Summary

Apple's iOS has a built-in flight tracker feature that provides detailed flight information when a user taps on an underlined flight number in a text message or enters it in Spotlight or Safari, potentially reducing the need for third-party flight tracking apps.

Abstract

The article reveals an under-the-radar feature within Apple's iOS that functions as a flight tracker. This feature was discovered by the author after receiving a text message with a flight number that was automatically recognized and clickable. Upon clicking the flight number, the iOS system presented a comprehensive overview of the flight, including route, status, departure and arrival times, and duration. This built-in capability mirrors the functionality of dedicated third-party flight tracker applications. The author expresses surprise and delight at finding this feature, which had been overlooked despite its integration into the iPhone's operating system. The discovery led to the realization that reliance on external apps for flight tracking was unnecessary, aligning with a minimalist approach to app usage. The article also provides an alternative method to access flight information by entering the flight number directly into Spotlight or the Safari address bar, which offers additional options such as opening the airline's official website or getting directions to the airports.

Opinions

The author is impressed with the hidden flight tracker feature in iOS, considering it a significant discovery.
There is an element of surprise that such a useful feature was already built into the iPhone and had gone unnoticed by the user.
The author suggests that the feature could replace third-party flight tracking apps, promoting a more minimalist approach to smartphone usage.
The article conveys a sense of satisfaction in uncovering and utilizing native iOS features, implying a preference for built-in functionalities over external applications.
The author encourages readers to try out the feature and to subscribe to their Medium channel for similar content, indicating a belief in the value of sharing such discoveries with others.

Apple’s (Hidden) Flight Tracker App

I didn’t know this existed

Are you or a loved one a frequent flyer? If so, you might have already installed a flight tracker app on your iPhone.

I too had it, a week ago. It was my to-go app to know if someone of my family have boarded their flight, or to know when it arrives at my place.

It was so, for so long.

But lately, this simple message by my aunt has literally changed the way I use my iPhone.

This, and all the images below are screenshots by the author

After I received it, I thought why’s the flight number underlined.

I tapped it with curiosity, and to my surprise, this appeared.

“What’s this new thing, Tim Cook? Does my iPhone already know it’s a flight number?”

I clicked on Preview Flight , and this appeared.

Amazing. It literally showed everything the third-party flight tracker app showed me:

The route,
Flight status,
Departing place & time,
Arriving place & time,
Duration.

Eureka! I’ve discovered the hidden flight tracker feature by Apple!

Bye bye third-party app.

Bonus-ly, here’s another way to track a flight

Simply enter the flight number in Spotlight or in Safari address bar, and click on the first suggested option.

You’ll get the same window that shows all the relevant info about the flight. But this time, it includes two extra buttons:

The first one would open the airlines’s official website, and the second one would show directions to the departing and arriving airports.

How impressive! I didn’t know I already had this feature in-built on my iPhone, and have relied for so long on third-party apps for it.

It hurt my inner minimalist.

You could try this little feature next time you or someone you love boards a flight.

Will you?

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