We do everything with our phones. I do! From waking up to counting the number of steps, browsing the web, answering emails, or just paying for a cup of coffee, phones are now an indispensable extension of our body.
The Health App. is the dashboard of our health and fitness. So the legitimate question is to wonder if the iPhone includes a temperature sensor and if it is possible to take our temperature with it.
The answer is straightforward: No! The iPhone does not yet offer the possibility to measure the skin temperature or even the ambient temperature.
Does the iPhone have a temperature sensor?
To measure temperature, the critical element is, of course, to use a temperature sensor. The iPhone does have such technology built-in, but the main drawback is that the sensors are internal and not external!
They monitor the temperature of the internal components and the battery to ensure that the smartphone is working correctly and interrupt the charging process when the batteries or internal electronics are getting too hot.
The sensors are a safety mechanism. So it is easy to understand that an external sensor will be needed to measure the external temperature. A sensor that does not exist for the time being on any of the iPhone models.
Numerous apps. claim to be able to measure the temperature at your location. Yes, everything is in the fine print! “At your location” or “current temperature” means in the city you live in and not in your house or apartment! These apps. will connect to weather services and push back the weather forecasts. Not so helpful if you are interested in knowing if your cellar will comfortably age your last bottles of wine.
Is there a way to measure room temperature?
The iPhone is excellent at receiving and transmitting data from various external devices. An external smart thermometer is the most reliable and only way to get an accurate temperature reading.
Some of them connect via Bluetooth or even use the WiFi Network to let you know the temperature reading of your home in real-time, even when out.
The following are deemed reliable and will undoubtedly attract iPhone and iOS users. Some of them also double as humidity sensors.
Temp Stick by Ideal Science
Temp Stick by Ideal Science
Price when reviewed: $149.00
The Temp Stick may not be one of the cheapest but has a lot to offer. Made in the USA, it only takes 3 minutes to set up and make the most of the current WiFi network to transmit temperature and humidity data in real-time.
This device tracks the temperature from -40°F to 140°F and the humidity from 0% to 100%. The Temp Stick is entirely battery-operated, and its powerful WiFi range allows you to install it in the cellar or underneath the house to check for potential risks of pipe freezes. The 2xAA batteries will last up to 12 months.
The thermometer app. for iPhone will act as a dashboard to check and follow the evolution of the temperatures over time. The Temp Stick can be handy for monitoring the temperature inside a car or an RV, especially when your pets are traveling with you. The only requirement being to be connected to a WiFi network.
Marcell Temperature/Humidity monitor by Marcell
Temperature/Humidity Monitor by Marcell
Price when reviewed: $169.00
The Marcell temperature monitor works on the principles of the Temp Stick. Temperature alerts can be set, and the device will automatically send an alert notification once the set temperature is reached. The room temperature app. is compatible with iOS devices.
Powered by a rechargeable, the Marcell main advantage is that it includes a cellular chip for connecting on the 4G network, meaning that it is an ideal companion for temperature measurement while on the go.
Its only drawback is that it will require a monthly subscription to a phone carrier company to allow the device to connect to the cellular network.
How to measure the body temperature with an iPhone?
Smart Ear Thermometer by Kinsa
Price when reviewed: $39.99
As we previously mentioned, the iPhone cannot detect skin temperature without a dedicated external temperature sensor.
To obtain an accurate reading, the best option is to rely on a smart thermometer that will allow you to benefit from the best of both worlds once paired with your smartphone.
Our favorite is undoubtedly the Kinsa quickcare thermometer we previously reviewed.
The Kinsa smart thermometer is a digital thermometer that provides very accurate temperature readings and has been FDA-cleared.
Kinsa also offers an ear infrared thermometer than the oral Quick care my wife uses daily.
The Kinsa app. is available on the Apple Store. It pairs via Bluetooth to the iPhone and will automatically synchronize the temperature readings.
The smart thermometer app allows you to follow the evolution of a disease in your surroundings as the iPhone app. will make the most of the phone’s built-in GPS to build “fever maps” anonymously.
We use the Kinsa with an iPhone, but it will work equally well with an Android smartphone.
To wrap up
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been used to measure our temperature everywhere, before entering the gym, a restaurant, or even a supermarket.
An iPhone or a smartwatch appears as the ultimate and most convenient way to get a temperature reading anytime we need one. But, unfortunately, things are not so simple, and even if some smartwatches now offer the possibility to measure body temperature, your iPhone will not offer the same capabilities.
The best options are still to rely on smart thermometers and use their iOS companion apps to track the readings.
