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Google Maps uses GPS after a phone call...

Mad Mac Maniac

Mad Mac Maniac

macrumors 601
Original poster
Oct 4, 2007
4,808
2,110
A little bit of here and a little bit of there.
So I've noticed recently that when I get off a phone call I'll see the GPS icon activated on my iPhone 5. I started investigating to determine the cause. I've discovered that it is the Google Maps app that queries my GPS information at the end of a call.... Does anybody else have this problem (or "feature" as Google would say)?

It stays on for like 10-15 seconds.
 
While this is certainly an interesting find, it needs to be made clear that there is no such thing as a "GPS icon" on the iPhone. You're talking about the Location Services icon which is not the same thing as GPS.

I'd still be interested to know what Google is using the Location Services for, but knowing the proper terminology may help people if they're searching for answers online.

My guess is simply that it's using cell tower info in order to know what results to give you in searches. For example, if I Google "zoo" on my iPhone I get the DC Smithsonian Zoo as the first result. I'm betting you'll get your local zoo rated first.
 
DayOfChaos said:
Didn't do this for me.
Click to expand...

Well google maps would need to have been used recently enough that it's still in its open, saved state. If the App is completely closed then I don't think Apple's API's would let an app query your "location services".

Small White Car said:
While this is certainly an interesting find, it needs to be made clear that there is no such thing as a "GPS icon" on the iPhone. You're talking about the Location Services icon which is not the same thing as GPS.

I'd still be interested to know what Google is using the Location Services for, but knowing the proper terminology may help people if they're searching for answers online.

My guess is simply that it's using cell tower info in order to know what results to give you in searches. For example, if I Google "zoo" on my iPhone I get the DC Smithsonian Zoo as the first result. I'm betting you'll get your local zoo rated first.
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but I'm not sure why google needs to know my location during each phone call. Sounds a bit sketch.
 
Mad Mac Maniac said:
Well google maps would need to have been used recently enough that it's still in its open, saved state. If the App is completely closed then I don't think Apple's API's would let an app query your "location services".
Click to expand...

So if I understand correctly, to avoid providing information to Google, after you use the Map app, go to the multi-tasking bar and manually close the app...correct?
 
I just tested this myself. Loaded google maps. Confirmed location services was on (upper right). Exited app (left it in task tray). Waited a few seconds for the location service icon to disappear. Made a call. Nothing. Am I missing something?
 
lordofthereef said:
I just tested this myself. Loaded google maps. Confirmed location services was on (upper right). Exited app (left it in task tray). Waited a few seconds for the location service icon to disappear. Made a call. Nothing. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

Well, I can only speak to what's happening on my end, but that's what happens for me.

A couple of notes:
1- I am signed in to my Google account (could make a difference?)
2- the location services only pops up at the end of the call (not during) and stays on for approx 10 seconds.
 
Tj13 said:
Could you have a weather app open and the GPS is momentarily checking?
Click to expand...

No, because I actually go into location services and it shows the purple arrow by google maps indicating that it is the culprit.

I honestly can't say how often this happens, or even if it's still happening, because I typically don't think to look at my phone after I hang up. But after I noticed it I tried a couple more test calls and it still happened.
 
I've noticed the same thing for awhile now. A little disconcerting as the app definitely seems to know when I'm making calls.
Could google be collecting information on us illegally?
 
SufferingIdiots said:
I've noticed the same thing for awhile now. A little disconcerting as the app definitely seems to know when I'm making calls.
Could google be collecting information on us illegally?
Click to expand...

Me too. I'm certain it's Google Maps that's using my location everytime I make a call.

Not sure how to contact Apple about this, but I'm curious and concerned about how a non-native app knows when I'm making a call. I also think that there should be an option to turn this "feature" off, and that it should be opt-in, not enabled by default.
 
I also noticed the location services icon appearing after each call. I'm pretty sure it's activated by Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Usage & Diagnostics.

Strange it only recently started. I can't remember updating the system in the last few days.
 
SufferingIdiots said:
Could google be collecting information on us illegally?
Click to expand...
It's certainly possible but nothing in this thread so far proves anything. As the OP says, it's correlation at best. Causality has not been demonstrated, what the app is going with the data or why it is using location services have not been determined.
 
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