A recent 2024 report from the “State of the Air ” depicts that roughly 39% of the U.S. population lives in cities (and states) with degrading air quality despite ongoing efforts to clean up air pollution.
This, in turn, has contributed to a rise in respiratory diseases and other health complications. So, it isn’t surprising that residents are now curious about the air quality in their areas in real time. What if we told you your iPhone can be a tool for that?
Both iPhones and Apple Watches are programmed to enable users to monitor the air quality index in the local area. If you are wondering how, this detailed guide will walk you through all the details.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
AQI, or Air Quality Index, is the “scale” that provides a clear understanding of the quality of the air in the regional and local areas.
In the United States, the AQI is often referenced under EPA with a scale ranging from 0 to 500. It comprises five different pollutants, including:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle pollution
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
All of these individual elements are combined to provide a comprehensive AQI reading for your area.
Here’s a breakdown of the AQI and the level of health concern it imposes in the U.S:
| Color | Air Quality Index | Severity of Health Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Air Quality Index | Severity of Health Concerns |
| Green | 0 to 50 | Good |
| Yellow | 51 to 100 | Moderate |
| Orange | 101 to 150 | Unhealthy for sensitive groups, meaning people that have chronic ailments. |
| Red | 151 to 200 | Unhealthy |
| Purple | 201 to 300 | Very unhealthy |
| Maroon | 301 to 500 | Hazardous |
Note: AQI readings are country-specific, meaning that the indexing or scale the U.S follows might differ from what’s observed in the U.K., India, Germany, etc.
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How to Check Air Quality in iPhone?
With the consistent growth and evolution of technology, we now have readings of the AQI directly on our iPhones, meaning that you won’t have to go out of your way to watch the news or such to keep up.
Following are a few different ways you can check the AQI on your iPhone:
1. Using the Weather Application
If you use an iPhone religiously, you already have a weather application installed. So, follow these steps to check the AQI:
- Unlock your iPhone and then open the Weather app.
- Scroll down and select the region you are in.
Doing so will reveal the air quality index in your area, allowing you to gauge whether you are breathing in healthy air.
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2. Download an Air Quality Reader App
If you aren’t satisfied with the readings from the standard Weather app on your iPhone, the popular Air Quality Reader app is available on the App Store. It provides more in-depth information regarding the air quality and other associated insights you might be interested in.
The best thing about installing this app is that it converts into a widget, which you can install on your home screen. So, anytime you are curious about the AQI in your area, you can unlock your iPhone, and the data will be available on the home screen.
The app also has a map and dedicated search option, allowing you to look up specific cities and areas with the AQI you wish to check. In addition to this app, several similar applications can be checked and installed from the App Store.
3. Check in Google Maps
Another popular application that provides details about the air quality in your area is Google Maps. You’d have to download and install the app on your iPhone.
Once done, open the app and go to the top right corner of the screen to tap on the map button. Under that, you will find “the Air Quality” option; click on that. You will find specific areas that you can look up to see the AQI in that area.
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What are the Steps to Check AQI on Apple Watch?
Beyond your iPhone, you can also check the air quality on your Apple Watch. The steps are simple, and all you have to do is the following:
- Launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Select a particular Watch face and then add AQI complication.
- You’d have to select a specific complication that you wish to change.
- Scroll down until you find the “Weather” option and click on Air Quality Index under that.
You will then be able to track the AQI on your Apple Watch for the location you selected in the app. The data is updated in real time, so you won’t have to worry about its authenticity and accuracy.
Note: If you don’t wish to add the AQI complication to your Apple Watch, you can open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and check the AQI under the Weather option. For even more reliable updates, consider using the most accurate weather app for your area to stay informed on air quality and forecasts.
Final Words
The evolving technology in our iPhones has now made every information accessible, right in our palms. If you have been curious to get real-time updates about the air quality around you, the good news is that you won’t have to rely on the weather channels anymore. Your iPhone is more than enough to keep you updated. We hope the details shared in this guide help you navigate the steps quickly to stay informed about your neighborhood’s air quality.
