Wi-Fi-only iPad, no GPS
The iPhone supplies the accurate position that the less expensive iPad model lacks.
You already own the GPS for your iPad
Bring your iPhone’s accurate position to the big iPad map.
Want to use your iPhone GPS on a Wi-Fi-only iPad? Rivers & Seas shares the accurate position automatically with the big iPad map. Your iPad knows where the boat is—without extra hardware or manual pairing.
Two old problems. One simple solution.
Keep the big iPad map exactly where your boat really is.
Boaters know two limitations of the iPad all too well: Wi-Fi-only models have no GPS, and in very calm conditions a GPS-equipped iPad’s position updates could go to sleep. The boat then stayed behind on the map and jumped forward later. A continuously shared iPhone position solves both problems.
No jumping boat
The iPhone in your pocket keeps moving and continuously supplies the map with a current position.
No GPS receiver to buy
There is no separate Bluetooth GPS receiver to purchase, charge, mount, or pair.
Made for a relaxed day on the water
The iPhone can stay in your pocket.
Rivers & Seas shows the iPhone’s position as a green device marker on the iPad map and uses its speed and course over ground. The iPhone can be locked or showing another app. On a longer trip, keep it powered and somewhere with a clear view of the sky.
The iPad prefers its own compass for heading and only falls back to the iPhone’s heading when needed.
No device picker, number code, or Bluetooth menu.
Allow it once. Automatic after that.
Larger boats commonly have Wi-Fi on board already. Open Rivers & Seas on both devices: the iPhone makes its position available; the iPad searches and connects. Your position stays safe inside the boat network and works without an internet connection.
Prepare the iPhone
Set location access for Rivers & Seas to “Always” and allow access to the local network.
Allow searching on iPad
At “Use the iPhone’s Position”, tap “Allow Device Search”, then tap Allow when iPadOS asks.
Set off
The iPad finds the iPhone automatically. The green device marker shows that its position is in use.
You remain in control. A future Profile setting will let you switch sending on iPhone and receiving on iPad on or off.
Open the step-by-step guideMore iPad. Less extra equipment.
Turn an iPad without GPS into your big map on board.
Rivers & Seas is available as a public beta for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Install it on your iPhone and iPad and try automatic position sharing.