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Apple iOS 8.3 bug solution coming soon

Apple’s newest update, iOS 8.3, contains a bug that prevents portable GPS receivers from communicating with EFB applications. If you use early model Bluetooth GPS accessories to navigate, you haven’t been very happy with the Apple iOS 8.3 update that went into effect in April. A software bug cut off the flow of data between GPS data and the navigation software. Affected were some Bad Elf devices, the Dual GPS 150, and the Garmin GLO receiver. Apple promises a solution is at hand.

An iOS 8.4 solution has been tested by manufacturers and seems to work. It was to have reached users June 1, but that did not happen. Apple has kept quiet about progress, but manufacturers say the solution could come soon. One manufacturer said he has an entire product line disabled.

Not all Bad Elf devices were affected. The Bad Elf Pro+ and Stratus seemed to ignore the software bug. Most affected are users who depend on Wi-Fi only, rather than devices that can connect to 4G networks.

Meanwhile Apple is just days away from announcing iOS 9, and that has aviation navigation users holding their breath.

Alton Marsh
Alton K. Marsh
Freelance journalist
Alton K. Marsh is a former senior editor of AOPA Pilot and is now a freelance journalist specializing in aviation topics.
Topics: Navigation, Avionics, EFB

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