The start

How did this come about?

The first air pressure sensor in an iPhone was introduced by Apple with the iPhone 6 (Plus), which was launched on the market in September 2014.
The air pressure sensor made it possible to measure changes in altitude and was installed for fitness tracking applications, e.g. to count the number of stairs climbed. I then developed a first prototype with the iPhone 6 Plus. However, the signalling of ascents compared to my hardware vario from Bräuninger IQ One was so severely delayed that I put the project on hold again.

With the release of the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020, Apple then changed the air pressure sensor and made a quantum leap in terms of quality and accuracy. That was the point at which I started developing a second prototype with a team of software developers and mathematicians.

I have seen the following advantages of using the Apple Watch instead of a hardware vario:

• Free hardware for those who already own the Apple Watch
• No bracket required on the cockpit or leg
• Very light and always with you. Also perfect for hike & fly

At the same time, I have read the same beliefs and convictions again and again from critics that the development makes no sense:

• An app cannot be as good as a hardware vario
• The air pressure sensors are not accurate enough
• The battery is too small and immediately empty
• The display is not readable in the sun
• The app costs money

That didn't stop us from starting the development. Because if it doesn't work for others, that doesn't mean it won't work for us.
And of course, several problems arose during the ongoing development.

If you are interested in the methodology of how this IT project was implemented, you can listen to my podcast on agile project management: To the Agile Project Management podcast

2023 was the year in which we solved all the problems and received certification from Apple for the following functions on the App Watch app:

• The rise and fall indicator on the display
• The beeps emitted by the watch's loudspeaker
• Calculating and displaying the wind direction and wind speed

This was only possible thanks to the support of several test pilots, countless tests and constant further development. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Manuel Moreno and Michael Nesler from Profly.

Even though the Apple Watch app works completely without an iPhone, it was important to me that we offer you as a pilot a complete package in which VARIO ONE can also be used on the iPhone. The large display is predestined for planning and navigation with maps as well as subsequent flight analyses and easy uploading of recorded flights (igc files) to the well-known DHV-XC and XContest portals.

I no longer wanted to have to download files from the Hardware Vario to a notebook via USB cable and then upload them from the notebook to the portals. I wanted the upload to the portals to be finished before I even took off my helmet. So we set about developing a digital flight log with GPS recording.

he recording of GPS data is very easy to programme. However, recording and submitting IGC files to the well-known portals so that you are accepted by the FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE is far more complicated and labour-intensive. This certification is necessary in order to see the green light next to "validated" in portals such as DHV-XC and XContest.
If you are interested, you are welcome to take a look at part of the View specification 🙂

Now that it was possible to record igc files with the Apple Watch or iPhone and upload them directly from the flight log with one click, we had laid the foundations.

And then?

In our collaboration with Michael Nesler, we have successfully implemented many of his ideas, particularly in the areas of faster response to thermals, increased safety and innovative solutions.