It’s great that people are willing to spend the energy to develop glide computer apps for iOS. This is where innovation and progress come from..

But at this time, even if an iOS app was free it still doesn’t make much sense. No matter how I look at it, all I see is false economy (again, even IF is was free, which it is not).

Two reasons why:

1. Apple has only been making iPhones with screens bright enough to be usable in gliders for the last few years. These are all flagship level phones and are still fairly expensive, even used. The oldest usable iPhone is the X.. It came out four years ago, but one in good condition will still set you back about $350 or so. You might say “ yes, but I already have a iPhone X, 11, or 12 in my pocket”. This may be true..... BUT.........

2. It is less than ideal to use your personal phone as your glide computing device, even if it is just your back up computer. You might start your flight with a less than fully charged battery. You might have a long flight, kill your battery and then lose your ability to easily call for help should you need to.

I am a longtime iPhone user who was looking for the simplest solution. After research, I quickly realized that the more prudent AND cost effective solution was just to get and older android for the sole purpose of running xcsoar/tophat. I bought a mint Sony Z3 from a reputable seller on Backmarket.com for $70. The screen is very bright and the battery lasts 4 hours running xcsoar. I will always be starting my day with a fully charged battery because I am not using this device for any other purpose. If I need longer battery life in the future, I can add a piggy back battery to the Z3 or get a Galaxy Note 4 (its batteries are user replaceable and 10,000mah packs are available).

Again, I applaud efforts to make an app for iOS, but I don’t see how it’s worth the effort unless they feel they can make a significantly better product than xcsoar/tophat, which is not very probable.