Apple has confirmed that all three of its 2022 Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and the Apple Watch Ultra, are equipped with their own GPS systems. This marks a significant departure from previous models, which relied on the GPS of a nearby iPhone to save battery life on the watch.
When the Apple Watch was first released, it relied on a nearby Apple Watch for processing. However, this changed with the release of the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017, which offered cellular connectivity and allowed the device to make calls without the presence of an iPhone. The following year, the Apple Watch Series 2 introduced its own GPS system, although it still relied on the GPS of a nearby iPhone whenever possible.
The new Apple Watch models are able to use their own GPS thanks to larger batteries that provide longer battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra, for example, has a battery that keeps the device powered for “up to 36 hours,” allowing it to use its own GPS system. The battery on the Apple Watch Series 8 and the second-generation Apple Watch SE is also large enough to enable the use of their own GPS systems.
In addition to the larger batteries, the Watch Ultra and the iPhone 14 line also feature dual-band GPS frequency, which provides more accurate location data in large cities. Dual-frequency GPS measures its accuracy in centimeters, while single-frequency GPS delivers accuracy to a distance of 5 meters. This makes the dual-band GPS particularly useful in urban environments where the density of buildings and other structures can interfere with location accuracy.
The shift towards self-sufficient GPS capabilities on the Apple Watch highlights the progress that the device has made towards independence from the iPhone. While the Apple Watch was once reliant on the iPhone for processing and location data, it has now become a standalone device with its own GPS system and the ability to make calls without the presence of an iPhone. This makes the Apple Watch an increasingly versatile and convenient device for a wide range of activities and tasks.
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