Reported iOS 9 compass/gyroscope bug affects iPhone 6s augmented reality apps [u]
A potential bug discovered in Apple's latest iOS 9 release appears to be impacting certain apps running on iPhone 6s that tap into compass and gyroscope data, in some cases affecting key assets that render some features unusable.
AppleInsider reader Frank experienced the problem first hand with popular stargazing app Sky Guide, which relies on iPhone's advanced sensor suite to power an augmented reality function that transforms the device into an interactive map of the night sky. Under normal conditions, users point their iPhone up toward the sky to see an onscreen view of stars, planets, constellations and more, but on iPhone 6s running iOS 9 -- including the latest iOS 9.0.1 update -- the map drifts uncontrollably.
Developer Fifth Star Labs confirmed issues affecting Sky Guide's "Compass" feature are limited to iPhone 6s and do not extend to older hardware. Other augmented reality titles relying on data generated by iPhone's digital compass, three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer are also seeing problems, but certain apps like Apple Maps function correctly, suggesting the issue lies in a faulty iOS API. Fifth Star Labs is currently working on a fix.
Apple faced similar sensor difficulties in 2013 when iPhone 5s owners reported faulty readings from iOS 7's Compass app. At the time, some assessments claimed Apple failed to properly employ an appropriate firmware calibration bias when it switched from accelerometer supplier STMicroelectronics to Bosch.
Extremely sensitive components like those employed in iPhone are notoriously difficult to integrate due to wide ranging hardware variance and bias specifications that differ by type and manufacturer. A seemingly minor discrepancy might result in pronounced deviations for apps tapping into iPhone's data feed.
According to iPhone 6s and 6s Plus teardowns, the handsets use the same InvenSense 6-axis gyroscope/accelerometer chip and Bosch Sensortec 3-axis accelerometer module found in last year's iPhone 6 lineup. Upgraded from last year is the M9 motion coprocessor, now embedded in Apple's A9 SoC, which acts as a data hub for iPhone's various sensors, including the accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and barometer.
Update: Sky Guide has been updated with a workaround for the Compass feature issue.
AppleInsider reader Frank experienced the problem first hand with popular stargazing app Sky Guide, which relies on iPhone's advanced sensor suite to power an augmented reality function that transforms the device into an interactive map of the night sky. Under normal conditions, users point their iPhone up toward the sky to see an onscreen view of stars, planets, constellations and more, but on iPhone 6s running iOS 9 -- including the latest iOS 9.0.1 update -- the map drifts uncontrollably.
Developer Fifth Star Labs confirmed issues affecting Sky Guide's "Compass" feature are limited to iPhone 6s and do not extend to older hardware. Other augmented reality titles relying on data generated by iPhone's digital compass, three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer are also seeing problems, but certain apps like Apple Maps function correctly, suggesting the issue lies in a faulty iOS API. Fifth Star Labs is currently working on a fix.
Apple faced similar sensor difficulties in 2013 when iPhone 5s owners reported faulty readings from iOS 7's Compass app. At the time, some assessments claimed Apple failed to properly employ an appropriate firmware calibration bias when it switched from accelerometer supplier STMicroelectronics to Bosch.
Extremely sensitive components like those employed in iPhone are notoriously difficult to integrate due to wide ranging hardware variance and bias specifications that differ by type and manufacturer. A seemingly minor discrepancy might result in pronounced deviations for apps tapping into iPhone's data feed.
According to iPhone 6s and 6s Plus teardowns, the handsets use the same InvenSense 6-axis gyroscope/accelerometer chip and Bosch Sensortec 3-axis accelerometer module found in last year's iPhone 6 lineup. Upgraded from last year is the M9 motion coprocessor, now embedded in Apple's A9 SoC, which acts as a data hub for iPhone's various sensors, including the accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and barometer.
Update: Sky Guide has been updated with a workaround for the Compass feature issue.
Comments
I'm not sure it's just the 6s. My 5 told me the blood moon was at least 35° elsewhere than it really was.
...but certain apps like Apple Maps function correctly, [B][I]suggesting the issue lies in a faulty iOS API. [/I][/B]
...allow this?
[B][I]Fifth Star Labs is currently working on a fix. [/I][/B]
Either it's an iOS API bug and Apple is tasked at fixing it
OR
the developer needs to go back and integrate what is in the iOS API and then fix his/her app.
No developer can FIX Apple's API's for them... AFAIK.
gyro-gate.
?
does it come with a side of fries?
So, if some apps work and some apps don't, doesn't it mean it's the app developers fault?
Tried to use Sky Guide last night but it kept drifting to the north no matter what direction I was facing. Star Walk and Star Walk 2 performed flawlessly for me. Unfortunately we had clouds and rain so I missed the eclipse anyway.
Are you using 6s?
gyro-gate.
Yep. Can’t wait for the YouTube videos.
?
does it come with a side of fries?
Falafel.
I have a 6s Plus and wonder if this is related to the Home screen rotation lock issue I'm having. Sometimes when I wake up the device it wakes up in landscape mode and won't rotate back to portrait mode. It's not just the device, iOS 9.0.1 on an iPhone 6 Plus did the same thing.
Apple is getting worse. The Stock app in iOS 9 no longer works as before. Some functionality is not working.
I had issues using Sky Guide last night. Apparently the moon rises from the west now. Star Walk 2 worked fine.
Are you using 6s?
6S Plus.
So, if some apps work and some apps don't, doesn't it mean it's the app developers fault?
It could be, but it is also possible the API has several ways to access the gyro and only some of them cause the issue. Or, certain apps might be more demanding of the gyro. That this bug seems to only effect certain models of phone seems to indicate that there is a fault in the hardware or the system software.