Apple may add an atmospheric pressure sensor to the iPhone 6, according to a report by 9to5Mac. This follows on a rumor from March that suggested the iPhone 6 could include humidity, temperature and pressure sensors when it comes out this fall.
A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, giving indications on current and future weather trends as well as altitude data. The report says new APIs in iOS 8 reference altitude data, including one called "isRelativeAltitudeAvailable" that tells apps if a device "supports reporting relative altitude changes". For an iPhone 5s, the API returns "no".
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According to sources at Apple, the Cupertino-company has been working on an updated version of the Compass application that includes altitude tracking, so perhaps that application, which was originally added in 2009 alongside the iPhone 3GS, is what customers will utilize to track their altitude.
iOS 8 is expected to be launched this fall alongside new, larger iPhones. The altitude and pressure sensors could make an appearance in the phone as well as new iPads that are expected later this fall.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)I can tell you the atmospheric pressure almost anywhere in the world right now.
1 atmosphere. Sorry you're bad at science.
Edit: Denver: .9 atmospheres. It's just not a big deal unless it adds weight, at which point I don't want it.
Not sure if joke or just stupid.
But seriously, who wants this?
Just what I always wanted.
But seriously, who wants this?
It's not about the sensor, it's about the API. It's another tool in the box. You'll want this once a clever developer figures out how to make it into a killer app...
Just what I always wanted.
But seriously, who wants this?
I do. But want blinky notification LED first.
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Don't see what I could do with a barometer or altimeter. Correct me if I'm wrong but most people don't go on adventure hiking for leisure. A thermometer, however, wouldn't be bad at all.
Where I live most people do actually. It's one of the reasons I chose to live here.