Then why is it that the mapping apps lose location input when I turn on Airplane mode? The GPS is a separate receiver, but it seems to only function when the cellular transceiver is also on.
Because "airplane mode" turns off ALL radio communications, incoming and outgoing. In airplane mode it won't even listen to GPS signals.
Technically, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to use your GPS while in airplane mode. But regulations state "ALL radio equipment". A GPS receives radio signals from GPS satelites, so formally it could be defined as "radio equipment".
Sometimes it is easier to just comply with the letter of the law than to follow a sensible interpretation of the intention behind the law.
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