Use your iPhone 6 as a backup altimeter

The BaroAltimeter app users the barometer in the iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 to track your altitude.

One of the new hardware features added to the iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 is a barometric pressure sensor. When this was announced pilots quickly saw the potential here for turning the iPhone or iPad into an altimeter. The first app we’ve come across that takes advantage of this feature is called BaroAltimeter, which was designed with pilots in mind.

Simply enter the current altimeter setting for your location and the app will display your altitude. The app’s design is simple and no-frills, but for only $0.99 it’s a great app to keep on your new iPhone 6 or iPad Air 2 should a situation arise where you need backup altitude data.

You can download the BaroAltimeter app here.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Bret Koebbe

Bret is a senior vice president at Sporty's and senior flight instructor for Sporty's Academy. In addition to Bret's teaching responsibilities, Bret leads Sporty's video production and app development team and serves as editor of iPad Pilot News. As an airline transport pilot, Bret is a senior captain in Sporty's corporate flight department.

Latest posts by Bret Koebbe (see all)

• Pilot Quiz: Your iPad just quit on you in flight, now what? - July 25, 2025
• iPad Frequently Asked Questions for Pilots - July 2, 2025
• The 10 Best Weather Apps for Pilots—2025 Edition - June 27, 2025