Many handsets use GPS for navigation and mapping. Apple wants to change that with a newly patented system. According to the recent patent sighting, the technology will allow Apple to expand data positioning. The readings will be more accurate and not reliant on added hardware except for the present WiFi infrastructure. As the iPhone 6 will soon hit stores, it appears people can expect this technology to ship with the phone.

According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple has filed for a patent describing a system that combines WiFI access points, GPS and onboard location databases to obtain accurate data positioning for mobile devices. What is even more interesting is that it can be used in almost all types of environment.

The patent grant goes by the number 8,700,060 entitled "Determining a location of a mobile device using a location database." The technology describes a location estimation process through one or several WiFI access points.

The system considers a number of factors like hardware communication range, access point filtering and "presence areas." It also includes a mobile device capable of narrowing the map position with relative precision. The technology can also work relative to devices lacking GPS receivers.

According to Apple's patent, the system starts s with GPS-enabled devices or location-aware units. The devices transmit their position using a WiFi access point. The access point sends out transmission to a server-based location system. This allows the smart devices to determine presence areas or approximate location. So long as the devices are within the communication range of the WiFi, the smartphone or similar unit can give a location.

There are several components the technology considers to get the presence areas. These include WiFi signal strength, location-aware device and nearby building architecture. Apple has not announced the official features of the iPhone 6 but analysts believe the spotted patents may be included soon if not tested in the upcoming smartphone. Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities predicted the major Apple products like the iPhone 6 may be released this third quarter.