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Ios18 wrong compass north on several devices and several apps

With two iPad 10th gen and iPhone 15’s.

commander compass, compass 55, compasslocation apps all show North being almost 180 degrees out. Tried calibration on all apps with same results. Any ideas? Reboots etc no help. Gps ? Eho knows what else ios18 screwed up.

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Oct 12, 2024 3:00 PM

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6 replies

Oct 17, 2024 2:29 PM in response to cabits

Are you using an iPad case that contains magnets of any kind? For example, a case with a screen cover that operates the auto-lock function? If so, this can seriously affect the calibration of the iPad fluxgate compass.


If used extensively indoors, the compass can lose its calibration. As an example, one model of iPad Pro that I regularly use for testing often loses compass calibration - sometimes presenting a reading as much as 90° from true.


Recalibration of the compass can help. Rather than list the steps here, this external link might be helpful with the procedure to recalibrate the iPad compass:

https://www.titanhst.com/improving-compass-accuracy-on-ios-devices/


In addition to the information within the link, you may find that several full rotations of the iPad in each of its three axis’ (X, Y and Z) will help with recalibration.

Oct 17, 2024 12:45 PM in response to cabits

cabits wrote:

I’m downgrading to iOS 17 on my iPad.

That is not possible. Nor would it be a wise thing to do even if it were possible.


You appear to be using the iPhone’s iOS Compass app. Does it display the correct results?


We don’t know what iPad compass app you might be using. (You mentioned several.)

Ios18 wrong compass north on several devices and several apps

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