iPhone 16 Pro GPS isn't working.

We also had big problems with the GPS on our (two) new iPhone 16 Pros. I spent a long time online with Apple's support and did everything required. But nothing fixed the problem. I tested the GPS by going for long rides on my bicycle with 3 different devices using GPS. A cycle computer, an Android phone and the 16 Pro. The iPhone's routing was consistently in error, the other two were correct and agreed with each other. We ended up by returning the phones to Apple for refunds. It must be a hardware issue otherwise one would expect Apple to have fixed it by now. If the problem is not resolved I'll have to go to an Android for my next phone.

Update: I've taken my iphone 16 into the Apple Store 2 times.

The 1st time, they performed a diagnostics which determined the phone was "good". Then performed a full wipe and reinstall (painful as I had to re-download all of my apps and music).

This did not help the GPS problem.

The 2nd time I brought it in, it was determined again not a hardware issue. However, the technician's cousin who has an iPhone 15 Pro started having the same exact issue after she updated the iOS to v18.0. This suggests software is to blame.

They cannot give me a new phone as there is nothing wrong with the hardware.

However, what seems to have been working lately is to not have any cover on the iphone when using the GPS. Don't use CarPlay and don't pair it to anything else. (try turning off bluetooth). There are a lot of magnets in the iphone which may suggest mingling with external devices may enhance the issue.

Hope this helps. It seems to be doing the trick for me at the moment.

Hi! I'm user of the new model iPhone 16 Pro Max and I had the same problem than all of you but today I've discovered what was the issue. Apple gave me another phone and I had the same problem with the GPS. But I had that problem in my car, in other cars my gps works fine. I have a old gps antenna of my audio system and that antenna is the problem. I suppose than you could have a similar device in your car and for this reason your iPhone's GPS don't work.

I hope I can help you with this.

My companion and I both returned our new iPhone 16 Pro's due to their faulty GPS. The Apple Store, from where we purchased the phones, were very good. Apart from the GPS issues, these phones were excellent. Very clever and effective Face ID, good mobile reception and smooth and quick function. But the GPS issues were too much, we both rely on that function so much in a number of ways, not only for navigation but recording and following routes on our bicycles. It was a surprise to discover that Apple had reached the 16 and muffed the GPS so badly.

If it's fixed, we'll both buy a new iPhone. But not until then. Apple: please note.

So I have been having the same issues and have been going on for a while now with apple support. We have tried restoring the phone to defaults and still having the issue. Second we tried resetting the eSIM because it “might be service related” but that didn’t work and my wife’s phone works perfectly fine. Third time I was over it and went directly to the Apple Store. Well today I went and spoke with them and they basically told me that they have seen this happen to other phones but they don’t know what is happening. They told me that if my phone is still having problems after the iOS 18.1 update then they are going to give me a new phone. I know it’s a hardware issue but they keep blaming software…

I seem to be having a similar issue, I upgraded from a iPhone 11 Pro Max to 16 pro max and have issues with my gps. The maps and google maps work while phone is locked but my gps goes crazy and starts saying I’m using other roads that are near to the road I’m taking. Its starts jumping off and on the road or throws me across a field. I noticed this more during a road trip through Georgia and Tennessee this past week. I also noticed it while back in my local city especially when I pass under a highway it registered me as on the highway and requested me to do multiple u turns to get back on the road I was already on. This was extremely frustrating especially in unknown roads on a 4 hour trip.

Same issues here, going from a 13 Pro to a 16 Pro, the 16 pro gps is very unreliable and not precise at all, for walking or driving, using Apple Maps or Google Maps, same issues. It randomly jumps from one street to another or doesn’t update for 10-20s while I’m moving. Also once my Uber driver couldn’t find me either because it showed my location on a different street. I hope it gets fixed soon.

My GPS location seems to be really unreliable. It can’t track straight while driving. The map just wiggles back and forth and seems lost. It’s so frustrating as my iPhone 13 Pro worked flawlessly. The new iPhone 16 pro seems to certainly have a location services problem.

I can’t use the GPS with my iPhone 16 either. It has no idea where I am unless I’m on a very open highway and it still tells me to get off on non existent exits. My iPhone 13 mini’s GPS works perfectly and I’m forced to use it for navigation. I’ve run them concurrently and you can see how confused the 16 is constantly showing me on the wrong road and rapid fire rerouting. It’s a mess. Sometimes, after driving many miles the 2 phones will finally match.

I have also the same issue.I previously used the iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the GPS worked flawlessly. However, after switching to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, I constantly see “GPS not available,” and the device repeatedly shows only my approximate location when using Waze or Google Maps. This is extremely disappointing, especially considering the high price I paid for this device. As a result, I now rely on an Android phone for my daily GPS needs. What a waste!

Same here. But since ios18 gps is bad. Iphone 13 was working perfect on 17. After update to 18 issues started. Now with my new iPhone 16 same issues... Totally not accurate

Some vehicles are very insulated and this can interfere with the GPS system on your iPhone when using CarPlay or Bluetooth projections.

No one from Apple here. The support contact link is a the bottom of this page.

I have the same exact problem. I upgraded from the mini 12 to the iPhone 16 and both Maps and Google Maps are practically useless. It always thinks I’m on some other road. I now have to buy a gps for my vehicle.

very disappointed! Apple needs to address and fix this stat!

Dear Customer Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to report an issue with the GPS functionality on my iPhone 16 Pro. Since purchasing the device, I’ve noticed that the GPS frequently fails to provide accurate location data, which affects my ability to use navigation apps effectively.

Despite ensuring that all settings are correctly configured and updating the software to the latest version, the problem persists. This significantly impacts my daily activities, as I rely heavily on GPS for various tasks.

I would appreciate it if you could advise on how this issue can be resolved or provide any necessary support to fix the problem. If this is a hardware issue, I would also like to inquire about the options for repair or replacement.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,

Rudy