In today’s connected world, understanding your car’s health is easier than ever, thanks to On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) apps. These innovative tools, born from advancements in mobile app development, provide real-time insights into your vehicle’s engine and systems directly on your smartphone. For iPhone users in 2018 searching for the best iOS OBD2 app, the market offered a range of powerful options to help monitor car performance, diagnose issues, and ultimately save time and money on vehicle maintenance.
OBD2 apps essentially translate the complex data from your car’s computer into understandable information, displaying parameters like speed, rotation angles, pressure levels, and temperatures. However, with numerous apps available on the App Store, finding the truly effective ones can be challenging. Many drivers and car enthusiasts have experienced the frustration of investing in OBD2 apps that fall short of expectations.
To prevent this, we’ve curated a list of top-tier OBD2 apps that stood out as excellent choices for iOS devices in 2018. While the app landscape evolves, the core functionality and user-rated quality of these apps made them benchmarks for vehicle diagnostics on iPhones during that period. Let’s explore some of the Best Ios Obd2 App 2018 contenders that offered reliable performance and valuable features for iPhone users.
Top iOS OBD2 Apps of 2018
1. Engine Link (IOS)
Engine Link was a strong contender for the best iOS OBD2 app in 2018, mirroring the functionality of popular Android apps like Torque Pro, but specifically designed for Apple devices. Priced around $6 on iTunes, this app aimed to provide comprehensive car monitoring capabilities directly on your iPhone. Engine Link connected with compatible ELM327 WiFi and Bluetooth adapters to access your vehicle’s data.
Alt text: Engine Link app dashboard displayed on an iPhone screen, showing real-time vehicle parameters.
Despite some user reports of occasional WiFi connectivity issues, Engine Link was recognized for its customizable dashboard. This allowed users to prioritize the parameters they wanted to monitor, effectively filtering out unnecessary data. Key features included emission and fuel consumption tracking, reading and clearing OBD2 fault codes, and a heads-up display option. The absence of in-app purchases or subscription fees made it a straightforward and cost-effective option for iPhone users looking for a reliable iOS OBD2 app in 2018.
Pros:
- Customizable dashboard for personalized data monitoring.
- Emission rate and fuel consumption tracking.
- Ability to read and clear OBD2 fault codes.
- Heads-up display feature.
- No additional in-app purchases or subscriptions.
- Support for over 20 languages.
- Compatibility with Torque Custom PID Files in updates.
Cons:
- Reported connectivity issues, particularly with WiFi.
- Required iOS 8.0 or later, potentially excluding older devices.
2. DashCommand (IOS)
DashCommand positioned itself as a premium iOS OBD2 scanner app in 2018, priced at $14.99 on iTunes, and aimed to transform iPhones into advanced engine data displays. Its recognition as the SEMA Show’s best mobile electronic product in 2014 underscored its reputation for quality and innovation in vehicle diagnostics.
Alt text: DashCommand app interface on an iOS device, showcasing customizable gauges and vehicle performance data.
DashCommand was lauded for its user-friendliness and extensive customization options. Users could tailor performance gauges to track specific data points relevant to their needs. Additional features like an inclinometer for off-roading, data logging, recording, and playback capabilities, and a trip computer for tracking up to five trips, added to its appeal. For iPhone owners willing to invest in a feature-rich OBD2 app for iOS in 2018, DashCommand presented a compelling option.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Highly customizable performance gauges.
- Inclinometer for off-road driving data.
- Data logging, recording, and playback functionalities.
- Sophisticated trip computer for detailed trip statistics.
- Graphical data representation.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other apps.
- Reported incompatibility issues with iPhone X and Haltech elite 2599 systems.
- In-app purchases for certain car models, potentially increasing overall cost.
3. BlueDriver
BlueDriver stood out in 2018 as a versatile OBD2 scanner app available for both iOS and Android, gaining popularity as a strong, and often considered free, car diagnostic tool. Its impressive 4.6 rating on iTunes, backed by 2 million downloads, suggested widespread user satisfaction and reliability within the iOS OBD2 app category.
Alt text: BlueDriver app displaying vehicle diagnostic information on a smartphone, showing detailed readings and options.
BlueDriver differentiated itself by offering wireless connectivity and features often found in paid apps. iPhone users could monitor critical ECU parameters, scan and clear trouble codes, access freeze frame data, and share data via email. Its smog readiness check, on-board monitoring test results, and enhanced diagnostics for systems like ABS, Airbag, and Transmission further solidified its position as a valuable iOS OBD2 app in 2018, even for professional mechanics and car enthusiasts. The generation and sharing of repair reports added a practical dimension for vehicle maintenance.
Pros:
- Wireless connection for convenient use.
- Smog readiness check feature.
- Potential for reduced travel costs through self-diagnosis.
- Free and regular updates.
- On-board monitoring test results display.
- Enhanced diagnostics for ABS, Airbag, Transmission, and more.
- Repair report generation and sharing.
Cons:
- Required iOS 8 and above for compatibility.
- Some reported issues with iPhone XR compatibility, potentially requiring updates.
4. OBD Fusion
OBD Fusion, developed by OCTech, was recognized in 2018 as a user-friendly OBD2 app for iOS that provided comprehensive vehicle diagnostic reports when paired with a compatible OBD2 scanner. Its ease of use was a key selling point, appealing to both novice users and experienced professionals seeking a straightforward diagnostic solution.
Alt text: OBD Fusion app displaying a customizable dashboard on a mobile device, showing various vehicle metrics and gauges.
Customizable dashboards were a highlight of OBD Fusion, allowing iPhone users to prioritize the information they wanted to see and closely monitor specific engine functions. Its compatibility with both iOS and Android platforms broadened its accessibility. Features like GPS navigation, emission monitoring, and extensive data logging further enhanced its utility as a versatile iOS OBD2 app in 2018.
Pros:
- Highly customizable dashboards for personalized monitoring.
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
- GPS navigation features.
- Emission monitoring capabilities.
- Extensive data logging functionality.
Cons:
- Key features locked behind expansion packs, requiring additional purchases.
- Lack of diagnostic data sharing features directly within the app.
Conclusion
Choosing the best iOS OBD2 app in 2018 depended on individual needs and priorities. Engine Link offered a balanced, cost-effective solution with essential features. DashCommand provided a premium experience with advanced customization and features. BlueDriver impressed with its wireless connectivity and comprehensive diagnostics, often available without upfront cost, while OBD Fusion stood out for its user-friendliness and customizable interface.
While the year 2018 is in the past, these apps represent the leading options available to iPhone users at that time for vehicle diagnostics. When considering an OBD2 app, checking for compatibility with your specific vehicle and desired features remains crucial. Exploring lite or free versions, if available, can also help ensure the app meets your needs before committing to a purchase. For iPhone owners seeking to understand their car better in 2018, these iOS OBD2 apps offered valuable tools for vehicle health monitoring and informed car maintenance.
