Disabling GPS on Apple Watch series 2

[Dormammu]

anyone know if this is possible if you don't want it on?

 

[bscheffel]

anyone know if this is possible if you don't want it on?

Im wondering exactly the same thing - i'd gladly trade GPS for extra battery power if you can disable it. Wonder if anyone who got to play with the Series 2 yesterday notices a setting in Watch OS 3 for disabling or at least controlling when GPS was active.

In fact if you cannot im actually tempted to go for a Series 1 to replace my current Apple Watch - i do want a faster chip to minimize the spinning but i need something else to make the extra thickness and $100 worth it. I already shower with my watch and don't swim. I have no use for GPS.

 

[oftheheavens]

I have a strong feeling that it is possible or it will be with an update shortly after release. I am willing to bet you could get an extra 20% (converted into usage time of course) if you turn it off.

 

[exxxviii]

anyone know if this is possible if you don't want it on?

It is probably a non-issue. If the AWS2 behaves like every other GPS-enabled smart fitness watch on the market, the GPS is not turned on until you start a workout. So, the chip probably consumes no power until then; therefore there is nothing to disable. And, as with all other GPS-enabled smart fitness watches, there are also options to workout without GPS. Apple probably duplicated all of these behaviors in the AWS2.

 

[lordofthereef]

It is probably a non-issue. If the AWS2 behaves like every other GPS-enabled smart fitness watch on the market, the GPS is not turned on until you start a workout. So, the chip probably consumes no power until then; therefore there is nothing to disable. And, as with all other GPS-enabled smart fitness watches, there are also options to workout without GPS. Apple probably duplicated all of these behaviors in the AWS2.

Isn't this also exactly how their iPhones work?

 

[exxxviii]

Isn't this also exactly how their iPhones work?

Pretty much. Location Services is a little more broad than just GPS, so it might return a location without activating the GPS chip. But, if an app starts that needs constant GPS positioning, then the phone probably turns the chip on full speed.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Disabled GPS in a Series 2 is called "Series 1" 😉

 

[exxxviii]

Disabled GPS in a Series 2 is called "Series 1" 😉

Haha. Touche.

 

[CVC]

My understanding is it will only use GPS if you start a workout that uses distance such as a run or walk AND there is no iPhone present.
I am curious too if there will be increased battery life if you don't use the GPS or if the upgraded CPU and GPU are eating into it.

Edited to add Apple's tests: http://www.apple.com/watch/battery.html All tests done while paired with a phone.

 

[Wondercow]

My understanding is it will only use GPS if you start a workout that uses distance such as a run or walk AND there is no iPhone present.
I am curious too if there will be increased battery life if you don't use the GPS or if the upgraded CPU and GPU are eating into it.

Edited to add Apple's tests: http://www.apple.com/watch/battery.html All tests done while paired with a phone.

From the link, emphasis mine:

Workout
Up to 8 hours
Testing conducted by Apple in August 2016 using preproduction Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2, and Apple Watch Edition, each paired with an iPhone; all devices tested with prerelease software. Tested with workout session active, heart rate sensor on, with iPhone. Using the built-in GPS of the Apple Watch Series 2 without iPhone, workout time is up to 5 hours. Battery life varies by use, configuration, and many other factors; actual results will vary.