Apple Watch Ultra 4 Drops GLONASS Support

[MacRumors]

Apple removed GLONASS support from the Apple Watch Ultra 4, according to technical specifications listed for the device. The Ultra 4 supports GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, while the prior-generation Ultra 3 supported GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.

GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS use CDMA-based signaling and support multiple frequencies for more accurate positioning. Consumer devices typically only receive an L1 signal from GLONASS, so it is less useful on devices with dual-frequency support. GLONASS also uses a different signal architecture, and receivers have to correct for hardware timing delays on a per-satellite basis, which can lead to positioning errors.

Apple did not say why GLONASS support was removed, but dropping it could improve accuracy, reduce processing, and possibly improve battery life.

The Apple Watch Series 12 continues to support GLONASS, likely because the L1-only limitation is less relevant on a single-frequency device.

Article Link: Apple Watch Ultra 4 Drops GLONASS Support

 

[poematik13]

GLONASS is russian lol. this is because of the war

 

[Astuces iOS]

I guess the gps will have some troubles if you are in the moon !

 

[mikesilv]

Glonass has had issues. Russia doesn't exactly have the money and focus to keep the full constellation of satellites operating. It's been in a degraded state for some time.

 

[jz0309]

GLONASS is russian lol. this is because of the war

if that we're the case, why does the S12 support it??

The Apple Watch Series 12 continues to support GLONASS,

 

[richard371]

if that we're the case, why does the S12 support it??

It only uses band L1

 

[jz0309]

It only uses band L1

I know that, but the poster I was replying to was suggesting it is disabled due to political issues, so if that were the case, why only on 1 model and not every model?

 

[svish]

Interesting to hear about this. As long as it improves accuracy, it should not be an issue.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

So the glass will scratch and crack like regular glass? Is Apple trying to go out of business?

 

[richard371]

I know that, but the poster I was replying to was suggesting it is disabled due to political issues, so if that were the case, why only on 1 model and not every model?

Ah who knows with Apple.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

Above 45 degrees, a device starts to have limited visibility of GPS satellites. GLONASS (and Galileo) are useful if you live in or frequently travel to higher latitudes -- assuming you really need that level of PNT data performance.

 

[igneousc]

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

But how I find way back to my MiG

 

[dmx]

Maybe I’m crazy but of all the potential and speculative reasons listed as to why Apple may have removed support, it feels like one big potential reason is missing.