Bluetooth in Mobile App Development: Essential Overview

It has become such a seamless part of our lives that we barely even think about it — Bluetooth pairs all sorts of IoT devices, from washing machines and lights to home audio systems. It's even used in medical devices like glucose monitors to send data directly to your phone. Bluetooth also helps with navigation in big places like airports or shopping malls, offering location-based services to point out nearby stores or helpful information.

Considering its wide use and popularity, have you ever wondered how Bluetooth technology actually works and how IoT devices communicate with each other? Whether you're already familiar with Bluetooth development or not, I'm here to share an essential overview with you.

Basics First

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that runs on radio waves, specifically in the 2.4 GHz frequency range and is also used by Wi-Fi and cordless phones. The connections happen through something called a piconet, where one device acts as the central device, and up to seven others can connect as a peripheral device. 

Bluetooth was first introduced mainly for wireless headsets and simple file transfers. As technology improved, Bluetooth started offering better data rates and extended range. The future looks even more promising, with a lot of room for improvements down the road.

Bluetooth Classic vs. Bluetooth LE

Did you know that your headphones and fitness tracker use different types of Bluetooth depending on how they manage data and power?

The first type is called Bluetooth Classic, and it's designed for tasks requiring continuous data streaming, such as playing audio through headphones. The second one, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), is more optimized for periodic, low-power data exchanges, making it perfect for sensors and heart rate monitors. Devices like wearables and smart home gadgets operate on small batteries and must last longer, so Bluetooth Classic isn't a practical solution for those types of devices. Bluetooth LE is a much better fit as it extends battery life while still getting the job done.

With the arrival of Bluetooth 5.0, we've seen some significant improvements – the range has been expanded to 240 meters, and data transfer speeds are noticeably faster. Bluetooth 5.0 has also improved the functionality of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for IoT devices, giving it a competitive advantage over Bluetooth Classic.

Benefits of Bluetooth Technology

The great thing about it is its wide compatibility across different devices and platforms, which makes it a win-win for everyone. 

1. For Users

One of the biggest perks of Bluetooth for end users is its low power usage, especially when you compare it to other options like Wi-Fi. That's a big reason why it became so popular across a variety of devices and apps. Take something like Apple's AirDrop as an example of how far Bluetooth tech has come — it makes every data transfer fast and easy.

Another perk lies in its flexibility and convenience. You can use Bluetooth in many ways, whether pairing it with different devices or integrating it into multiple apps, ranging from consumer electronics to various IT solutions.‍

2. For Businesses 

Incorporating Bluetooth technology into your products can benefit your business, too. One of the biggest perks is boosting efficiency — think faster data transfers and improved interactions between devices. With Bluetooth, you’re saving on costs, too, since it helps cut down on extra hardware and simplifies workflows. The best part? Because of its flexibility, it can easily adapt as the business grows, ensuring long-term viability.

All these benefits ultimately add up to improved customer experience. When your users have a seamless experience, they’re more likely to stick around, and over time, that loyalty just starts to grow naturally.

Developing Apps With Bluetooth Technology

Choosing The Right Framework

Choosing the right platform early in the development process is crucial, as it establishes the foundation for your app's functionality and user experience.

If an app heavily relies on Bluetooth features, I highly recommend going with native development. It allows more fine-tuned performance and provides better access to device-specific features. While frameworks like Flutter or React Native could work, they don't offer the same level of customization or optimization as native development. Also, it reduces overhead since you have more direct control over what's happening in the background. If you decide to go with native, you'll notice that Android and iOS have different approaches affecting how developers create apps. 

When it comes to Android, the platform uses Bluetooth APIs, which allows developers more flexibility in customizing the apps. The only downside is that they often have to write a lot of boilerplate code – repetitive code necessary for standard tasks or setups. 

Unlike Android, iOS has stricter rules when it comes to background Bluetooth usage. For example, they require developers to ask for special permissions from users, which aligns with Apple's focus on security and privacy. The benefit of this approach is that iOS features a more straightforward framework. Developers use a tool called Core Bluetooth framework, which makes it easier to build Bluetooth features into their apps.

The Communication Process

For the devices to connect with Bluetooth technology, they must first establish a communication channel. Let's break it down into three basic steps:

1. Discovery
2. Pairing
3. Data transfer

To start, devices need to be discoverable so they can find each other – that's the part when you turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Once discovered, the devices are paired, and they'll establish a secure connection. After successful pairing, they can finally exchange data with each other.

As mentioned previously, Bluetooth LE is commonly used for communication nowadays. It utilizes different profiles – a predefined set of rules that determine how devices communicate with each other. These profiles allow devices to subscribe to specific data channels (called characteristics) to send or receive data. This setup also enables simultaneous communication in real time without any delays. For instance, if you make an update on your phone or laptop, the IoT device receives that information instantly, ensuring that both devices are in sync.

What also makes Bluetooth technology so convenient is that you can connect to a variety of devices, and it doesn't have to be limited to just one. It allows apps to connect multiple devices simultaneously, creating personalized and functional experiences. As a result, users can easily control and monitor various devices right from their smartphones.

Testing The Bluetooth Apps

Just like the development process, testing Bluetooth apps can also be pretty tricky due to their complexity. So, before you even start, it's important you understand the purpose, functionality, and data behavior of the Bluetooth device you'll be working with. 

Before anything else, you have to ensure proper pairing between devices and monitor how the app handles permissions and multiple connections. Next, test how distance affects connection quality, as users may not always be near the device. Another essential step is evaluating the firmware's performance, including how updates are handled and potential issues. Finally, you'll have to test the app's communication between the app and the Bluetooth device. 

What’s Next for Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology has come a long way, evolving with innovations like Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and the enhancements of Bluetooth 5.0. These upgrades have made data exchanges much more efficient, extending the operational range to around 200 meters and allowing for larger data transfers. Looking ahead, Bluetooth holds great promise in fields such as healthcare, IoT, and smart city solutions.

If you want to take a closer look into our development process involving IoT devices and Bluetooth technology, stay tuned for our upcoming case study.