Alert: Compatibility Issue with Apple iOS 8.3 and External GPS Receivers
DO NOT UPGRADE YOUR APPLE DEVICE TO iOS 8.3 IF YOU RELY ON AN EXTERNAL GPS RECEIVER.
We are investigating reports that iOS 8.3 (released by Apple earlier this week) is not feeding GPS data from most external GPS receivers into 3rd party apps, such as ForeFlight, WingX, JeppFD, Navionics, and others. We have reproduced this issue in our lab and confirmed that this issue is not unique to Bad Elf GPS receivers, but affects other GPS receivers from Garmin and Dual Electronics as well.
Our newer GPS accessories, including the Bad Elf GPS for Lightning (BE-GPS-1008), Bad Elf GPS Pro+ (BE-GPS-2300), and Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor (BE-GPS-3300) do not seem to be negatively impacted.
We are working with Apple to resolve this issue and will provide status updates as we get more information. In the meantime, we recommend you wait to upgrade your Apple devices to iOS 8.3.
Update (Monday 13-April): We've passed all of the necessary information to Apple Support and got confirmation over the weekend that it has been passed to the correct team. We're optimistic it will be fixed in the next iOS 8.3.x release, and will post updates as we receive them.
Update (Thursday 16-April): We're still awaiting any news from Apple. In the meantime, we’re exploring several possible workarounds. We have confirmed that the beta iOS 8.4 released earlier this week has the same GPS issue. Some customers have reported successfully downgrading their iOS back to iOS 8.2, but we can’t recommend that process to our customers — it’s not supported by Apple and requires a complete wipe of your settings/apps/data. If you are a pilot grounded by this issue, please contact us via email to support@bad-elf.com and we’ll see what we can do to help. Rest assured we are doing everything in our power to get this resolved and will send another email when we have any new information.
For future updates on the iOS 8.3 situation, please view the latest information on our supplemental blog post, available here.
100 Responses
arijus
Good article about gps tracking system for apple ios.
Earl P
Just installed iOS 8.4…Waze and my Dual XGPS 150 work fine!
Dean
I just upgraded to the IOS 8.4 version and it works fine. I think the info on this thread may be outdated.
Earl P
The iOS 9.0 public beta I installed this week resolves the bluetooth bug and external GPS devices. My Dual XGPS 150 is working with Waze again! :D
Bahruz
We have new 8.4 iOs installed on iPad. But problem still there. When are you going to rectify it?
Zilli
Why we don’t have any news from Bad Elf team since April? Not very serious?
Robert Leggiero
Some info on ForeFlight blog posted on June 2nd. Possible fix coming with the release of iOS 8.4 on June 30th.
http://blog.foreflight.com/2015/06/02/ios-8-4-to-resolve-gps-accessory-compatibility-issue/
Zilli
So long to fix a bug….
No news from bad Elf nor Apple since April… Some comments saying iOS 8.4 does not fix it
Please provide Android or Windows Bad Elf GPS.
I really would like to stop to use all these completely locked Apple products!!!!
No respect for customer….
I am really angry about Apple but also about Bad Elf since their solution are too much focused on Apple
Kristof
I relied on my i-devices for all my trips, but this sucks!!
Only I can do is using my anoying iphone with build in gps-chip :(
I hope there is a fix quickly before I find another solution. I really loved my BAD ELF!
Mike
Why did the comments stop in April? Still no fix? Bad Elf, what’s the status?
Judd
@BROOKS
Same here… going to return it all. :(
Leigh
I won’t lie, I want to punch Apple as hard as I can square in the jaw right now. I had an original Bad Elf GPS for the iPad 1 but it was stolen a while back. I decided to get a new module for my new ipad mini and THANK YOU VERY MUCH APPLE YOU BUNCH OF TURD EATERS. Sorry… just needed to vent a little… I feel better now… sort of.
Oats
Bad Elf this is a serious let down. My BAD ELF GPS PRO is quite possibly the best little device I’ve ever owned and now Apple put the kibosh on it with their update. Please please please would you guys build a full suite of Android apps so I can cut the cord from Apple and move to a more open Ecosystem where downgrades are allowed and we are not stuck in this walled garden that Steve Jobs built. I drive a boat all over the great lakes and now it’s downright dangerous without my Navionics + Bad Elf Combo. The water levels have shifted so much in the past decade, shoals are a serious hazard. Please prevent this from happening again a give us full android support!!
Temel
My IFR cross country flight started with a bad surprise this morning. Thanks Apple!
I updated ios to 8.4 beta 3 and still no GPS info being relayed to foreflight frpm Bad Elf Pro.
Dean
Hang in there Bad Elf !!
Knowing Apple, this is not a glitch. It is accidentally on purpose. Expect Apple to release or internalise something similar to the Bad Elf in its next version of iPad, iWatch or other iCrack. But of course it won’t be anywhere near as good and twice the price. I feel sorry for Bad Elf here. They make a great product and what does Apple do? They steal their idea, try to destroy the host company’s market then gobble it up with its over priced version. Hang in there Bad Elf !!
Brooks
For those of us whom just purchased an iPad, which has IOS 8.3 already installed, installed ForeFlight and purchased a new BE 2200 Pro only to find out that it does not seem to work with ForeFlight is less than disappointing to say the least. Position data (LAT LONG, SATS etc) seem to be updating using the BE iPad utility when viewed on the GPS view but position fixes are not shown on the map.
So at the moment I have TWO $150 paper weights with respect to the intended use of in-flight navigation.
Arrived here after an hour of messing around and head scratching. Not a happy camper with Apple at the moment!
Leighton
When I tethered my phone to my iPad (mini) and let it get internet access, it seemed to pick up the GPS. I can’t say for sure that it was using the Bad Elf or the data coming from the phone, but all was well in the world.
Probably alright for those of us that fly helicopters… (or low flying aeroplanes), but may get somewhat frustrating at 30,000ft and / or overseas where the 3G / 4G coverage may be spotty or nonexistant.
Heres hoping we get an update most ricky-tick.
Marcus
Does the current iOS 8.4 Beta 2 resolve this issue?
The changelog says they fixed something with respect to third-party GPS devices:
http://www.macrumors.com/2015/04/27/ios-8-4-beta-2/
Dawn Fine
My husband and I travel full time in a Motorhome. I use the Bad Elf to connect to my iPad and Google maps for traveling.
I was wondering what the problem was…as it wasn’t working.
I hope that you can resolve this issue.
I was really enjoying using this device.
Thoelk
Because of this mistake, I had to buy a new Ipad mini with internal GPS for navigate my Piper Seminole
Thomas
Just a new iPad mini 2 and got SkyDemon and ext GPS receiver up and running – into the aircraft and up in the air to find that no data is coming through… You can imagine which section of vocabulary got used before reverting to “good” old analogue backup. Now several hours later I find this – Hooray and thanks to Apple, a month after you guys made them aware, still has done nothing…
Walt Slazyk
Just spent several frustrating hours trying various sequences of turning devices and features on and off, boot and re-booting, rubbing my stomach and patting my head, trying to make Foreflight recognize my location on the iPad. So glad to find out that this is a known problem. Please keep the pressure on Apple to get this fixed quickly. — Thanks.
Chris
I had a long on line chat with a “senior” Apple tech and she said the issue had to be resolved by Garmin, Bad Elf and other third party Bluetooth GPS receivers, not by Apple. I had a similar chat with Garmin who said it is Apple’s problem. Can you give any more encouraging information.
henry
Can you confirm that the bad elf 2300 is not affected by the ios8.3 issues?
David
The tethering to the iPhone work around doesn’t work. I tried on yesterday’s flight to Roche Harbor. Had to use the iPhone and onboard gps. The iPhone actually gets spotty at higher altitudes also (6,000 and up). Luckily I know the area very well and I just used pilotage and Forflight without gps connection. I NEED MY FOREFLIGHT BACK, hopefully this will be fixed soon…
Greg
8.2 is no longer available. http://www.redmondpie.com/ios-8.3-downgrade-no-longer-possible-as-apple-stops-signing-ios-8.2/
David
Is it signed? That’s a problem I have encountered trying to go back to 8.2, cant find a signed version and iTunes wont accept it…
Adrian
I had the same problem with skydemon and garmin Glo and read this and many other blogs / web sites, all say it’s apples fault, and I guess it is as they changed the protocol to a newer one or so one site says….
Luckily for me upgrading my garmin Glo to firmware 2.7 fixed my issue so I’m flying on iOS 8.3 with my external Bluetooth GPS.
Mark
Downgrading to iOS 8.2 is very simple. It involves nothing shady, techy, or otherwise “scary”. I understand why companies can’t come out and recommend doing it, but there really is no reason for you (the customer) to be wary about taking responsibility for downgrading on your own. All software used is official Apple software – no jailbreaking required.
Here is a link with a simple walk through of how to do it: http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-downgrade-ios-8.3-on-your-iphone-or-ipad/
Do be aware that iOS 8.2 might not be available to download forever. If you think you might want to do it but haven’t made up your mind just yet, you should at minimum go download iOS 8.2 (about 2 GB) to have on hand if/when you decide you’re ready to downgrade: http://www.redmondpie.com/download-ios-8.2-final-for-iphone-ipad-direct-links/
Coach outlet
Well I sincerely enjoyed reading it. This subject offered by you is very useful for proper planning.
Dave
Figured out a workaround; turn tethering on in the iPhone, connect the iPad to the iPhone via wifi tethering, and now I can use Forflight again on the iPad. Of course I am using the iPhones gps and not the xgps150, but at least it’s better than just using the iPhone. I will see how it works on my upcoming flight to the San Juans…
Bill W
Very disappointing. It looks that not only is nothing happening, it’s not even happening fast. With no apparent solution arriving before the first half of June two months after this started and no assurance that it will be corrected or that it won’t happen again is troubling. When choosing between an aviation specific and purposed device such as a Garmin aera and something with the appeal of broader use but more components such as the iPad requiring an app and a receiver, it is now clear that the latter option cannot do any one thing as reliably as that designed for a single purpose. My ForeFlight subscription runs out in a few days and I will allow it lapse. The iPad still has its uses around the house and I don’t know whether the Bad Elf Pro will be worth anything to anyone else. I’ve been getting by just fine with paper charts and, ironically, the old standby King radios (VOR’s) and my nearly 20 year old Lowrance Airmap GPS. The suite revolving around the iPad was a tremendous tool and convenience but has been rendered nearly useless without the outlay of more cash in less than a year. I don’t fly for a living anymore so this frequency of obsolescence is simply not worth it.
Rich
My Bad Elf Pro was only purchased a few months ago. Since I updated to iOS 8.3 and Bad Elf does not advise downgrading to iOS 8.2, would Bad Elf consider an exchange allowing people to trade their Bad Elf pro for a Bad Elf Pro+?. If not, what is the timeframe for Bad Elf developing a firmware update to allow the Bad Elf Pro to work with the iPad mini? Thanks for keeping everyone apprised of the situation.
Dan
According to 9to5Mac’s Mark Gurman, the iOS 8.4 release date won’t be coming in May. Nor will it be coming in early June. Instead, it looks like the iOS 8.4 release date for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch will arrive sometime after the start of WWDC on June 8.
Throttled back and leaned for max endurance. Looking like we’re not getting out of this holding pattern for a while.
Dave
So, is there an update to get our gps receivers working yet with the Apple update? Help! I am tired of using my iPhone while flying…would be nice to use my iPad again or is my xgps150 garbage now?
Pierre Jessop
I saw, on different blogs and forums, that iOS 8.4 is not likely to be released before June. Furthermore, there is no plan for a 8.3.1 release either.
Everybody has a theory on the subject but nothing tangible is said or done.
James Jones
While I’m sure this method cannot be advised by Bad Elf, this worked for me….I use a GPS Pro and was also affected by the 8.3 release. I used this site to downgrade to 8.2 and everything is working fine again with no detriment to any function of my iPad. http://www.idigitaltimes.com/downgrade-ios-83-and-restore-82-how-remove-problem-update-your-iphone-ipad-or-ipod-433654
Liam Miller
Hi Brett,
I have spoken to Apple again in the last five minutes and their support person was definitive that they are not working on a fix that will correct the problem with external GPS units. This is up to the individual companies and to the app providers as far as Apple are concerned. She, Daniella, told me that she had escalated this to their senior engineers and that was that! I could look for a refund for the app purchases, if I wished. Big deal!!!
Brett @ Bad Elf
Fred — we understand your frustration.
Nobody knows for certain if this iOS bug was in the 8.3 betas, and unfortunately we can’t go back now to check that (we’ve tried). But, let’s assume it was there, in which case it slipped thru the cracks and was not caught by anyone — us/Garmin/Dual/ForeFlight/Jeppesen/Apple. We apologize for our part in this debacle.
We’ve already reviewed our internal testing process and are making changes to do a better job of covering the large test matrix of (iOS device models X iOS versions X Bad Elf device models X Bad Elf firmware X Bad Elf app X 3rd party apps). We’ll do a blog post with debrief of these findings/changes once this is all resolved in the next few weeks.
Unfortunately, there will always be the potential for breaking changes since Apple does not typically do beta releases for point releases (ie: 8.2.x) — which is why everyone recommends NOT upgrading to any new iOS release for the first week it’s available, unless you can risk breaking changes. And many users such as commercial/military pilots are prohibited from doing updates until approved by their management or chief pilots. It’s the nature of the beast.
You can read my comment below re: Garmin “fixing” the issue (they didn’t), and what we’re doing to work around this Apple bug via a firmware update for the Bad Elf GPS Pro in the meantime.
I’ll drop you a note directly to see if there’s anything we can do to help. As always, our support team is standing by, just drop a note to support@bad-elf.com.
Best regards,
-Brett
Fred
I have spoke with a senior advisor yesterday at Apple and they have informed me today that Apple does not developed their systems to work with third party apications. Furthermore that the beta had been released to the developers and should have been caught by bad elf. It appears that a firmware update should have been released by bad elf just like garmin glo. From what it looks like bad elf has dropped the ball and now they are looking for their costomers to upgrade for a price. Yes a discount is available but why should the customer have to pay for a mistake that is made by bad elf. I am looking for a phone number to customer service but can not find one. Would love to exchange my 6momth old Gps for one that works. Please help make this happen.
BIll
Though I do not have a Bad Elf, I have a receiver that is also affected by this issue. I contacted Apple support directly and pushed the issue from a pilot’s perspective. This has the potential for serious consequences if anyone is relying on this as their sole source of navigation (which should never be the case, but nonetheless it is happening) and must be addressed from a safety standpoint. The senior advisor I worked with has acknowledged that anything that affects safety is a concern for them and they will be contacting engineering to get an update on this. They intend to get back to me via email with more information asap. Hopefully this places additional urgency on the matter for the sake of these device manufacturers and, more importantly, human safety.
-Bill
Jack Harvey
It has been a couple of weeks since the last status update from Brett @ Bad Elf. What is going on now?
Chris Tyrrell
I am very pleased to see your commitment to updating the GPS Pro firmware to align with the Pro+. I trust that you will continue to make that release. All too often firms selling hardware fail to provide ongoing firmware support when a new product comes out – by adopting a “Sell and Forget” policy. The GPS Pro will last for several years and I would like to replace it when I wish to, not through ‘enforced obsolescence’. My decision to buy and recommend future Bad Elf products is entirely dependent on being happy with the level of support provided throughout its life (something some firms choose to overlook). So far I have been delighted and greatly appreciated the timely alert not to update to IOS8.3 and the subsequent Blog updates. Well worth being registered on your emailing list. Keep up the excellent work!
Pierre Jessop
Good news.
According to https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/ios/releasenotes/General/RN-iOSSDK-8.4/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40015246-CH1-SW3
The Bluetooth GPS issue is fixed in the 8.4 beta 2 update.
Now, the question is… When will it be released.
Gene
Done Did !! Downgraded to IOS8.2 I’m not computer savvy at that level so if I can do…. it can be done by any ordinary type guy/gal. I drove down the black with my Bad Elf Pro and Foreflight. It’ Working !! Yay !!
Robert
Like most people I mindlessly upgraded to 8.3 when it came out. Thankfully I was able to downgrade to 8.2, but it was not without its own glitches in the downgrade process.
I also thought about buying a new GPS, but my Bad Elf Pro is not that old, and what’s to keep this from happening again with the next GPS I buy?
I noticed one poster mentioned “I applaud Bad Elf for offering the Pro+ at the greatly discounted rate…” but I haven’t seen any discounted offering anywhere. Were they mistaken, or am I missing it somewhere?
Dave
All – the answer is to revert back to iOS 8.2. I went to both sites recommended and found the Javox site was the best – Thanks Keith! http://jaxov.com/2015/04/downgrade-from-ios-8-3-to-ios-8-2/. Their instructions are easy to follow. Make sure you download the correct version -check your model number on the back of your iPad and then use https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201471 to verify your model. I just finished and checked mine and my Bad Elf GPS Pro is again providing location information on both the JeppFD and FlightPlanGo Apps on my iPad mini.
Lesson learned! Hope Apple manages to extract their cranium from their rectum sometime soon.
Gene
OK…… I spent some time learning to be a computer wizard. Yuck !! Looks like I got my IPAD back to IOS8.2 We’ll see. I had some issues and am currently reloading my selections for Foreflight. On a side note, I had room for many more songs. Yay !! Rock and Roll.
PROBLEM and I NEED HELP….. that dirty low down IOS8.3 is doing its best to get at my IPAD. I am afraid that one wrong finger swipe and I’ll be shut down again. Is there a way I can stop this from upgrading other than just being very very very careful ?? Looks to me like 8.3 is already on my IPAD and just needs an update command to WRECK my set up. Help would be appreciated.
Franzel
Hallo,
I’ve downgraded the 8.3 back to 8.2. It is no option! Still have gps failure. Back to basics for flying. Calculation & charts!
Joe Schmoe
so much for that Monday update
Gene
I have been patiently waiting. I figured something would be in the works but not so. I visited some Apple Savvy sites and got a different perspective. Some people are of the opinion that Apple has no reason the fix the problem and their opinions seem to have merit if it is true that this upgrade was no surprise and that it is the responsibility of the device manufacturer to issue firmware upgrades for their devices. I take personal responsibility regarding the upgrade to IOS8.3 as I trusted Apple and was/am still ignorant of how these systems work with one another. I refuse to purchase any device as a fix for this situation. I contacted Appareo and asked if the same thing could happen to the stratus II ($900 marvel of technology) and the answer was… yes the same thing could happen. I’m sure many of us will no be suspicious of upgrades. I applaud Bad Elf for offering the Pro+ at the greatly discounted rate but I’m not buying. I hope this issue can be resolved soon.
Brett @ Bad Elf
Hi all, thanks for the comments. Some replies below…
Jeff — correct, WingX is working around the issue by using the Dual SDK. They already had support for that since they support Dual’s ADS-B receiver. While at Sun ‘n Fun I spoke with several app developers (including Hilton/WingX) about using our SDK to work around the issue. I can’t speak for any of those developers, but we will support their plans and possible workarounds ASAP.
Fred — please read the last 3-4 blog posts on our website re: the iOS 8.3 issue affecting GPS receivers like ours, and get in touch via support@bad-elf.com if you have any unanswered questions.
Pierre/Dan/Aerosteve — yes, the 2.70 GLO firmware brings their unit up to the same level as our GPS Pro+ and GPS for Lightning dongle. Now, these 3 units are unaffected by the iOS 8.3 bug when used with newer Lightning-based iOS devices. However, NONE of them work with 30-pin iOS devices running iOS 8.3. This was not a new/recent GLO firmware release from Garmin — it was released on Feb 25, 2015.
But, it’s a good question: can we do a firmware upgrade for our 30-pin dongle (-1000) and Bad Elf GPS Pro (-2200) to at least enable them to work with Lightning-based iOS devices running iOS 8.3?
1. For the 30-pin dongle, the answer is simple: NO, because 30-pin accessories cannot use the newer (working) accessory protocol. Only Apple can fix the issue with the older protocol and restore functionality to 30-pin devices/accessories.
2. For the GPS Pro (-2200), we CAN do a firmware update, but we have to complete the MFi product review process for this new configuration. This takes 4-5 weeks minimum and multiple 3rd parties are involved. We’ve already started the process, but are hopeful Apple will release a fix before this new firmware update is ready.
We are very frustrated with this issue, and are moving forward on several paths to work around it. I hope to have some positive updates later this week.
Jeff
Upgraded to 8.3 and no issues using my DUAL gps on Wingx
Fred m morgan
My bad elf will not work with the new apple ios 8.3 up date. Help
Pierre Jessop
If Garmin managed to make GLO work with 8.3 with their latest firmware update (2.70)…
Perhaps the solution to this whole mess reside in Bad Elf & Dual adapting also their firmware to Apple’s new standards…
Greg
I went to Sun n Fun with the intentions of purchasing a Bad Elf. However, today is the last day and your product still doesn’t seem to work. It doesn’t make sense to purchase a product Until the issues are resolved.
So, I’m heading home without it.
I hope Apple is covering your losses for interfering with your product sales.
Dan
Really Bad Elf? No fix for this yet? Was just reading Garmin Glo got on top of this whole 8.3 issue by releasing a firmware update to their product.
Aerosteve
There is a similar thread running on the Garmin website and I think that we are all saying the same thing. I fly with a Garmin GLO and Skydemon but also carry a bad Elf plug in (lightning connection) as a backup. Fortunately, the Bad Elf plug in works fine, so my flying is not affected. It was money well spent and far better than messing about with my iPad settings. All that I would say, however, is that, if some of the later GPS units are still working wiith IOS8.3, then surely this is as much an issue for Garmin and Bad Elf; if they can produce units that DO work with IOS8.3, then why can they not provide a software update for earlier units that mimic these later units? Unless they do so, I fear that we could be waiting a long time for Apple to provide a fix, but I live in hope.
Kim Reef
I highly recommend to downgrade to iOS 8.2. After upgrading to iOS 8.3 i read the article about the issue. Tried to connect my gps pro but didn’t work.
As Apples window for downgrading is still open it as easy as upgrading. Do it as it is described in Edward moore’s post. See link.
I downgraded to iOS 8.2 and everything works fine again.
Hope this helps some people.
Happy landings
AJ
Still no fix?!?!? This is crazy. I’m a CFII and use foreflight for teaching instrument flying quite a bit. I upgraded my subscription the day before the update, and then it became useless… talk about feeling like throwing money down the drain. My Bad Elf has always been great and worked fantastic, and i know its not their issue, its mainly apple’s, but its been almost 2 weeks and still no fix?!?! Pretty frustrating.
Eyesite
Please please fix this Apple, my mini iPad is useless to me without my Bluetooth gps. :- (
Bob
Not so nice, sailing around the reefs in the Florida Keys and no Garmin or Navionics. Did the brains at Apple go to sleep. This is really a risky scene. BAD BAD APPLE. SEND THE COMMENTS TO TIM COOK. His customer support team really does follow up.
Dave
April 2th and going on a xc flight on Monday. Hope they will find a fix by then or I am going old school with no gps… I have an XGPS 150 and it doesn’t connect anymore to my WiFi ipad.
RICHARD SHELLARD
Re.post from Keith. followed instructions on Jaxov website and downgraded my ipad 2 from IOS8.3 to IOS8.2 worked perfectly. my Dual XGPS 150 now back in business many thanks. Great website by the way.
Liam Miller
Like almost everyone else on this blog, I have suffered the loss of functioning aviation apps. I spent a very frustrating 40 mins on to Apple on this side of the pond (Ireland) yesterday. It appears that the Apple support team here were not even aware of the issue – so much for Apple’s in-house communications. I had to persuade the senior Apple support person on duty to read this blog before he understood the issue.
Derek
I too did an upgrade before seeing anything about this issue.
I have been happily using my BadElf 2200 Pro with an iPad and iNavX until now.
I have had email w iNavX that resulted in a few links, but none of the discussed solutions fixed the issue. I even did a reinstall of the App.
BadElf does connect to the iPad, and show the info in the BadElf app, but not in iNavX.
I spoke at length with Apple Support today, also to no avail. They finally ended with the revelation that the problem was NOT the OS 8.3 but either iNavX or the BadElf. When I asked if they were doing anything to help resolve this issue, the support person said they were not working on it.!!
So who is looking into this and when will it be fixed!!?
Help.
Thx
Rob Richardson
Too late for me as well, I am a sailor and use the iPad for a backup navigational system and for an anchor watch program. All worked well until my last trip with the newly upgraded iOS8.3!
Brett @ Bad Elf
Hi folks,
Still no updates from Apple, so we don’t have much to report. We do know that the issue is being worked internally, and assume it will be fixed soon. Many commercial and military pilots are being affected by this issue.
We will post any updates we get ASAP via the blog, email, and Twitter. Thanks for your patience.
Best regards,
Brett
Robin Moncrief
I upgrades to 8.3 on my mini iPad and the external GPS stopped working with sky demon.
I have bought a google nexus 7 second hand with a built in GPS and this works a treat.
You can pick up a second hand Nexus 7 for under £100.00
joe
So much for that Monday update
Tim Carter
Folks, I had the same issue with my iPad 4 after downloading iOS 8.3. I use the XGPS160. I performed the procedure on the following website with success. Make sure you run the backup process prior: http://techfrag.com/2015/04/14/downgrade-ios-8-2-from-8-3-iphone/
It’s a bit hairy doing this, but it worked for me.
Greg Whitaker
Can you please give us some type of time frame that this will be flexed? End of spring or summer? Are you saying it will be fixed? People need to make contingency plans. The company should give huge discounts to people that bought these products to up grade. $800 for the upgrade for general aviation is cost prohibited.
Russ
Are there any updates on the 8.3 mess
Robert Henry
I went flying with my iPad 2, BadElf GPS-1000, & Wingx, only to find GPS unavailable. Fortunately, it was VFR in uncontrolled space, the aircraft GPS was available, and I had my iPhone in my pocket if needed. After ANY software change, test on the ground before launching into conditions where the equipment is important. You check anything else on the airplane after maintenance, the iPad should be no different if you’re going to rely on it to fly.
I was able to downgrade back to iOS 8.2 and GPS is working again. A note about the downgrade process: You may not be able to restore your backups directly. iTunes claimed that my OS was now too old to restore my backup set from my PC. I had to restore my data and apps manually, most from my PC, some from the App Store. Thanks to this blog for helping me figure out the problem. I do hope Apple does their part in resolving this quickly.
Steve
Hello:
Add me to another person that saw the warning too late. I looked for it when it stopped working. I have been speaking with you already and am putting my name down here in the hopes that more people complaining will help Apple address the issue. I am sailing in reef strewn Fiji right now headed for American Samoa and would really like to use my electronic charts. Bad Apple. Bad.
Steve
Too late…i had updated the night before a long cross-country flight..had sectional and aircraft gps, but Im getting frustrated that when I go to use these expensive “aviation” apps, they havent been as reliable as youd think…
Andy Davy
Downgrade to iOS8.2 worked for me (SkyDemon/Bad Elf GPS Pro). Only trouble is you have to set the iPad up from scratch. But it means I can go flying with the iPad tomorrow…
Ed Terry
While not a Bad Elf customer, I would like to report the same IOS 8.3 issue also occurs with my Garmin GLO GPS receiver.
Like most others posting comments, I had updated to IOS 8.3 a couple days prior to a long XC flight. Much to my dismay, neither FlyQ EFB, not any other GPS related app was not receiving GPS location data.
My aircraft is equipped with both a GNS 530W and GNS 430W so navigation was not an issue.
I contacted Apple support as soon as possible on 4/12/15. After a lengthy call attempting to describe the problem, their solution was to backup and wipe my iPad clean, then re-install IOS 8.3, plus all apps… a non-starter from my perspective.
It was great to find this this post regarding my exact IOS 8.3 problem.
Thanks for the great information. Perhaps with enough pilots complaining to Apple about their screw up, maybe they will fix this issue quickly.
Brett @ Bad Elf
Cappy,
We understand your frustration. We do expect Apple to issue a fix soon, this is affecting many airline and military pilots worldwide.
There are no known issues with GPS in iOS 8.2, so please drop a note to support@bad-elf.com and we’ll help troubleshoot your Bad Elf accessory to make sure you’ll be ready to go as soon as Apple delivers a fix.
Sorry for the hassle.
Best regards,
Brett
Cappy
I haven’t upgraded to 8.3, but it does not work in 8.2 either. I guess this is how these companies get you to keep buying newer models of their stuff.
neel
Found out as I was sitting in my plane no GPS iPad Mini2 Dual X150
No fun. Rebooted about 100 times. Nothing.
Tats
Thank you. I have a XGPS150 that is not active in iOS8.3.
Frank Shaw
If the problem with GPS data from Bad Elf being sent to Foreflight within the iPad won’t be fixed by IOS 8.4, will Apple fix this problem and if so how do you anticipate it being done? I’m also curious along with the poster below how/why this wasn’t picked up during Beta testing of 8.3 by Bad Elf and or Foreflight.
Thanks.
Frank Shaw
Gene
I recently focused on getting better at using Foreflight and really liked the Bad Elf Pro over the plug in version. I can’t fault Bad Elf as they got the warnings out pretty quick and only a few hours after I upgraded. This is an excellent example as why it is best to wait to upgrade and it would be nice to get a notification from Bad Elf when IOS Upgrades are SAFE.
Again, I can’t fault Bad Elf for my own lack of knowledge but it would be nice to know these things can happen quite easily. At work we would call this a “learning experience”…. I certainly learned something… the hard way.
Keith
Help to all – here is a sight with detailed information on how to go back to 8.2
http://jaxov.com/2015/04/downgrade-from-ios-8-3-to-ios-8-2/
Go to this site to download the correct 8.2 file
http://jaxov.com/2015/03/download-ios-8-2-ipsw-for-iphone-ipad/
Please note some models have more then 1 option to download so read carefully which is correct for your device.
Pierre J.
Well Brett,
I’m very impressed by the way you handled the whole Bluetooth/iOS 8.3 mess here and on the Apple forum.
I just ordered the Bad Elf 2200 GPS Pro. It seem to be a marvellous product.
Hope Apple will correct the bug before it get it.
Chris @ Bad Elf
Keith, after testing today, we have established that iOS 8.4 does not address the issues we are experiencing.
keith
Does anyone know if ios 8.4Beta fixes this issue?
Agent J
I was able to downgrade iPad 2 wi-fi back to 8.2 , Edwards link was good, and also a you-tube search confirmed same file for my iPad, I had never synced to iTunes, so it made me sync (8.3) before the restore button would allow a selection of the file I had saved to desktop. After re-boot it shows as a new device, so I may just go that route, I’m going to Apple store and ask if they have a trick to use the backup I had to create, but no biggie if it does not work.
I expect to be back in business with my DUAL 150 , after I move forward on settting up as new iPad or using backup.
Karl
Disregard, saw you post above. How come this was not tested on the beta release of 8.3, Apple had the 8.3 beta out for months before releasing it?
Karl
Since this only effects your older devices could a firmware update fix this??
Neil Cohen
Fortunately my Mooney partner warned me about 8.3 before I was even aware there was an iOS upgrade. But I don’t understand the posts who say “that’s why I carry paper charts”. If you no longer have a connected GPS, doesn’t your EFB still display charts and IAPs? After all, your paper charts don’’t connect to your BadElf, and they still function.
Ed Stone
Please… Everyone should call Apple support to get their fix on the priority list or it may take months or longer for them to do anything…
Taylor Fields
Mine stopped working when I upgraded to 8.2.1…hoped that 8.3 would fix the problem…no luck. Then I read this warning. Hoping this is fixed/resolved ASAP.
Ed
I have a Bad Elf Pro,Foreflight,Apple Air2,iPhone 6+. I bought all within the past 4 months. I updated my iPhone to the 8.3 but I did not update my iPad, they all still work normal together. No problems. Maybe after a certain mfg date they were not affected.
Gary Sartain
Thank you Edward Moore (April 12 blog post on this site). I went to the link you suggest and followed the instructions and am back in business!!! I had uploaded 8.3 one hour before I received notice from Firelight of the problem. Found it affected Avionics and Co-Pilot apps as well, the three big reasons I even have an IPad!!! Note that you have to backup and restore files and pictures from outside ITunes or ICloud as their backups will not restore to the downgraded iOS. And you end up having to load all your apps and set everything up on the IPad as though it were new. Took a few hours, but well worth it to have functionality until and if Apple gets its act together. (They insisted when I called them that there was no way to downgrade to 8.2—what’s with that?
Keith
Is there any update to this problem?
Dan
I too received this notification too late. What is the difference between the Bad Elf Pro and Pro+ that allows the Pro+ to work but the Pro not to work? I hope this has truly been escalated to be resolved within the week. Thanks for your attention and efforts to do so.
AJ
I upgraded to iOS 8.3 today’s morning ,I have a bmw 2006 , blue tooth stopped working on car phone ..connection is established with phone but no response in making calls or answering calls ,,if I get any tickets I will send the charge to Apple to pay them :)
Dan
Yep, I’m preparing for my IFR checkride and am just loving the devs at Apple, who have broken my georeferenced approach plates in ForeFlight with 8.3. I cannot believe I updated to a new iOS release—totally kicking myself. Very, very foolish.
Please provide any info ASAP on any response from Apple about 8.3.1 ETA to fix this total junk.
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