aside from altitude information, the sensor could also provide insight on current and future weather trends via air pressure data. Such information could be valuable to outdoor types like hikers, bike riders, mountain climbers and the like, especially considering Apple’s focus on health monitoring in iOS 8. It could equally be useful for amateur pilots, we’re told.

Taking it a step further, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Apple use this weather functionality to feed some type of crowd-sourced weather project to build hyper-accurate, real-time weather reports. Maybe we’re dreaming here but it could be possible.

In addition to the iPhone 6, the new sensors could show up in refreshed iPads as well as the long-rumored iWatch. Earlier reports suggested we may also see humidity, temperature and pressure sensors in upcoming iDevices later this year.

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I dread the day when this iBarometer feature (from apple and competitor devices) fails to provide accurate atmospheric pressure readings/tornado warnings to those areas with rapid weather changes.
 
Portable GPS units made by Garmin and the like are ridiculously expensive. For example the Garmin 64st at $499. I have a 60csx that is several years old but was ~$300. The dedicated units (that are expensive) have barometric altimeters in them.

With phones getting barometers in them, really the only thing phones are lacking over dedicated units are downloaded maps. You probably can get maps for you phone, but I don't know anyone that has. Most of the time you don't need them because you just pull internet maps over the cell network. However, there are a lot of places people hike that don't have cell reception, need maps on the unit for those instances.

tl;dr - Phones now have a real shot at eroding the dominance of Garmin and Magellan in the handheld GPS market.
 
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