One way to address the lack of a portable, convenient method for measuring small weights with an iPhone could be to develop an app that leverages the device's built-in sensors. Traditional scales are often bulky and require calibration, while existing iPhone scale apps either rely on external accessories or lack reliability. A native solution could fill this gap for everyday tasks like cooking, mailing packages, or crafting.

How It Could Work

The app could use two primary approaches to estimate weight:

• Pressure-based: For iPhones with 3D Touch or Haptic Touch, the app could measure the force applied to the screen when an object is placed on it. Users might calibrate it first with a known weight (like a coin), enabling the app to estimate other objects.
• Tilt-based: For all iPhones, the accelerometer could detect slight tilts when an object is placed on the screen, estimating weight based on the tilt angle and resistance.

Features could include unit conversion, calibration tools, and a history log. The app might focus on lightweight, flat objects to avoid screen damage, with clear warnings to users.

Potential Benefits and Applications

This approach could appeal to:

• Home cooks measuring small ingredients without a kitchen scale.
• Small businesses weighing lightweight items like jewelry or letters.
• Travelers or hikers approximating item weights in luggage.
• Students or DIY enthusiasts needing rough measurements for projects.

For developers, monetization could involve a freemium model with ads in the free version and premium features (e.g., multi-item weighing, cloud sync) for a small fee. Apple might benefit by showcasing unique hardware capabilities, potentially driving sales of newer models.

Execution and Differentiation

A minimal viable product (MVP) could start with pressure-based functionality for compatible iPhones, focusing on a single use case like kitchen measurements. After testing a free beta for accuracy and usability, tilt-based support could expand compatibility. Compared to existing apps—some of which rely solely on tilt or external accessories—this approach could stand out by combining sensor methods and offering a smoother user experience.

While accuracy would likely be limited (e.g., ±5–10%), the convenience of always having a scale on hand might outweigh the need for precision in casual scenarios. Testing would be key to refining the approach and ensuring user adoption.