Apple Uses GLONASS GPS System in iPhone 4S

Apple has picked Russia's Glonass navigation system to run alongside GPS in its iPhone 4S models that hit stores this month, according to GPS Daily.

The news was not exactly hidden by the California-based firm. A scan through the iPhone "specs" page on the Apple website shows Glonass sitting conspicuously next to GPS in the global positioning column.

The Glonass system has struggled through many delays and cost overruns that was additionally hurt last year by the loss of three satellites in a botched launch.

Glonass is less precise than its rival but relies on a different set of satellites that could work in some cities where the US system is less effective.