Evidence of iPhone 6 Atmospheric Pressure Sensor Found in iOS 8 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Evidence of iPhone 6 Atmospheric Pressure Sensor Found in iOS 8

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".

altitude

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.

Related Forums: iOS 8, iPhone

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet

iOS 27 Will Add Two New Apple Wallet Features to Your iPhone

Monday June 1, 2026 12:15 pm PDT by
Apple is set to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8, and the update will reportedly include two new Apple Wallet features. First, iOS 27 will reportedly let users create their own digital passes by scanning items like movie tickets, concert passes, and gym membership cards. Many apps already offer Apple Wallet passes, but now users will be able to create a custom...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Battery Capacities Allegedly Leaked

Tuesday June 2, 2026 1:54 am PDT by
Battery capacities for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro have allegedly surfaced, and the numbers suggest only a modest increase over the iPhone 17 Pro. According to prolific Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station, Apple is testing the iPhone 18 Pro with different battery capacities for the China and U.S. versions of the device, similar to last year's iPhone 17 Pro models. The Chinese model is ...
macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

Apple Says macOS 27 Won't Be Compatible With These Macs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:29 am PDT by
During WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe would be the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. macOS 27 will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. Apple will unveil macOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote this Monday, June 8, and the...

Top Rated Comments

Nungster Avatar
156 months ago
I guess Apple will be feeling the pressure!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
156 months ago
As someone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, this sensor would be a very welcome addition.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
156 months ago
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.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AustinIllini Avatar
156 months ago
Just what I always wanted.

But seriously, who wants this?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
156 months ago
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...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
156 months ago
Just what I always wanted.

But seriously, who wants this?

I do. But want blinky notification LED first.

----------

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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)