Question about the Apple Watch 3 GPS + GLONASS connectivity

[Phily]

Hi,

does anybody know if the Apple Watch 3 works as a GPS + GLONASS "receiver" for the iPhone?
I use some apps to track my flights with my iPhone (CloudAhoy e.g.). As I store my iPhone in a sidepocket or the seatpocket of the Cessna 172 the connectivity is not always the best.
My thoughts are that if the Apple Watch 3 works as a GPS/GLONASS receiver for the iPhone there would be a better signal and a better tracking as the watch has a direct visabilty to the sky through the windscreen or the side windows all the time.

Thanks and kind regards!

 

[TScottTX]

From the Tech Specs on Apple site:

Series 3 GPS

• Built-in GPS and GLONASS

 

[mk313]

I don't know for sure, but I'd suspect not. Apple does everything they can to squeeze extra battery life out of the watch, including using the phones gps when available. So I doubt they would allow the watch gps to send data to the phone, as it would run down the battery pretty quickly.

 

[Phily]

mk313, that makes sence ...
Maybe it would work if I'd use a decent Apple Watch app for tracking and turn the iPhone into flightmode. Unfortunately the apps I use for tracking doen't have a decent Apple Watch version 🙁