iPhone experiencing GPS problems after 2.0.1 update?
By Donald Melanson 
posted Aug 11th 2008 4:18PM
posted Aug 11th 2008 4:18PM
While some complaints after any firmware update are to be expected, there seems to be a decided uptick in the number of reports of problems with the iPhone's GPS (ranging from general wonkiness to all out failure) after the most recent 2.0.1 update. As the responses on the MacRumors forums indicate, however, the problems are far from across the board (or confined to the iPhone 3G), and GPS problems haven't exactly been that rare of an occurrence before this latest update either. So, we'll open it up to you, dear readers -- have you had any newfound iPhone GPS problems?
[Thanks, Mike]
[Thanks, Mike]
Does anyone have a phone that doesn't?
HTC Mogul here with TomTom, Google Maps, and Live Search, and the GPS capabilities are far far more responsive than any other phone Ive seen yet on the market.
I usually pick up anywhere from 6-9 satellites on TomTom and establish a GPS connection (via AstroGPS Launcher primer) within 5-10 seconds of launching the app on my Mogul.
Mine works perfectly. It has the GPS location "Poor-house" with an icon on it saying "You are Here."
Same here, i love my mogul. 10 seconds max to lock onto satellites, and turn by turn spoken directions.
Yay!
@ Hamidxa
STFU.
Mine only works sometimes. I asked it for directions to the "Cat House", but it led me directly to the "Dog House". I looked in the mirror this morning, and realized i was in the "DOH! House".
True story.
@waiownsyou
Why so serious? Hamidxa just answered Decoy's question... I haven't heard much about the Mogul until now and it sounds like a pretty good phone. You don't like hearing about phones that perform tasks better than the iPhone? :'(
My iPhone has had issues with GPS from day 1 and still does have them. Issues with locking on (sometimes taking minutes and not even showing a guess as to where I am), and sometimes apps being told the wrong location or hanging because they can't get the location from the phone itself. If i power down the phone and restart it it usually locks in within seconds after these glitches.
My HTC-Tilt with MS Live Search works wonderfully!
I could also by an antennae to make the receiver more powerful.....
Also, turning on the HSPDA makes the map download seamless where coverage exists...
The whole page is messing the entire point of the iPhone. It is first and foremost a cell phone, it just happens to be one that is capable of functions which you could get from a gps nav unit like tom tom, picture functionality of a digital camera. Although the iphone may not perform gps location as well as a tom tom or take high resolution pictures as a 10.0 Megapixel digital camera, show me a phone that performs better as a cell phone/gps/ipod/camera/organizer/etc.... It is a one in all device that main function was to be a phone. So if you want to complain that you went to just go buy a cell phone and along with this cool phone you also got a fairly accurate gps, a great ipod, the ability to surf the web anywhere, and many more features. If you wanted a great gps nav unit you should of bought a dedicated device, or a great digital camera go get a canon but don't complain that you bought the best phone in the world that also happens to do the job of multiple devices fairly well, and is in a state of constant improvement
To quote Nelson Muntz of The Simpsons,
"HA! HA!"
Tested out using google maps and other apps that use GPS, to pin point the location either a once or continuously like google maps. Works just fine, helps me get from A to B if I am lost, accurately since 2.0 and 2.0.1
i have a voyager and use VZ Navigator
sold my 1stgen iphone for it
works just fine
never any problems and the moment im off course by like ten feet it starts to find a different way just incase
its pretty baller
I am seeing a problem occasionally it will not find my location in Google maps and applications just get hung up trying to find my location. Turning the different radios on and off sometimes gets it working. Other times a reboot is needed.
GPS does seem to be off in 2.0.1, but that may have been true before as well.
Apple wants to prove its point that the iphone cannot support turn by turn directions. Aren't they quick?
No problems here, but I just got 3G a few days ago and had only used it for one day before installing the 2.0.1 upgrade, but so far as I can tell, GPS is working now as well at before.
I did have one instance of GPS not working this morning, but I was inside a building and as soon as I moved to a window the pin dropped. I assume this was a signal problem and not a GPS problem.
The GPS doesn't really work all that well... For instance, watch the little blue dot closely as you approach and stop at a stoplight. It will continue moving a little bit at a time as if you're just driving really slowly. We need the 2.1 update for it to function properly.
This is normal. If you watch a, or should I say several, GPS signals in raw data on ANY device you will see that there are variations of about 10m. So second by second you could move that 10m.
Modern GPS units fudge this by using algorithms to detect a signal that has stopped moving and just focus the main point on an average of those areas.
If TOMTOM do come out with an app then you will see a more GPS like display as the current iPhone - Google Maps is very basic but in terms of GPS as accurate as any other unit in the price range.
Of course you could get an iPhone and whack another GPS chip in then it could average out the two signals and be more accurate (although again not always 50% better)
that's interesting. i have a USB GPS device from DeLorme, and that thing is pin point (pardon the pun) accurate. Calculates my driving speed within 1 mph, and never moves when i'm not moving. Too bad the acquiring time is painfully slow.
My gps is all out of whack... doesn't seem to be registering at all.
I thought that the shiny metal back of my iphone might help with it's reception as well...
Seriously though, on my friend's 3G iphone (fido) it still works fine...
Um... i didn't know that original iPhone even had GPS, i thought it was only Cell tower :S
This is why people shouldn't be allowed to own nice things...
1) you own a 2G iPhone. There is no GPS in it.
2) if you really think that radio & GPS signals go through metal better than plastic, I should be more concerned about the state of this country's education system than I already am.
I have had problems with mine. The tower location works fine but it will not activate the GPS chip for the more accurate positioning. I have tried every combination of radios on and off and nothing works. iPhone 3G 16GB Black
It works just as poorly as it did before the update.
Sometimes I think I'd be better off with a map and compass
Ooooh, the analog way!
That's probably not the only issue. I've had to restore via the Poweroff-HomeKey method twice already after the 2.0.1 update. The first time was when it ran out of battery and didn't get past the Apple logo. The second was this morning when it suddenly rebooted and didn't get past the Apple logo.
I'll have to admit that mine has been hit or miss since the update. I usually turn off Location Services, and then load Google maps again. When I get the prompt "Maps would like to use your current location", and click OK, it works fine. It's still something they need to address.
Mine isn't giving a full lock - it gets the big blue crosshair but nothing more.
So, you traded a device with more functionality than pretty much anything I know for something that replicates a pocket? Great purchase...
Mine working same as before, but I also notice at a stop light there is a little hiccup, but it's always done that. Though not really a true GPS, still def. cool for location based stuff or to get you back on track if you made a wrong turn etc. not great, but not horrible either.
2¢
Lane
I use my iPhone 3G for geocaching. I've used it extensively pre and post 2.0.1.
I've had more problems with the GPS after the update. I've also had problems with keyboard lag that I did not have before...
My friend and I both noticed an issue with the auto backlight feature immediately after performing the update.
Mine has been a lot better since the update. Before the update I would sometimes have to restart the iPhone because other apps were not finding my location, at all, not even a general find using the cell towers. Once I restarted it was fine. Also, I would not get even a general cell tower location while inside.
After the update, I have not yet had to restart the phone, and even in my basement I get a cell tower location lock, and out in the open I get a blue dot of GPS almost right away.
So while not yet all the way there, its in a good place for me until 2.1.
I got a new 8GB last week and upgraded to 2.0.1 on activation. GPS hasn't worked once. Indoors, outdoors, wifi on and off, it just beachballs for minutes on end. I never know where I am.
i seem to only have a problem when using other apps, like weather bug (it doesn't get the right location/town name), not google maps
You know GPS stands for Global Positioning Unit, right? The iPhone tells you your position on the globe.
Sure sounds like a real GPS to me...
well, the 2.0.1 update screwed up the locator on the maps application for my ipod touch. i cant even locate my own house now, although if i just sit there playing around with it for 5 hours just pressing the little blue button over and over again it just might work. seriously, i hate this crap, the keyboard is STILL laggier than 1.1.5 btw, and still overall less smooth.
Same here. iPod Touch w/ 2.0.1 update. Shoulda just velcroed my Nano to the TomTom.
Something makes me wonder if an iPhone is really worth it afterall:
iPhone 3G GPS problems
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/iphone-experiencing-gps-problems-after-2-0-1-update/
iPhone 3G MobileMe problem
http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/apple-admits-to-lost-mobileme-messages-bad-karma/
iPhone 3G cracked
http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/30/are-iphone-3gs-cracking/
iPhone 3G App remote kill-switch
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/jobs-60-million-iphone-apps-downloaded-confirms-kill-switch/
iPhone 3G 2.0.1 breaking carrier unlocks
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/05/iphone-2-0-1-breaking-some-carrier-unlocks/
Awesome! :)
Because no other phone has any problems? Or maybe it's because the iPhone's problems get massively overblown by the media because it's so popular? Haters do love a scapegoat, don't they?
I mean you could easily counterbalance all those reports with reports from quite literally *millions* of iPhone owners whose iPhones are all working just fine, thank you. But iPhone and FUD usually go hand in hand around here, so feel free to panic if you need to.
@ Zak
I think the problem is that Apple fed the hype with slogans such as "It just works". Hubris.
@Zak:
Let me do a little editing on your response, and see what you think.
Because no other [OS|Media player|game console|Other MS product] has any problems? Or maybe it's because [Window's|Zune's|360's|Other MS product's] problems get massively overblown by the media because it's so popular? Haters do love a scapegoat, don't they?
I mean you could easily counterbalance all those reports with reports from quite literally *millions* of [Windows|Zune|360|Other MS product] owners whose [Windows|Zunes|360s|Other MS products] are all working just fine, thank you. But [Windows|Zune|360|Other MS product] and FUD usually go hand in hand around here, so feel free to panic if you need to.
Simon: That slogan was in 2006, and it was for Macs. My Mac does, in fact, "just work". What's the problem? The iPhone wasn't even out in 2006 so "hubris" my ass, try again please.
Nohome: I get it, you don't have a response to the points I made so you want to ridicule me instead. For the record, as if it wasn't completely obvious, I never said anything bad about MS. But you go ahead and have your imaginary conversation, and I'll continue to make points that are apparently beyond your ability to counter.
@Zak:
Ah yes, the true Apple apologist - attack somebody for pointing out flaws in your argument for being too stupid to comprehend your elitist attitude. Just like the other day when you leading an all out attack on somebody named Doug for spreading FUD about there being a way that Apple could remotely disable an app. But when Jobs admits to this, nothing more from you is said. Why should we believe anything you say when you have been proven to be completely, and utterly wrong?
Looking through your post history, you have resorted to calling people morons, "mouth breather", dumb, dipstick, "Dickweed", braindead, stooge, hypocrite, ignorant, and more - and that was just in two pages of your comments. I was trying to compare your reaction to many other comments that have been made around here about non-Apple products, and get your honest response, to see if you apply the same reaction to those products. Instead, well, I guess trying to debate something is wrong of me, because the Zak has single-handedly said my question is not worthy of his response.
You have no problem making any comment you wish about a product that competes with an Apple, but how dare anybody say something about Apple - even if those people are Apple users.
@Zak:
One other thing (bring out the Apple lawyers for using their patented quote), at least try to get my alias correct. Or is that another pathetic attempt at making fun of others that are not as wonderful as you are?
Anando, you can add no refunds for apps to that growing list.
Nopone - You call what you did "pointing out flaws in my argument"? Hahaha. Wow. You must still be fairly new to English or something.
Oh and wait, nothing more from me was said? I'm sorry, I didn't get the memo, where was I supposed to post something so you could read it? Oh right, and then I remembered I don't exist to serve your interests. And you think I have an elitist attitude? Compared to you? Really?
Oh yes, and please point out the name calling done by me, but not by other people. That's being objective, good job. And let's be clear, if you were really trying to debate something with me, you would have addressed what I said instead of copying it and subbing in Microsoft products. Snarky sarcasm is not what I would call a "debate", maybe it's different where you come from.
And sorry to disappoint you by not proclaiming my utter hatred of all things Microsoft, but it's pretty typical of tools like you to assume I hate Microsoft. But please backpedal over your original response to me, that will be funny. Come on, make some excuses, let's see it.
And finally, if you really believe I'm knee-jerk defending Apple, you are seriously not paying attention to what I'm saying. I take issue when people say things that are blatantly wrong, stupid or just uninformed, not when they are simply anti-Apple. Look harder, you might be surprised. Did you even read the original post that I was responding to, or did you just respond to me out of some misguided sense of anti-Apple justice?
"Gosh look at all these problems, I wonder if the iPhone is even worth it."
Look at my response again. Look harder this time. Can you see it yet? You gonna tell me my iPhone isn't working? Why don't you go door to door and ask all the millions of people out there how their iPhones are doing if you want to prove me wrong on this one. Calling me an apologist without even reading or understanding what I'm saying is pretty weak, not to mention old. Try harder.
@zak
maybe we should change that old slogan to 'it just doesnt work' then
@Zak
The funny thing about this is that I was in agreement with you. Yes, everything has their problems, and as somebody who has defended Apple to the end, I was trying to get you to extend that assumption (that everything has problems) to all products rather than your beloved Apple.
But insted, you go on a rabid "You do not deserve any response from me, because I support Apple" tear, showing your elitism. You did not attack me the other day, but you did attack others accusing them of spreading lies and FUD when there was proof behind their claims, and something that your Steve Jobs admitted to. Just like you are having a fit that I brought up Microsoft in an article about Apple, you are making claims that were not true - that I am demanding you notify me of your error, and then saying I am elitist for it. You could have easily gone back into those posts and said "I was wrong, sorry about that." But you will not, because based upon your responses, everybody is below you and you cannot be wrong. You say that others have called you names, if they did, that was uncalled for. But where did I call you stupid, or unable to understand English, or the like - much like you called me? Attack, attack, attack - anybody who says anything bad about Apple, Jobs, or any one of the Apple true, must be attacked.
I never said anything about your iPhone not working. But I know that mine has been far, far from anywhere near satisfactory. Are there many people that are perfectly happy with their phone? No doubt. Just like I am sure there are many people that are happy with Windows, 360, Zune, etc.
The only name I will call you is insecure, because that old phrase "Methinks thou doth protest too much" comes to mind.
Zak's been trolling Engadget comments for a long time. Don't feed him.
Yes!!!!! *victory dance* Thank you Nohone. We are slowly amassing an army of logic to defeat Zak.
Zak, you are always the first person to whip out an insult. Go back on your previous posts and you will see it is true. When you posted on an article about Mac viruses, you said that there were none, when a simple google search says otherwise. You chide people for not backing up their opinions, and then spout unfounded "facts." You, sir, are the epitome of hypocrisy.
Whenever i see a stream of question marks from you, i know that the person is going to be ripped to shreds from your vehement stream of nonsensical rhetorical questions.
I'm going to try appealing to your elitist side. If you think yourself so superior in reasoning than these other fools, why do you continue to press your opinion. If you believe you are right, phooey to all the rest. Go away and leave us who are "new at English or something" to discus things in an orderly and peaceful manner.
A word of advice: you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.
Mines working pretty well, but occasionally when im driving it will lose its satellite fix and spend 20 second relocating me.
WOW!
you sold your Phone and got a pretty USB Stick?!
Hey, why not trade that for some beans?
Bad example... Remember how Jack and the Bean Stock ended?
Sweet! I've been looking for a USB Dog Tag that matches my gothic nunchucks! Thanks, Janet!
Mine is still working just fine (relatively speaking for a phone GPS).
Let's hope that firmware 2.1 fixes the growing bug list.
I just got my iPhone a couple of days ago. It came with 2.0 installed, and I updated it to 2.0.1 on my first night after using it for awhile.
I work in Manhattan but live on Long Island, so I was able to test the GPS under 2.0 and 2.0.1 while riding on the LIRR, and it seemed to work perfectly fine to me under both software versions.
It can't pinpoint a lot of the time if I'm indoors (it gets the more 'general' spotting, which narrows you down to a few block radius). But, outside, or in a vehicle, it's been pinpointing and following me just fine.
Why buy a shitty iphone when you can get an iphone?
Your insights are pure poetry,DooM . Promise me you'll never get older.
Something's definitely out of whack with the GPS on my 8GB iPhone 3G. On 2.0, it was spot on, whether on 3G or Wi-Fi. Now, I only get the small blue crosshair on Wi-Fi, and the blue dot drifts around significantly on 3G. Fortunately, I don't use the GPS all that often, so it's not a huge deal for me, but it is irritating nonetheless, and definitely something Apple will have to fix if turn-by-turn apps are coming in the near future.
And, of course, the GPS starts working perfectly again when I test it (on 3G and Wi-Fi) *after* posting about a problem on Engadget. Such is my life.
My GPS is working perfectly after the 2.0.1 update.
I've had issues with it really zooming in. It doesn't tell me that I'm in a different place but it doesn't get as exact as it should. Also my other 3rd party apps still randomly crash so I have to periodically re-download some of them.
wow kool man....
yea that is sarcasm
I'm happy to say I haven't had a problem with the Maps application. The Maps applications is a miracle worker. If it weren't for the application I wouldn't have been able to meet my Xbox Live friend that I've known for years. I used the Loopt app which shows you how far you are from somebody with the app using the GPS function. My friend made his to a mall using the turn by turn directions that you can on the "list" option on the Maps application.
All in all, I have had no problems with the GPS. It is one of my favorite features on the iPhone 3G and I hope I don't experience any problems anytime soon. Thanks for alerting of this Engadget. At least I know if I do experience problems it's most likely a problem with the firmware not any of the physical parts of my iPhone. Once again, thanks Engadget! Your iPhone updates help me throughout the day.
GPS problems? Yes, it keeps putting me 1/4 miles north or south of my location.
New GPS problems? No, but then again I haven't updated.
Remember the times when Apple products where thoroughly tested? Nowadays, more and more problems on their products. They're becoming like any other brand out there. More hype, but not more quality.
PS: I'm not pro nor con Apple products. I own a Mac, a PC, still an old palm TX, etc. I just like good products, regardless of brandings.
Once I saw this article I thought "What will DooM say?" Finally, you posted a good comment.
...soon to be featured on www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com!!! Did it come with a free trial of Axe body spray and some fake tanner?
I've been completely unable to use any location based services since the 2.0.1 update! 16GB iPhone 3G, and no combination of network settings are making it work; 3G on/off, wifi on/off, reseting the location settings, re-download firmware and restore etc. no apps that use the GPS/ cellular location are working!
Actually, just lastnight I visited my parents for dinner, then when I got back home, I checked it and the Maps couldn't find my location and thought I was still at my parents! So lame.
My iPhone 3g was recently replaced by Apple. I had updated to 2.0.1 couple days earlier when it suddenly reset and said "Repair Needed." After trying all the tricks to make it work I went into an Apple Store to get it replaced -- especially since i couldn't restore it. After waiting 45 minutes an Apple employee, not a Genius, simply restored my iPhone. Knowing that it was a hardware problem, i was skeptical -- but left anyway. Then it hit me. Driving down the 91 freeway using the GPS feature, my phone suddenly gave me the repair needed sign again. Shortly, I went back and got it replaced -- like it should have been in the first place.
And even now the GPS feature is still extremely slow -- but i love my iPhone and wouldn't trade it for the world.
The GPS on my iPhone works beautifully - it finds my location way faster than any dedicated GPS unit I've ever used. It's been working just fine, on 2.0 and 2.0.1.
I thought Apple products were supposed to "just work"???
It's a myth.
@ who?
How can GPS stand for Global Positioning Unit?
Got your phone mixed up with your graphics card?
:)
Mine works fine. I don't know about you guys but I don't have any problem ever. Remember how iTunes started very buggy? Now look what iTunes is. Apple will fix any bugs, because they care about their customers.
If you're having trouble getting the pin to drop try this.
Settings > General > Network Turn off 3G
Hit the home button and wait for the Signal Bars and Edge indicator to show up
Open maps and go outside or near some windows so that gps can pick up a signal.
Once the pin has dropped you can go back and turn 3G on again. You should only have to do this once after the firmware update.
--Frankincell
I thought Apple products were supposed to "just work"??
That has been the case; ease of use, intuitive interfaces and robust build quality has until recent times been Apple's strong point.
OH MY GOD YES!! I've noticed that since the 2.0.1 update, the GPS is really outta wack... in places that I was able to GPS in seconds, now takes minutes if ever.
I thought that just Los Angeles (where I live) might have been affected by a damaged satellite or something. Glad to hear this GPS problem is widespread and getting recognition... hopefully this makes a fix that much quicker.
I have had this problem on the 3G and normal from software 2.0
mine is out of whack here in NYC... probably too many towers to bounce around on
bull crap. i have a perfectly beautiful white iPhone 3G and there is no problem with the GPS. i just used it not even 2 minutes ago to test.
After all the small misc. issues I had & then the cracks in the case I took mine back.. So glad I did now that additional GPS issues are arising.. Eventually people will get over all the hype & realize that the 3G network also sucks & not worth the additional funds AT&T Charges.. This phone has way to many issues for being a 2nd version. Plus, why anyone would then pay extra for apps that most other high end mobile phones includes is way to hard to understand. I went to "Metro PCS" for $45.00 per month than includes unlimited minutes, messages, text & no contract..
3G is pretty good man.
I dont understand why it hasent caught on at all in America:S
This is kind of old news for a couple of other blogs and the Apple Support Discussion Boards.
The general consensus is that there's something up with Skyhook. I can't speak for GPS as I'm on an 'Edge' iPhone (2.0.1) and had great service until I upgrade to 2.0 - so before 2.0.1.
Anyway, the support discussion is here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1596432&start=195&tstart=0
Yes I am having GPS issues wiht the 2.0.1 update... I was wondering what the deal was...
The dammm thing looks like shittttt
mmm. mines been jumping all around the place. one minute im 150 metres north then suddenly im heading south. it's great if you are staying in the same location but isn't very accurate when moving.
I'm still on 2.0 and my GPS stopped working this week. I've had my iPhone 3G since July 12 and it worked fine for the first few weeks. I can let it search for minutes and it still won't work at all, even in places that it used to. I think that this could be more of a hardware problem than a software problem since I never updated to 2.0.1 and I have the problem. BTW, I wrote in about the article.
Mine is a 3G from opening day. Now GPS issues until after the update either. Now it sporadically thinks I'm in Pennsylvania when I'm in downtown Salt Lake and other Utah locations.
When I called Apple, they tech told me to reset my network settings, which I did, and everything worked immediately. However, after that, it continued to randomly put me in Pennsylvania again.
No idea.
I'm having no problems with a strong 3G connection in getting a location with the maps. It finds me in
in.. No time at all (10 seconds max) - and seems as accurate as the map detail allows. It has some issues when connected to the EDGE network - I'm yet to get the A-GPS lock, nevermind the exact location.
I'm having problems as well. The maps app as a whole is buggy. I search for a place and it finds it. I ask for directions and it says it can't find the location. I play with the GPS and get to watch the blue dot move around the map.
The directions part pisses me off the most. I can go home and access it via google maps and have no problems but the iphone has tons of issues. I was under the impression it was just a glorified safari interface for google maps.
I have to reboot my iPhone every time I want to use my GPS; which isnt that big of a deal because I have to reboot it once a day to fix the sound when it stops working too.
after the update takes minutes for GPS to pick up my location. sometimes it never finds it.
before the update, GPS was fast, found my position within 10 seconds.
My gps is wonked up.... and I attribute it to the 2.0.1. Now, even with full sky access I rarely (and mostly never) get the pulsing blue pin. Very frustrating.
I have a call in to tech support about it. So far no luck. The level 2 support guy (I got passed the first screening anyway) mentioned this was his first GPS-related problem. I found that discouraging, so I was very happy to see this article on engadget!
-d
Mines been wierd if im relying on network triangulation indoors, before it worked pretty well considering