As air pollution chokes major Indian cities, the first instinct for many is to check the AQI on their phone’s weather app. But here’s the catch — that number you see isn’t universal. Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and others pull air quality data from different providers, meaning two phones sitting side by side can show slightly different readings for the same location. These variations stem from how each brand sources, processes, and updates its AQI data — a small but crucial detail when the air outside turns toxic.
iPhone: BreezoMeter
Apple’s iPhone sources its air quality data from BreezoMeter, an Israel-based environmental intelligence platform. BreezoMeter uses machine learning models, ground-based sensors, and satellite data to provide hyperlocal AQI readings. It factors in multiple pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and O₃, to display real-time air quality information in the Weather app and on Siri.
Samsung: The Weather Channel
Samsung smartphones and tablets rely on Weather.com, operated by The Weather Channel. The platform combines data from government sensors and global monitoring stations. In India, Samsung’s native Weather app integrates AQI updates through this source, giving users localised pollution data based on city or GPS location.
OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme: The Weather Channel
Devices from OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme also depend on The Weather Channel for air quality information. The integration is part of their system weather widgets and apps. The data provided includes AQI levels, pollutant breakdowns, and health advisories. Since all three brands share similar system frameworks, the air quality readings are usually identical.
Google: Google Weather
Google’s Pixel devices and the Google Weather service use Google’s own data aggregation system, which draws from multiple public and private sources. While the company does not disclose specific providers, it blends data to offer a general AQI overview, often based on citywide averages rather than hyperlocal values.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco: AccuWeather
Smartphones from Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco use AccuWeather for their AQI and weather data. AccuWeather sources pollution readings from global monitoring networks and national environmental agencies, providing city-level air quality updates via the native Weather app.
iPhones use BreezoMeter, Samsung relies on Weather.com, and OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme depend on The Weather Channel for AQI data—here’s how your smartphone determines local air quality readings.
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