A speedometer is one of the simplest apps to build, and there is money in it. Speedometer Simple makes $439K–1.76M a month by our estimate, and HiCar, launched on May 19, 2026, $131K–523K (not Apple data, October 16, 2026). CoreLocation provides the speed, so you need no server and no outside data. You stand out with presentation, widgets and accuracy at low speed.
How much speedometer apps make
On October 16, 2026 the US top 100 grossing Navigation chart had 7 speedometer and car widget apps. Speedometer Simple, HiCar and CARFACE sat in a row at numbers 28, 29 and 30, in the same chart as hunting maps and truck navigators.
| App | Released | US ratings | Price | Top grossing rank | Monthly revenue, our estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedometer Simple | Nov 18, 2014 | 130,082 | free | #28 | $439K–1.76M |
| Car Dashboard Widgets (HiCar) | May 19, 2026 | 1,343 | free | #29 | $131K–523K |
| CARFACE Car Widgets | Jul 8, 2026 | 520 | free | #30 | $50K–199K |
| GPS Speedometer MPH Tracker | Aug 12, 2014 | 13,933 | free | #87 | $134K–535K |
| Speedometer» | Apr 24, 2012 | 50,546 | free | outside top 100 | $142K–567K App Store sales not confirmed by the charts |
| Speedometer: MPH Tracker | Jun 3, 2025 | 722 | free | #54 | $28K–112K |
| Speedometer 55 Pro | Jun 10, 2012 | 2,766 | $3.99 | outside top 100 | paid, $3.99, no estimate |
Appto data as of October 16, 2026. Rating growth September 16 to October 16, 2026. Rating counts and chart positions from the US App Store on October 16, 2026. Revenue is our estimate, not Apple data.
People also pay upfront for a speedometer. Speedometer 55 Pro costs $3.99 to download and in weekly snapshots from September 24 to October 15, 2026 it ranked between number 7 and 17 among paid Navigation apps in the US.
2026 newcomers are already in the chart
HiCar launched on May 19, 2026. It has 1,343 ratings, added 634 in the US in the month from September 16, and reached number 16 in the grossing Navigation chart on September 26, 2026. CARFACE launched on July 8, 2026, has 520 ratings and makes $50K–199K a month by our estimate.
Both newcomers sell car widgets in their names, the speed number is secondary for them. The old speedometers with tens of thousands of ratings are still there, and the niche lets in those who show speed in a new way.
How to compute speed from GPS
CoreLocation provides the speed. Every location has speed in meters per second, and a negative value means the speed is unknown. Next to it is speedAccuracy, the error of that speed. At low speed and in traffic GPS jumps around, so drop or smooth readings with a large error over several points.
Logging a trip in the background needs the background location mode and Always permission. Ask for it only when the person turns on trip recording, the speed screen works with While Using access. Take the units, miles or kilometers per hour, from the phone's region and let people switch.
What goes into version 1
- Large speed. The number reads from a mount at arm's length, day and night.
- An accuracy filter. Without it the first complaint in reviews will be about a jumping needle.
- Widgets and the Lock Screen. HiCar and CARFACE grew on car widgets.
- Simple trip recording. Distance, average and top speed, stored on the phone.
- Nothing to touch while driving. While moving the screen only shows, all settings happen before the trip.
Leave CarPlay out of version 1. It needs a separate Apple entitlement for the app category.
How the niche charges
Speedometer Simple, HiCar and CARFACE are free to download and charge inside the app, while Speedometer 55 Pro sells for $3.99 upfront (US App Store, October 16, 2026). A speedometer needs no server, so free speed with paid widgets, themes and trip log for one purchase or a subscription works.
Risks
- Safety. An app used behind the wheel must not ask for attention. Large type, no overlays and a warning on first launch.
- Accuracy. A phone speedometer doesn't replace the car's instruments, and you shouldn't promise it does.
- Look-alike apps. The top 100 grossing Navigation chart alone holds 7. The difference must show on the first screenshot.
How we counted
Appto estimates revenue from 30 days of App Store rating growth, before Apple's commission. It is our estimate, not Apple data. In half of the cases the estimate is within 2x of the real figure, in four out of five within 3x, and for large apps it tends to run low. Ads, web sales and Google Play are not included. The method is explained in our article on estimating app revenue.
Next steps
In the book 50 iPhone App Niches the speedometer and dashboard is niche 24, with an angle for a newcomer, five version 1 screens and a task for the agent.
A speedometer is easy to run in Appto. Appto rechecks the niche on fresh App Store data, builds the screens, code and widgets with the agent, tests the app on your iPhone through TestFlight and prepares the App Store page. It goes to Apple from your account, or Appto shows you what to press in App Store Connect.
Questions
How much do speedometer apps make?
By our estimate as of October 16, 2026, Speedometer Simple makes $439K–1.76M a month, HiCar $131K–523K and GPS Speedometer MPH Tracker $134K–535K. It is an estimate from App Store rating growth, not Apple data.
How does the app know the speed?
From CoreLocation. Every location carries a speed in meters per second and its error. Drop readings with a large error.
Does a speedometer need internet?
No. Speed comes from GPS on the phone, and the trip log can stay on the device.
Can I sell a speedometer upfront?
Yes. Speedometer 55 Pro costs $3.99 and from September 24 to October 15, 2026 it stayed in the top 20 paid Navigation apps in the US.
Is there room for a newcomer?
Yes. HiCar launched in May 2026 and was number 29 in the grossing Navigation chart on October 16, 2026, with CARFACE, launched in July, right behind it.
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