We frequently get asked if you can use Xchart on iPads.
The answer is both "yes" and "no".
In short, you can perform all the functions you normally would on Xchart, except for using the iPad as the device to directly capture vitals from the monitor. Once you have a computer capturing the vitals, you can use the iPad for everything else. In fact, you'll even see the vitals streamed to the iPad via our cloud API. To use it on an iPad, simply:
Open Safari.
Go to Xchart.com.
Sign in using the button in the upper right.
So why can you not directly connect to a vitals monitor?
As a web-based/cloud-based platform, Xchart relies on the capabilities of the browser on whichever device you are using.
In the case of iPads, that means the "Safari" app. Unfortunately, Safari does not (and likely never will) support the ability for a web page running in Safari to connect to a device that is physically or wirelessly connected to the iPad. Apple has historically made their position on this quite clear. They want you to install an app for everything, that way, they can control the distribution (and monetization) of anything that is running on their iPads. So, even though you can find an adapter that will allow you to connect an iPad to the USB cable coming from the monitor, Safari will simply not allow us to talk to it from our web app.
So why doesn't Xchart make an app?
So, we actually did this several years ago. However, it was rejected by Apple when their reviewers realized that subscribers were paying for the service without subscribing through the App Store.
Therefore, doing this would require us to:
Build and maintain a completely separate piece of complex software, in addition to everything we're already doing to keep the service running smoothly.
Add support for a whole other billing mechanism (where Apple maintains the subscriptions, collects subscription fees, takes their cut, and then pays you).
Face the possibility that Apple could, at any time they decide, reject your update or remove you from the App Store using whatever reasoning they choose.
Pay Apple 15-30% of all collected subscription revenue.
Frankly, it's not worth it for us.
Can I just install Chrome on my iPad?
Unfortunately, that doesn't help. Apple also has a strict policy against allowing alternate "browser engines." So, even though you can install an app called "Chrome," it's actually using the same, restricted browser engine under the hood, which is called WebKit, if you're curious.
What about connecting via Bluetooth?
The situation is the same there, unfortunately. Obviously, your iPad is capable of Bluetooth; however, Safari's restrictions prevent us from connecting to it.
What would you recommend instead?
There are Windows and some Chrome OS-based computers that will allow you to install and run the desktop version of Chrome. If you are seeking a true tablet experience, the Microsoft Surface line of tablet computers is a popular choice among our customers.
Do you just not like Apple?
Nearly all of Xchart's software was developed on Apple computers, and we appreciate Apple hardware as well. The issue for us lies in how restrictive iPads are, and Apple's policies make it difficult for us to commit to building specifically for their platform, especially considering the significant fees involved.