Apple Watch Ultra 4 Drops GLONASS Support
Apple removed GLONASS support from the Apple Watch Ultra 4 , according to technical specifications listed for the device. The Ultra 4 supports GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, while the prior-generation Ultra 3 supported GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou. GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS use CDMA-based signaling and support multiple frequencies for more accurate positioning. Consumer devices…
Apple has discontinued support for GLONASS in the latest iteration of the Apple Watch Ultra, known as the Ultra 4, according to technical specifications. GLONASS support is absent in the Ultra 4, while its predecessor, the Ultra 3, still included the Russian satellite navigation system. GPS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou continue to be supported by the Ultra 4, all utilizing CDMA-based signaling and multiple frequencies for enhanced accuracy.
Devices typically only receive an L1 signal from GLONASS, which is less beneficial on devices equipped with dual-frequency support. GLONASS employs a distinct signal architecture, necessitating per-satellite timing delay corrections that can result in positioning inaccuracies. The reasoning behind Apple's decision to remove GLONASS support remains undisclosed, but its absence could potentially enhance accuracy, streamline processing, and possibly extend battery life.
Notably, the Apple Watch Series 12 still supports GLONASS, likely due to the reduced relevance of the L1-only limitation on a single-frequency device.
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