# SimpleFT8 — Native FT8 RX/TX for ham radio > Native macOS and iOS app for FT8 and FT4 ham radio digital modes. (iPhone/iPad app by Jeroen Rombouts.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Jeroen Rombouts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112) - Category: Utilities, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $2.99) - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.0 · 6 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-05-19 - Data updated: 2026-08-23 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415/reviews.md ## What is SimpleFT8? SimpleFT8 is a native macOS and iOS app for FT8 and FT4. WHAT IS FT8? FT8 and FT4 are digital modes for ham radio, focused on making long-distance contacts in adverse and/or low-power conditions. Stations alternate transmitting and receiving in synchronized slots, exchanging compact messages over a narrow audio bandwidth. The mode decodes successfully at signal levels well below the noise floor, allowing operators to make contacts on a 1-5 watt power budget with stations on the other side of the planet. SimpleFT8 puts a real FT8 station in your pocket. Decode signals through your radio's audio (USB interface, mic from speaker, system audio capture) and send back replies on the next slot. Everything runs locally; no internet required. WHAT YOU GET • Live decode table per tx/rx slot, refreshed in real time • Slot-aligned transmitter with a structured QSO composer (CQ / reply / report / RR73 / 73) • Tap any decode to start a QS • Optional auto-accept (random pick of callers) and auto-reply to CQ (unworked stations preferred) for hands-off operation • Built-in waterfall display with tap-to-set TX frequency • Local QSO logbook with one-tap ADIF export... drop the file into LoTW, QRZ, ... • Map of stations you've decoded yourself with the app PSK REPORTER + PRESENCE (OPT-IN) If you turn it on in Settings: • Decode reports forwarded to PSK Reporter so you contribute to the global propagation map • See who heard you in the last 15 minutes, plotted on the map • See other SimpleFT8 operators currently online, on the same map Both toggles are off by default. The app is fully self-contained if you'd rather keep it that way; it only calls to NTP servers for the required clock sync. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Native Swift/SwiftUI... no Electron, no Qt port. Looks and feels like a Mac/iOS app should. • System Audio capture on macOS via ScreenCaptureKit. Decode straight from SDR software, WebSDR, or any audio your machine is playing, without a virtual cable. • Random caller selection rather than first-come. Every station in a pile-up has an equal shot at being picked. • Opinionated QSO state machine handles slot parity, role alternation, and protocol step transitions so you don't have to fight the radio. PRIVACY Note that the app is foreground-only on iOS. The mic stops when the app goes to background, to conserve battery. For longer running sessions, use the macOS version which keeps audio I/O alive indefinitely. Optional community features that share your grid location and callsign are clearly opt-in. This app contains no analytics, no tracking, no ads. ## Key features - Live decode table - Slot-aligned transmitter with QSO composer - Built-in waterfall display - Local QSO logbook with ADIF export - Map of decoded stations - Optional PSK Reporter integration ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | SimpleFT8 Pro | $3.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpleft8/id6768739415/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Litener soon to be sender! *2026-06-04* I am using this on a MacBook Air and a SDRplay. My antenna is an indoor dipole. I have decoded hundreds of messages at all hours on both 20 and 40 meters, with farthest away being Qatar (I’m in South Carolina). I am looking forward to upgrading my license so I can send, and the feature set on this package seems to have everything I will want. There are some enhancements I’m looking forward to as well. Most importantly the software has been extremely stable with zero seizures. Thanks JJ! ## Frequently asked questions about SimpleFT8 ### What is FT8 and FT4? FT8 and FT4 are digital modes used in ham radio for making long-distance contacts, especially in low-power or adverse conditions. They work by stations alternating transmissions and receptions in synchronized slots, exchanging compact messages. ### Does SimpleFT8 require an internet connection? No, SimpleFT8 runs locally and does not require an internet connection for its core functionality. It only connects to NTP servers for essential clock synchronization. ### How does SimpleFT8 handle audio input? SimpleFT8 can decode signals through your radio's audio via USB interface, mic from speaker, or system audio capture on macOS. This allows for flexible setup without virtual cables. ### Can I export my QSOs from SimpleFT8? Yes, SimpleFT8 includes a local QSO logbook with one-tap ADIF export. This allows you to easily import your contacts into services like LoTW and QRZ. ### What are the optional community features in SimpleFT8? Optional features include forwarding decode reports to PSK Reporter for global propagation mapping and seeing who heard you or other SimpleFT8 operators online. These are opt-in and off by default. ### Is SimpleFT8 available on Android devices? SimpleFT8 is currently available for macOS, iPhone, and iPad. It is not available for Android devices at this time. ### How often is SimpleFT8 updated? The latest version is 0.3, released on 2026-05-21. Updates are provided by the developer, Jeroen Rombouts, to enhance functionality and reliability. ### Does SimpleFT8 have ads? No, SimpleFT8 contains no advertisements. The app is designed to be ad-free, ensuring an uninterrupted user experience for ham radio operators. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 0.6.5 — 2026-08-08 A more reliable, clearer FT8 station: • Audio meters now use smooth level ballistics, a readable peak hold, and clear clipping feedback. • Fixed CQ-to-QSO handoff so replies and signal reports transmit in the correct next slot. • Made transmit state explicit across iPhone, iPad and Mac. • Added the dial frequency below the waterfall and a quick Hunt/CQ switch. • Distances now use kilometres or miles according to device settings. • Band Hopper is now Mac-only and requires connected CAT/VFO control, stopping safely if CAT disconnects. • Simplified Settings by removing inactive switches. ### 0.6 — 2026-07-07 Full changelog: • Fixes clock sync recovery and adds stronger SNTP validation. • Map pins and station rows are now interactive, showing callsign, grid, distance, SNR, frequency, last-seen time, and local decode/QSO history. • Adds map timeline controls, optional Maidenhead grid overlay, and cleaner layer-specific map filtering. • Improves the logbook with search, sorting, QSO editing, single-contact ADIF copy, show-on-map, and undo after logging. • Adds autonomous band-hopping controls for unattended propagation checks, with synced-clock gating and live stay/skip controls. • Improves automated QSO handling: keeps TX armed after auto-logged QSOs, avoids same-call/grid repeats, and aborts cleanly when a station answers someone else. ### 0.3 — 2026-05-21 - Added FT4 mode support - Minor UI tweaks ### 0.1 — 2026-05-19 No release notes. ## More apps by Jeroen Rombouts - [SimpleSSTV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplesstv/id6756872709) - [HamChat: Morse Decoder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamchat-morse-decoder/id6759712691) - [Pagina100 - Teletekst browser](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pagina100-teletekst-browser/id6761632609) All apps by Jeroen Rombouts: https://appshunter.io/developer/1863358112 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-23.*