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What you'll need

A checklist of the hardware, accounts, and tools before you start the build. Don't worry if some terms are unfamiliar — the build guide explains each as you go.

Hardware

  • A supported pump

    faBolus currently supports the Tandem t:slim X2, plus the usual cartridges and infusion sets.

  • An iPhone

    On iOS 17 or later, with a cable to connect it to your Mac.

  • A Mac

    Running a recent macOS — needed to run Xcode and build the app.

  • Optional: a Garmin remote

    A Garmin Venu 3S if you want a wrist remote for bolusing and checking glucose without pulling out your phone.

Accounts

  • An Apple ID. A free one works (apps expire after 7 days); the paid Apple Developer Program ($99/year) means the app lasts a year and widgets/watch features are more reliable. See Apple ID & Developer account.
  • A free Garmin developer account — only if you're building the Garmin remote (to download its SDK and accept the license).

Software / toolchain

Tool What it's for Where
Xcode 16+ Builds the iPhone app Install Xcode
XcodeGen Generates the Xcode project from project.yml (brew install xcodegen) Install Xcode
TandemKit The protocol/Bluetooth core the app is built on (downloaded alongside the app) Build the app
Connect IQ Mobile SDK for iOS (optional) Lets the iPhone talk to a Garmin watch — only needed if you want the Garmin remote. If it's absent, the app auto-builds without Garmin. Build the app
Connect IQ device SDK (optional) Builds the Garmin watch app itself — only for Garmin users Build for Garmin

For contributors validating the protocol

Verifying the protocol core (TandemKit's byte-exact tests) also needs a JDK 17+ to run the pumpX2 cliparser oracle, and ideally a Bluetooth sniffer to capture a known-good pairing/bolus trace. This is only relevant if you're changing TandemKit itself — see its repo.

Pairing codes

Your pump uses one of two pairing schemes; faBolus supports both and auto-selects:

  • A 6-digit code — t:slim X2 running firmware v7.7 or later (a modern JPAKE handshake). Most current pumps.
  • A 16-character code — older t:slim X2 (pre-v7.7).

See Pairing your pump.

Got everything? Head to the Build guide .