Starting Loop: Compatible iPhone

Recommendation

We recommend an iPhone that is compatible with iOS 17 (or higher).  Loop requires a minimum iOS of 15.1, LoopFollow requires iOS 15.6 and LoopCaregiver requires iOS 16.  It is unusual for the developers to support so many versions of iOS.  We are uncertain when the developers will stop supporting iOS 15.x, but if you are currently using a device that can’t be updated, you should look for something newer.

In addition to your primary Loop phone, a backup device (see Backup Plan) is recommended for Loopers (it does not need to be activated with a telephone number/mobile service).

If you don’t own another iPhone, a potential backup device for Dexcom users is a newer iPad.  Because of their size, it’s not a long-term solution, but could get you through an emergency situation.  For this to work, you’ll need an iPad that can run OS17 or higher and that is compatible with your CGM’s app. Dexcom provides this list of devices, including many iPad models, that are compatible with their apps.  Based upon our research, Libre apps are not compatible with the iPad.  As with all backup devices, be sure to install both Loop and the CGM app on your iPad in advance.

If you have a Nightscout site connected to your Loop app, then install Loop but DO NOT go through the onboarding process. One of the first steps of onboarding is to ask if you want to import settings from Nightscout. If you say yes, then you get the most recent settings from Nightscout. (This step requires access to the internet. If that will not be available, then definitely enter your most recent therapy settings before your trip.) Either way, take a copy of your settings as backup (screen shots are good.)

If you are using another person’s phone, then when you onboard Loop DO NOT enable writing to Apple Health because the glucose, carb and insulin data would be associated with Apple Health for the owner’s Apple ID, not the Looper’s Apple ID. Loop does not require Apple Health to operate – that’s just a convenience if you like looking at Apple Health.

A data plan is not mandatory, but it is recommended.  Your phone will connect to your pump/radio-link and CGM via Bluetooth.

If Loop is for your child, you will want to have a cell or data plan in order to be able to follow their glucose remotely, or to use Loop’s remote commands. School WiFi may not be enough, and you will want to be able to access their data at times other than when they have WiFi access, such as during excursions, travel to and from school, sport activities, etc.

 Turn On Parental Controls

If your Looper is a child or teen, you should turn on some of Apple’s parental control features on the Looper’s phone.  There are lots of stories from panicked parents about

• the Loop app being accidentally deleted.  No one wants to rebuild Loop and redo the Onboarding process at midnight.  
• the phone time being advanced to play a video game.  This creates future glucose that must be found and then deleted from both Apple Health and Loop, which is not as easy as it sounds.

To prevent this from happening to you, go to Settings > Screen Time > Enter a passcode. Of course, your child would never cause you a sleepless night on purpose, but a Looping phone is a medical device and you should take this simple precaution upfront.  

Apple provides additional parental controls but the two listed here are most important for Loopers.