Apple’s tech specs for the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature dual-frequency GPS support for improved location tracking, The Apple Watch Ultra also support the improved functionality.
The iPhone 14 Pro models and the Apple Watch Ultra can receive signals from GPS satellites operating on both the legacy L1 frequency and modernized L5 frequency.
Precision dual-frequency GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou)
L5 satellites broadcast a more advanced, higher power signal that can better travel through obstacles like buildings and trees compared to L1 signals. By using the two signals, iPhone 14 Pro models will offer improved location accuracy in GPS-based apps, such as Maps.
As noted by MacRumors, the U.S. government lists 17 satellites broadcasting L5 signals in orbit as of June. However, even though L5 has been rolling out since 2010, the government says the L5 signal remains “pre-operational.”
While the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus do not boast dual-frequency GPS support, all four iPhone 14 models continue to support other navigation systems, as mentioned above.
