Feature Request: Native Sound Level / Sound Pressure Component for iOS Companion

App Inventor for iOS
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Hi App Inventor Team,

I’d like to request consideration for native sound level (sound pressure / loudness) support in the iOS Companion, similar in spirit to the existing SoundPressure extension on Android.

I understand that traditional .aix extensions are not supported on iOS due to platform and App Store restrictions, and that any supported functionality must be baked directly into the Companion (as has been done with the Personal Image Classifier and other experimental ML features). With that in mind, this request is specifically for a built-in component or blocks, not extension loading.

Why sound level support matters

Sound level measurement is a powerful and accessible concept with strong classroom value:

  • STEM & physics concepts
    Decibels, amplitude, waves, and signal strength
  • Environmental & data-collection projects
    Classroom noise monitoring, quiet vs. loud space comparisons, and data logging
  • Accessibility & SEL use cases
    Visual feedback for volume awareness and voice modulation
  • Cross-platform parity
    Android currently supports this through extensions, while iOS has no equivalent

In mixed-device classrooms, this currently blocks entire project ideas for iOS users.

Why this fits well as a baked-in iOS feature

  • Relies on microphone input and amplitude analysis, which iOS already supports natively
  • Similar in scope to other baked-in sensor and ML features now appearing in the iOS Companion
  • Would enable many projects without requiring third-party services

Even a simplified or relative sound level (rather than true calibrated dB) would be extremely useful and student-friendly.

Possible minimal implementation

A lightweight version could include:

  • StartListening
  • StopListening
  • SoundLevelChanged(value) event

Optional additions:

  • Averaging interval
  • Normalized or relative scale (for example, 0–100)

This would keep the component approachable while avoiding calibration complexity.

Classroom context

In my middle school and high school technology courses, students frequently build sensor-based apps (light, motion, temperature, etc.). Sound level is a natural next step, but iOS users currently can’t participate in these projects. A native sound level component would immediately unlock cross-platform parity for these activities.

I’d be happy to help test, provide classroom examples, or offer feedback if this is explored further.

Thanks for all the work you continue to do supporting creative computing across platforms.

— Mike