Airplane mode under iOS7.0.2? I'm confused,

[iBozz]

... Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned off in Airplane Mode, so you can’t make or receive FaceTime calls or use features that require wireless communication ... If your airline allows it, you can turn Wi-Fi or Bluetooth back on, even while in Airplane Mode.”

Excerpt From: Inc, Apple. “iPad User Guide For iOS 7.” Apple Inc., 2013. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=709634245

Acknowledgements to Apple and I hope that quoting the above short extract doesn't breach any rules.
Apologies to Apple if it does but on the assumption that it doesn't ...

I had assumed that airport Mode disabled all wireless and similar activities because that might affect items on an aeroplane. Leaving aside all argument as to whether iPads, etc. can have an effect, please assume for this question that they can.

So, why therefore, can I switch wifi back on whilst remaining in Airplane mode. A contradiction, surely?

Try it ...

Turn on wifi. Go to Control Centre and check that wifi is on. Click Airplane Mode - wifi should go off. Click wifi and wifi should switch on whilst Airplane Mode also remains on.

As, indeed, is implied by the extract from Aple's User Guide above.

So,

1) What is turned off in Airport Mode?

2) What is turned off in Airport Mode with wifi off?

3) What is turned off in Airport Mode with wifi on?

4) Why is there any need oft Airplane Mode if the iPad can still search for and log-on to, wifi networks?


A response in non-technical terms would be very much appreciated!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[willerz2]

1) 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS are all turned off when you toggle on Airplane Mode. Basically anything that allows for communication of any kind.

2) That's redundant of the first question really. If Airplane Mode is on, Wifi is turned off unless manually toggled back on.

3) Everything that's not Wifi is turned off assuming you turned it back on after toggling on Airplane Mode.

4) The reason Airplane mode was implemented in most electronic devices is that the signal transmitted to and from the device can be detrimental to an airplane flight, hence the name Airplane Mode. There could be interference, etc that would rather be avoided. The reason Wifi is allowed while in Airplane Mode is because there are flights that have built-in wifi services at a cost. Because the wifi on-board is isolated from the cabin, it's safe to use as opposed to 2G/3G/4G/LTE/Bluetooth that can cause interference.

Think of it as wifi gets interfered more than it does interference.

 

[HardMetalAlchemy]

Airplane mode wouldn't be detrimental to an aircraft. Mobile devices aren't strong enough to interfere with any pilot controls or radio. The reason being that it's easier for the FAA to ban all models and types of mobile device than to assess each individual one, and finally draw up a conclusion as to which one emits stronger signal, etc, etc.

 

[iBozz]

Many thanks for the replies, it's clearer now!