BLE Serial Pro 3.5.0

Ed Nieuwenhuys ❘ Commercial ❘
iOS

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BLE Serial Pro — Compact, capable BLE UART terminal for iOS/macOS

Pete Milner

12/09/2025

A lightweight, open-source BLE UART terminal that reliably connects to nRF and CC254x devices, supports multiple data formats (UTF‑8/Hex/Dec/Oct/Bin), programmable buttons, alarms and exportable logs, but is niche in scope (supports specific BLE profiles), lacks a button/console split-screen and requires iOS16+/M1+ for macOS.

This serial UART terminal application facilitates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication between devices such as ESP32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other PCs equipped with Nordic nRF or Texas Instruments CC2541 microcontrollers. The software supports various hardware platforms, including ESP32 boards and Arduino/Raspberry Pi RP2040, Arduino Nano BLE 33, as well as Arduino SAMD boards like the MKR1010, all featuring integrated BLE microcontrollers.

The PRO version offers the flexibility to select between two BLE protocols, enhancing compatibility and communication options. The interface allows for bidirectional transmission of strings with a sizable display window showing received data, alongside an input line for typing outgoing messages. Unlike many similar applications, it handles strings exceeding 20 bytes without truncation, enabling the use of detailed menus to interact with BLE-enabled computers.

This application has been tested on various hardware platforms, including a Mac mini with an M1 processor, iPad, and iPhone, successfully connecting to CC2541 and nRF based devices such as HM-10, JDY-23, Arduino MKR1010, Arduino Nano 33 IoT, and Nano RP2040.

The PRO version introduces programmable buttons that can send formatted commands in UTF-8 strings, hexadecimal, decimal, octal, or binary formats. These buttons may be configured to send repeated commands at specified intervals or to execute a single transmission. Users can customize the button layout within the interface.

Received messages are exportable for further analysis or record-keeping. The application also offers alarm functionality based on message content in various formats.

The message display window provides multiple configuration options including: - viewing messages in five formats (UTF-8, decimal, hexadecimal, octal, binary), - adjustable font size, - inclusion of timestamps, - auto-scrolling, - clearing the window upon new message receipt, - displaying timestamps alongside messages.

Overview

BLE Serial Pro is a Commercial software in the category System Utilities developed by Ed Nieuwenhuys.

The latest version of BLE Serial Pro is 3.5.0, released on 12/08/2025. It was initially added to our database on 12/08/2025.

BLE Serial Pro runs on the following operating systems: iOS.

Users of BLE Serial Pro gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

Direct BLE UART (serial) terminal for CC254x (HM‑10, JDY‑23) and Nordic nRF devices (e.g., Nano 33 IoT, MKR1010, RP2040 Connect).
Supports multiple data formats for send/receive: UTF‑8, Hex, Decimal, Octal, Binary — useful for different protocol/debugging needs.
Does not truncate strings >20 bytes, allowing descriptive menus and longer payloads.
Programmable buttons (with repeat frequency) and customizable button layout for quick command sending.
Configurable console display options: font size, timestamps, auto‑scroll, clear on new message, display sent messages.
Alarms/notifications on received message contents (audible or silent) and export of received data/console contents.
Small app footprint (~5.1 MB) and universal across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Silicon Macs (M1+).
Open‑source on GitHub (GPLv3) — allows inspection, trust, and potential contribution or customization.
Developer states no data collection in App Store privacy info (local usage, privacy‑friendly).
Actively maintained with bug fixes and iOS updates noted (compiled with recent Xcode, compatibility updates).

Cons

iOS only (requires iOS/iPadOS 16.0+, macOS 13+ on M1) — no Android or cross‑platform mobile client.
Limited to BLE UART profiles implemented by specific chipsets; requires toggling between CC254x and nRF modes or enabling "Show all" to list other devices — may not work with every BLE peripheral out of the box.
UI workflow can be cumbersome: no built‑in split view for buttons and console (users must switch between views), per App Store review.
Device discovery/listing reportedly slower on some iOS versions (historical notes about iOS16/17 listing delay).
Minimal App Store presence and reviews (few ratings) — limited social proof and community feedback.
Small developer/solo project — support channels are limited to developer contact; may lack enterprise support SLA.
Some historic UI/display bugs (e.g., last line disappearing) were reported, though some fixes are noted in changelogs.
Paid app (Pro version cost) — free alternatives may exist with similar basic functionality.

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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