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iPhone 7 GPS constantly changing in Maps

Is anyone having issues with GPS on the iPhone 7? In Maps, my "location" (i.e., blue dot) is jumping all around my current location. It doesn't seem to be getting a lock on my actual GPS location. I have noticed that it also affects other apps that use GPS.

iPhone 7, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 5:49 PM

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274 replies

Jun 8, 2017 8:29 PM in response to JetEngr19

We are noticing the same issue on our T-Mobile iPhone 7 Plus Matte Black. GPS is not locating my position and at times starts to bounce around on the map. Very frustrating from an expensive phone. So here is what I have noticed so far:

  • Phone in question: iPhone 7 Plus Matte Black 32GB
  • I purchased the iPhone 7 Matte Black 32GB from T-Mobile at the same time, NOT having this issue
  • The bouncing around of the GPS has been noticed on Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps
  • Both phones are up to date using iOS 10.3.2 and carrier settings are up to date as well
  • The GPS issue started only after the second last iOS update, was not occuring prior to that
  • Took it to Apple Genius, ran a software and hardware diagnostics, with no reported problems
  • I have reinstalled apps and reset all privacy settings
  • I was advised to do a master reset from Apple Tech, deleting and erasing all content, and NOT to do an iCloud Backup as the bug can carry over
  • After master reset, the issue was still there on all 3 apps

Conclusion: Has to be related to the software update, after the update (within the last two updates), GPS issue started. The update might only pertain to the iPhone 7 Plus Models. I hope this helps the folks at Apple.

Update: Called T-Mobile, ordered a warranty replacement, the same iPhone 7 Plus 32GB Matte Black. Waiting for it now. My thoughts are, it will still be there and will only be removed on the next iOS update, possible the iOS11.

Jan 2, 2017 12:13 AM in response to pplaggenborg

I can confirm that the Strava app is just unusable on my iPhone 7. iSmoothRun and Runkeeper have adapted to the iPhone 7 in their newest versions, but I still get about 4% too long runs with both apps. Previously I posted that Runkeeper seemed to give me acceptable results, but that was on a countryside run - in the city (but in relatively open landscape with no high rise buildings) I seem to get about the same error as with iSR.


I'm pretty sure by now that the iPhone 7 simply has a subpar GPS hardware, and I really don't know what to do. Maybe I'll just buy a GPS sports watch and forget about using the phone for running. Or maybe I should complain to Apple and get a refund and buy an iPhone 6S or SE...

Jan 4, 2017 2:48 PM in response to The craic

The new replacement Iphone 7 produced the same inaccurate GPS result.

The Apple rep advised to do a backup and restore on the new phone first and if issues persisted on new phone then set up as new Phone and do a clean install as the software backup is likely to be corrupted.

I will try clean install today and see if that changes anything, but I reckon I will be back into the store tomorrow.

Jan 5, 2017 4:50 AM in response to JetEngr19

I have a same problem with my iPhone 7 plus. Every app which requires GPS is working poorly or not working at all. Maps (Google maps and Waze) are showing "current location" not even closely to my correct location- so I can't drive using gps. Mobilly couldn't locate me, so I couldn't pay for my parking in time. I am having problems all day and I am starting to regret that I bought iPhone 7 plus. Every issue described on these forums- my phone has it. Camera issues, gps issues- you name it. Everything is wrong with this phone.

Jan 21, 2017 7:59 AM in response to JetEngr19

Hello,


I am also an AT&T customer and have had gps issues with my new iPhone 7 from the very beginning. Did you take your iPhone into the Apple Store or an AT&T store?

(Side note on why I am asking: I purchased my iPhone 7 through AT&T and do NOT want a refurbished phone as a replacement, which is what I kept getting when I had issues with my iPhone 6)


Thanks for your help!


Cheers!


Lee

Feb 9, 2017 7:47 PM in response to JetEngr19

I had the same issue after purchasing the 7plus in September. I thought some iOS updates would resolve the issue but it hasn't. It's actually a hardware defect (In my opinion). When you purchase the iPhone, it's automatically covered for a 1 year manufacturers warranty from the date of purchase. I suggest you make a Genius Bar appointment ASAP! I did so, went and they swapped my phone for a brand new one which only took about a total of 15 minutes (After checking in). In conclusion this is a COMMON issue with the first set of iPhone 7plus' sold throughout the world. After receiving my new phone, WAHLAH! The gps is FLAWLESS pinpointing my EXACT location EVEYTIME I use it!

Feb 9, 2017 10:33 PM in response to Espen Vestre

I had my private iPhone 7 also exchanged, without any improvement. And this week, my company delivered a newly ordered iPhone 7 and it's also not usable for sport-tracking. I guess what most people here mean when they say "it's working now", is that they can use it for navigation purposes and yes, with the current iOS you can use it for that (finally), but for sport tracking it's still too inaccurate. It adds 10% to the distance recorded by my GPS-watches.


But I made my peace with it, as iSmoothRun with a Stryd foot-pod (and power-meter) is as accurate as my GPS-watches, so for me everything is fine.

But I'm still a litte bit disappointed by Apple.

iPhone 7 GPS constantly changing in Maps

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