Q: iOS 8 Calendar on iPhone showing GMT times for new events.

For the last time, this is not a Google problem! This is happening to Exchange calendars that's exist completely outside of the Google ecosystem. Stop spreading false propaganda. This is an Apple bug. Period.

Well, the fact is that Google is not adhering to standard iCalendar format... It is entirely possible, however, that Google used this non-standard format for a long time and that iOS 7 and lower did support that custom timezone field, but Apple somehow messed it up in iOS 8. That still does not put Google off the hook for this issue...

BTW, I have several Exchange calendars on my iPhone, and they do not exhibit this problem (could be due to Exchange server versions and/or its settings).

iCal is an Apple standard and Google is not required to comply with it.  However, as stated many times here, Google is not the only interface that causes this problem.  The issue, once again, is with Apple.

Do not mix up iCal (Apple's calendar application) with iCalendar (file format used to describe calendar events/meeting requests). iOS is using iCalendar data format to communicate with Google Calendar, which also replies in that format, but using non-standardized extensions.

Just did another comparison between Google Calendar account (which has GMT problem) and an Exchange account (which does not):

- Google Calendar: iOS is sending iCalendar .ics file to Google to create an event (Content-Type: text/calendar)

- Exchange 2010: iOS is using ActiveSync protocol to add events (Content-Type: application/vnd.ms-sync.wbxml)

Ah.  Sorry!

For calendar events that are already created...In your calendar app, Edit calendar event time (Time zone arrow below the start and end time) you can change the time zone setting. You may have to type in you local time zone.

For new calendar event... (In your calendar app) Make sure you set the local time zone (below the start and end time). Following this event entry my new events came up with the correct time zone. Hope this helps!

Sorry Technewby, it doesn't help re a new event, because a few seconds after saving it, it reverts to GMT.  Your method works for events that are already created though (don't forget to adjust the time as well as the time zone).

I am having the same issue. Hey APPLE, if this does not get fixed...I will go back to the android.  I have a small business where I make appointments for my clients everyday.  If this was just a cosmetic issue I would not care.  But this effects my schedule when you go back to edit an appointment and it shows the time for 5 hours later. I pay good money to have this phone.  The calendar cannot be removed because Apple installed it.  I need APPLE to respond! I thought it was a 4S issue with the last update.  I have a client with a 6 and he is having the same issue.

Is Apple going to be paying any attention to this string? This is a complete DEAL BREAKER!! If I can't use my ICal, what the heck do I need this Iphone for? It's so dicey editing posts in GMT, it's not even funny. I'm in California where GMT is 8 hours ahead. On some entries, GMT takes my edited entry into the next DAY!! If I'm not super careful, I have the entry on the wrong day altogether. I'm considering Android. I really can't stand watching Apple go into the toilet, especially when its taking me with them!

Grrrr.... Make it go away

I just spent the last hour on the phone with Apple troubleshooting. After 52 minutes, they told me they were aware of the problem and that it is not an Apple problem but a Google problem and that, on the one hand, Apple cannot do anything about it, but on the other hand, they are working with Google to come out with a bug fix. Was very frustrated that I was jacked around for nearly an hour troubleshooting something that they KNEW had no resolution. He said the resolution is to stop using Google and move all my calendar events over to iCloud. I then asked, what about my Facebook events, and my calendar events from Outlook that are also showing GMT? He only said that they must use a Google server as well. This is such a headache for someone who depends on their calendar for work on a daily basis. Ugh!

I then asked, what about my Facebook events, and my calendar events from Outlook that are also showing GMT? He only said that they must use a Google server as well.

Are you serious? That's a ludicrous response from Apple support. Microsoft and Facebook are not using Google servers to host their stuff. Lord a'mighty.

abubasim66 wrote:

 

The time zone setting in my Google calendar settings is already correct. If it weren't, the problem would affect all my devices. As it is, it now affects my iPhone 5s (iOS 8.1.2) and MBP (10.10.2 beta) but not my iPod Touch 4th gen (with iOS 6.1.6) and not my Asus NPFI running KitKat.

A correction to my post! I charged and powered on my old iPod Touch 4th generation with iOS 6.1.6 to test this again. The problem affects this as well. But the calendar doesn't show the time zone for an entry unless you select the entry to view the details. After creating an entry, it is shown with the same time, but when selecting it, I see that the time zone has changed to GMT. To fix this, the same steps need to be taken: change time zone back to the local time. The start and end times also need to be reverted back to the local time as well.

I also checked my iMac with Mac OS 10.6.8. I configured iCal with my google calendar. When creating an entry, time zone information is not shown unless time zone support is switched on in preferences. Then it also shows new entries with GMT as the time zone.

My guess is that the word probably hasn't gotten around yet that it is their problem and not a Google problem.  My guess is that the tech that gave mshelbym the information about the fix talked to a supervisor who wasn't up on the issue at hand and has old information.  I know that's annoying, but I also guess that they are working on a large number of issues in iOS, and they just haven't gotten out the current word on this issue.

I know we are all VERY annoyed with them on this particular issue, but they just recently accepted this as their problem and have told us the next release will fix it.  I sure hope that's the truth.

It's bad that they can't get their support act together.  They mislead people when they aren't communicating well.  Based on the fact that there has been no response from Apple in this thread, I wonder if their support is under water.

We have reported here that iOS 8.1.3 is supposed to have the fix in it.  We know that the problem is Apple's, and they have committed to fixing it.  So, you can either be patient or switch platforms.   However, be aware that ALL smart phone platforms have issues and you'd just be trading one set for another.

Yelling or getting annoyed at this point is just a waste of energy.

My wife tells me I am too fair, so if you don't agree with what I've written here, that's up to you.  I'm going to be patient.  I have been an Apple fan since 1986, when I was given a Mac Classic at my job.  I have defended them throughout all this time, but I have also worked on Windows systems, Android and Blackberry (and Palm OS) phones, and I still prefer Apple to the others under most circumstances.

In addition, several people have been snarky with new posters on this thread.  In their defense, the thread is now 35+ pages, and many people just won't read it from the beginning like I did several weeks ago.  You can't change that.  I can't change it either.  Be nice, please?  It won't get you anything if you are a dick to the other people looking for help.