The best GPS watches of 2026

The quest for the perfect GPS sports watch in 2026 will be achieved through one crucial achievement in engineering – the total supremacy of multi-band (L1 + L5) dual-frequency GNSS systems. The era of the fuzzy location plot, lost signal in the thickest jungle or distorted pacing due to interference by urban buildings is over. The current generation of outdoor sports watches is an independent energy machine that can navigate without Internet connection, provide very sophisticated recovery data and track without any need for additional equipment.

Be it ultra-endurance, high altitude trail running or just a premium model that will not leave you without a signal, read our complete and conclusive 2026 guide on the best models available right now.

The Best GPS Watches of 2026: Quick Summary

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the perfect choice when accuracy and connectivity are concerned, and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is unbeatable when you consider an Android smartphone experience. On the other hand, if you want uninterrupted exploration, you will be able to get the most out of the battery life of Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro and Amazfit T-Rex 3.

Here is how the top five contenders compare side-by-side in real-world technical capabilities:

Quick Comparison Table

Watch Name	GPS Accuracy	Battery Life (Typical)	Display Size	Health Tracking	Water Resistance	Best For	Price (BD)
Apple Watch Ultra 3	Elite Dual-Band (L1+L5)	Up to 42 Hours	2.0-inch LTPO3 OLED	ECG, SpO2, Sleep Apnea, Temp	100m (Dive Rated)	iPhone Users & Pro Athletes	৳94,999
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra	Elite Dual-Band (L1+L5)	Up to 100 Hours (Power Save)	1.5-inch Super AMOLED	ECG, BIA Body Comp, SpO2, Age	100m (IP68 / MIL-810H)	Android Power Users	৳41,500
Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro	Advanced Sunflower GNSS	Up to 14–21 Days	1.47-inch AMOLED	ECG, TriRing Health, SpO2	50m (40m Free Dive)	Extreme Battery & Cross-Platform	৳32,500
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8	High Precision L1 GNSS	Up to 40 Hours	1.4-inch Super AMOLED	ECG, BioActive Sensor, SpO2	50m (IP68)	Everyday All-Rounder Android	৳23,999
Amazfit T-Rex 3	High-Precision 6-Satellite	Up to 27 Days	1.5-inch AMOLED	BioTracker PPG, SpO2, Temp	100m (45m Free Dive)	Harsh Environments & Value	৳24,500

Best GPS Watches of 2026 (Overview)

1. Apple Watch Ultra 3: The best wearable to support iOS system by including massive and hyper-bright 3,000-nit screen with wide-angle view, multi-band tracking, and satellite-based SOS function.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: An extremely tough and robust watch, made especially for Android users with features like advanced Galaxy AI insights, sports tracking, and cushion chassis design.
3. Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro: The best watch to provide luxurious and durable experience due to its special Sunflower positioning array, which enables perfect performance along with 3-week battery life.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: This watch is the most suitable and ideal mainstream smartwatch for its health insights, Google WearOS apps, and fitness tracking capabilities.
5. Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smart Watch: Another extremely durable and robust smartwatch, specially built to handle extreme conditions and offers budget-friendly value.

Individual Product Reviews

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the epitome of Apple’s innovation in engineering. With its structural design made from high-end titanium used in aviation and large body size, this model considers location tracking a key safety function rather than an auxiliary one.

Key Specifications

• Display: 2.0-inch LTPO3 Wide-Angle Always-On OLED Display with a 1Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.
• GPS System: Precision L1+L5 Dual-Frequency GNSS system consisting of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou GPS satellite systems.
• Battery Life: The battery will last up to 42 hours in normal use; it can go up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode and 20 hours in continuous GPS workout mode.
• Sensors: 3rd generation Optical Heart Rate, Electrical Heart Sensor, Skin Temperature Sensor, Depth Sensor, Water Temperature Sensor, Altimeter, and High G accelerometer sensor.
• Connectivity: 5G Cellular RedCap network, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2nd generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.
• Weight: 61.6 grams (Case only).

Pros

• Blinding midday sun cannot dim its 3,000 nits screen, making it perfectly readable.
• Haptic navigation feedback and super-responsive user interface thanks to the custom S10 processor.
• Independent Emergency SOS via satellite function that is not dependent on any cellular networks.
• Super-low 1 Hz refresh rate allows you to see second hands all the time while saving battery life.

Cons

• Locked into the Apple iOS ecosystem; cannot be used with Android-based phones.
• Needs to be charged every 1.5 to 3 days, losing out to specialized long-distance running watches.

Reasons to Purchase

If you use an iPhone and require an excellent sports smartwatch for marathons, deep-sea diving, mountaineering in Alpine, and trail races, the Ultra 3 watch is the only one to look out for.

GPS Accuracy

The GPS in the Ultra 3 Apple Watch can be considered the most stable system tested so far in 2026. During urban running tests using narrow city passages between high-rises, the watch stays in line without any usual “zag-zigzagging” positioning problems of old chips. When it comes to hiking and outdoor trips, a new compass function adds automatic backup points where cell connections disappear. Moreover, using offline maps, users can create routes on the fly right on their smartwatch. For cycling purposes, the watch instantly detects speed changes.

Performance

It may not reach the weeks-long battery life seen in the dedicated long-distance models, but practical tests confirm that there have been improvements. During a normal weekend adventure consisting of 4 hours of multi-band GPS, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking in the wild, about 25% battery remains by the following Monday morning. Running at 20 hours in Low Power Mode, ultra-marathoners can safely cross the finish line after a 100K race on a single battery.

Health & Fitness Features

Fitness tracking is very robust. Not only is the native vertical oscillation, ground contact, and stride length tracking provided for runs, but health factors are measured round-the-clock through the premium optical sensors, including ECG, SpO2 levels, body temperature variability, and sleep apnea. Training Load gives insights into potential cardiovascular fatigue from the previous 28 days of training to avoid overtraining.

Final Verdict: Nothing short of masterful. The absolute must-have for the hardcore iOS user wanting precision data, although a regular charge will be required every few days.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Review

Samsung’s solution for the extremely tough watches is the Galaxy Watch Ultra. It features a new cushion shape titanium body without the rotating bezel and is specially designed to cope with impacts and to provide premium Android watch metrics.

Key Specifications

• Display: 1.5″ Super AMOLED, 480x480px, Sapphire Crystal glass, 3,000 nits brightness.
• GPS: Dual-Frequency L1+L5 GNSS (GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
• Battery life: 590 mAh battery; up to 60-80 hours with moderate usage; up to 100 hours on Power saving mode.
• Sensors: Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical HR + ECG + BIA analysis), Infrared temperature sensor, Barometer, Compass.
• Connectivity: LTE (eSIM), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC.
• Water resistance: 10 ATM / IP68, MIL-STD-810H durability certification.
• Weight: 60.5g.

Pros

• Rugged, robust titanium-ceramic build to withstand severe impact resistance and abrasions.
• Samsung Galaxy integration offers unique energy analysis via biometrics.
• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) measures body fat percentage and skeletal muscle composition through the wrist.

Cons

• It has an unappealing and hefty look that could be difficult to wear on small wrists.
• Some features such as ECG activation can only be used with a compatible Samsung Galaxy device.

Why Get It?

This is the perfect choice for Android lovers, avid cyclists, and people fond of working out at the gym.

GPS Performance

Fitted with a very sensitive L1+L5 double-frequency tracking chipset, the Galaxy Watch Ultra acquires structural satellite signals within a few seconds after stepping out in the open. When it comes to biking and sprinting, its speed tracker automatically updates itself without delay. You will appreciate the GPX route files included on the device which make importing your personal trail map easy for off-road hiking. Turn-by-turn vibrations compass route tracking is there to keep you on the right path whether tracking in isolated rural mountains and jungles.

Battery Life Performance

With a large 590 mAh battery unit, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a huge improvement compared to normal WearOS devices. Under daily usage where the notifications are turned on, some workout monitoring is going on, and Always-On Display function is active, you are able to comfortably cover 3 full days without a recharge. In the particular endurance hiking track monitoring modes, the watch can last up to almost 100 hours on single charge.

Features of Health & Fitness

In the middle of all that lies the cutting-edge BioActive sensor array from Samsung. In addition to heart rate monitoring, stress detection, and blood oxygen levels measurement, this device monitors Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which show the state of metabolism. Runners will be notified immediately about asymmetry, vertical oscillation, and stiffness, and triathletes can change their tracking profile at will through the adjustable physical Quick Button.

Verdict: The top-of-the-line sports gadget for the Android ecosystem. It boasts amazing tracking technology, precise multi-band location mapping, and a super durable frame.

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Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro Review

This is evident through their ability to meet two key design objectives perfectly, which include luxury appearance and incredibly long battery life. The Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro comes with a special “Sunflower” shaped antenna that helps direct signals during running based on the direction in which you turn.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 1.47 inch AMOLED Color Display, 466 x 466 pixels, 317 PPI, Sapphire glass Protection
• GNSS: Unique Sunflower Double-Band GNSS, GPS L1+L5, GLONASS, Tri-Band BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC
• Battery Life: 867 mAh Lithium ion Battery, Max 21 days, Typical use 12 days, Continuous sport GPS Tracking 40 hours.
• Sensor Type: Optical heart rate monitor, Electrocardiogram Sensor, Barometer, Altimeter, Magnetometer, Skin temperature sensor, Depth sensor
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0, NFC.
• Water resistance: 5ATM, IP69 (High pressure Water jet proofing); EN13319 Free Diving Certification up to 40m.
• Weight: 54.7 grams (Excluding strap).

Pros

• Remarkable battery life of 2-3 weeks beats all direct rivals in performance.
• The Sunflower GPS technology ensures a highly stable connection to satellites even in remote locations.
• Luxurious feeling from the high-quality titanium alloy body with a ceramic back cover that is also durable.
• Platform versatility – functions perfectly with both Android and iOS smartphones.

Cons

• Not as many apps available in comparison with other wearable operating systems like Wear OS and Apple watchOS.
• No capability of functioning independently via a cellular data SIM-card.

Why to Purchase This Watch?

Ideal option for long-distance and cross-country runners, who hate to recharge their gadgets regularly yet cannot give up luxury and accurate location maps.

Performance in GPS

With Sunflower GPS embedded within the GT 6 Pro, this model is revolutionizing athletic performance monitoring. The GPS chip in the device can adjust its signal intake depending on the physical positioning of the wearer’s body in relation to the receiver. It means that the GPS signal does not experience any blocking effect by your body when positioned between the satellite and your watch. During extensive testing in backcountry hiking and cycling sessions, this device provides clear breadcrumb tracking and even overlays the maps for your convenience to find some hidden routes.

Performance in Battery Life

The 867 mAh battery cell is quite economical for use. Whereas other smartwatches of its category should be charged multiple times a week, this device can last up to 12 days at constant usage with the Always On Display enabled. In case you get involved in sportive tracking activities, the device will be recording your data for up to 40 hours without recharging the battery.

Health & Fitness Features

With the aid of Huawei’s latest TruSeen algorithms, the watch features top-notch heart rate monitoring capability that is as accurate as chest bands when running through intense HIIT exercises. This includes quick ECGs, arterial stiffness testing, nighttime SpO2 levels, and alerts when there is localized skin temperature increase. There are also pro metrics for runners, such as VO2 Max calculations, training load indexes, and recovery times.

Final Verdict: An enduro champ that complements stunning build quality with incredible battery endurance. For the best multi-band GPS without the daily need to recharge the watch, this is what you should get.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review

If one seeks a GPS watch that offers high precision GPS tracking without compromising its smooth transition from running through the park in the early morning hours to business meetings at an office, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 model is the ultimate choice. It does not come loaded with additional bulkiness in terms of heavy adventuring armor but rather emphasizes sleekness and modernity.

Key Specifications

• Display: 1.4 inch Super AMOLED screen, Sapphire crystal display protector, always on display.
• GPS system: Precision GPS built-in (L1 GNSS).
• Battery: Up to 40 hours battery life, fast Qi wireless charging available.
• Sensors: BioActive sensors, Heart rate sensor, Electrocardiogram sensor, Body composition sensor (BIA), accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, LTE available (optional).
• Water resistance: Water and dust resistant, 5ATM.
• Weight: Approximately 33 grams (lightweight aluminum frame).

Pros

• Light and thin design making it easy to wear around the clock, even at bedtime.
• Runs on Google WearOS OS, giving complete access to applications like Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp.
• Precise monitoring of fitness data such as body fat and muscle mass.

Cons

• GPS functionality with L1 frequency is very precise, yet not as high-end as the dual-band L5 in adventure watches.
• Needs a fast charge after each night and every other day.

Reasons to Buy This Watch

Perfect for regular road runners, fitness enthusiasts, and urban cyclists who need advanced smart watch capabilities and application support without the bulky design of outdoor watches.

GPS Functionality

The Galaxy Watch 8 utilizes a quick-locking GPS system using a single L1 band technology. For road running, park riding, and clear path navigation, the device is outstanding. It provides perfect route mapping and synchronizes very well with other apps like Strava or Google Maps. Nevertheless, since the device uses only the single L1 frequency, slight inaccuracies may appear in the tracking graph when running in dense forest canopies or close to huge concrete buildings.

Performance for Battery Life

The Galaxy Watch 8 is built for everyday wear, and as such, its battery capacity matches its intended use perfectly. On average, the device runs between 30 and 40 hours between each charging. Using the watch to run for 45 minutes every morning while listening to music and tracking my location will take up 15% of its battery.

Features related to Health & Fitness

The fitness tracking features are among the best. This watch includes Samsung’s full range of BioActive sensors enabling instant body composition analysis, detection of an irregular heartbeat through ECG, and checking of blood oxygen levels at any time. The new sleep coach detects sleep stages and monitors for sleep apnea, showing a score on how recovered you were throughout the day.

Overall verdict: The most reliable smart device for Androids. Even though this gadget is not designed for hardcore use in the wilderness, it is just perfect for everyday use.

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Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smart Watch Review

For those looking for a rugged timepiece that can withstand physical abuse from contact with rough boulders of granite, resist sub-freezing temperatures, and even tell them where they stand in their outdoor environment, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 makes a perfect choice at a highly affordable price tag.

Key Specifications

• Display: 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen, with Gorilla Glass coating, and 1,000+ nits luminance.
• Global Satellite Navigation System: 6 Satellite Circularly Polarized Dual-Band GPS (including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC).
• Battery Capacity: 700mAh battery; max usage period 27 days; ultra-precise GPS operation period 42 hours; power-saving GPS operation period up to 114 hours.
• Sensors: BioTracker™ PPG biometric sensor, acceleration sensor, gyroscope sensor, geomagnetic sensor (compass), barometric altimeter, temperature sensor.
• Connections: Bluetooth v5.2, Wi-Fi.
• Water Resistance: 10ATM (depth 100 meters); certified free-diving to 45m (EN13319).
• Weight: 66.5g (without) 

Pros

• Excellent price vs. performance balance for an authentic multi-frequency adventure watch.
• Remarkable battery life means minimal recharging, which only needs to happen once per month.
• Durable construction that meets strict military standards regarding durability.
• Built-in off-line topographical maps and route import capabilities.

Cons

• The sturdy and rough appearance does not blend well with formal attire.
• It has basic smart functions but no sophisticated voice response and app stores.

Reasons to Buy This Watch?

A remarkable watch for outdoor enthusiasts like hikers, runners, swimmers, and even military servicemen who require high physical durability and long-lasting battery without breaking the bank.

Performance of GPS

The ability to track using the T-Rex 3 is amazing. This device uses a circularly polarized antenna system, which is able to link to six different major satellites systems at once, enabling it to get a strong location signal even in a deep canyon or forest. This device provides full offline map file downloads and allows you to have your exact path shown through your wrist, meaning that in case you get lost while walking through a hiking trail, the “direct return” tracking function will show you how to go back to your starting position.

Performance of Battery Life

This amazing device uses an impressive battery system with 700 mAh of charge that lasts for up to 27 days if used under normal conditions. Even in its most demanding power mode where the device links to dual satellite systems, it is able to track for 42 hours.

Health & Fitness Features

The biometric fitness tracker in the watch comes via the BioTracker PPG. This technology constantly monitors your heart rate, your level of stress, and your blood oxygen saturation. There are more than 170 different sports modes to choose from on the watch, with specialized profiles for track running and outdoor trails. Those who enjoy spending time in the gym will benefit from automatic strength exercise tracking that counts sets and repetitions and identifies muscle groups through the Zepp App.

Verdict: Unquestionably the ultimate tool for all outdoor lovers. Extremely durable, highly accurate multi-band GPS, and an impressive battery life all at a lower price point compared to its rivals.

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GPS Watch Buying Guide 2026

How Accurate Should the GPS Be?

By 2026, the GPS watch should be able to accurately record your movement within just a few meters away from your actual trail. In the case where your workout involves tight city streets, thick tree coverage, or mountain trails, single-frequency watches would likely go astray, recording your movement as moving right through the solid wall of the buildings or going over cliffs. When it comes to professional training, find yourself a watch that gives real-time location information from different satellite constellations at once.

GPS: Single-Band vs Multi-Band

• Single-Band GPS (L1): Uses only one radio frequency signal from satellite networks. Ideal for clear, open roads and suburban areas. It is less efficient in cases when the signals bounce off concrete objects or vegetation.
• Multi-Band GPS (L1+L5): Uses two frequencies at the same time. One of those is the second one – L5 – which serves as a correcting filter for signals, preventing them from distortion and reflection. Perfect for areas such as deep canyons or city streets.

Best GPS watch for running

For runners looking to track their performance, the best watches on the market include the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro. They offer real-time data for advanced statistics such as vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time, and power.

Best GPS watch for hiking

The perfect hiking watch would be the Amazfit T-Rex 3, which offers offline support of full maps, military-grade build, storm warnings, and back-tracking capabilities to help users safely explore nature.

Best GPS watch for cycling

For cyclists, the best option is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. This watch easily connects with external cycling power meters through Bluetooth and allows for importing customized GPX routes.

Best GPS Watch for Fitness Monitoring

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 comes out as the most convenient watch model when it comes to regular fitness monitoring since its lightweight frame will remain in place during intense workouts at the gym giving you a precise body composition analysis and heart rate zones measurement.

Best GPS Watch Battery Life

In terms of endurance, the models like the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro and Amazfit T-Rex 3 take the lead with their 3 to 4 weeks autonomy depending on use. These watches make traditional luxury models fall far behind when it comes to battery life.

Best GPS Watch for Android Phones

When choosing an ideal premium watch model to work with your Android smartphone, then there is nothing better than Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra which provides comprehensive Android integration as well as advanced AI health tracking. 

Best GPS Watch for iPhones

Apple Watch Ultra 3 can be named the best GPS watch model if one owns an iPhone as it seamlessly works with iOS system providing outstanding performance along with independent satellite communications capabilities.

GPS Watches Comparison Table

Feature Matrix	Apple Watch Ultra 3	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra	Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro	Samsung Galaxy Watch 8	Amazfit T-Rex 3
GPS Architecture	Elite L1+L5 Dual-Band	Elite L1+L5 Dual-Band	Sunflower L1+L5	High-Precision L1	6-Satellite L1+L5
Real-world Battery	1.5 to 3 Days	3 to 4 Days	12 to 21 Days	1 to 2 Days	20 to 27 Days
Offline Mapping	Yes (Custom Native)	Yes (GPX Imports)	Yes (Breadcrumb Map)	Via Google Maps	Yes (Full Topo Maps)
ECG Capability	Yes	Yes (Samsung Only)	Yes	Yes (Samsung Only)	No
Sports Profiles	100+ Modes	100+ Modes	100+ Modes	90+ Modes	170+ Modes
Chassis Material	Aerospace Titanium	Grade 4 Titanium	Titanium + Ceramic	Armor Aluminum	Steel + Polymer
Overall Rating	9.6 / 10	9.4 / 10	9.2 / 10	8.8 / 10	9.0 / 10

Which GPS Watch Should You Buy?

The Best GPS Watch For Build Quality 2026: Apple Watch Ultra 3

In terms of build quality, a super bright screen, flawless dual frequency accuracy, and lifesaving satellite communication systems, nothing comes close to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The Best GPS Watch For Android Devices: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The best choice for those who have Android devices because of its rugged look and advanced fitness tracking powered by the smart Galaxy AI coaching metrics.

The Best GPS Watch For iPhone: Apple Watch Ultra 3

Due to its seamless integration with iOS, high-quality performance, and top-notch features, there is no better watch than the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The Best Watch With Long Battery Life: Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro

A perfect option for long distance runners who want to navigate through the routes day after day without having to find an outlet to charge.

The Best Outdoor Watch: Amazfit T-Rex 3

A durable and robust device designed specifically for outdoorsmen who require offline navigation in the toughest environments.

The Best Affordable Watch: Amazfit T-Rex 3

Provides premium dual-band GPS accuracy and maps features for affordable prices.

FAQ 

What is the most accurate GPS watch in 2026?

It is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, both with incredible accuracy in 2026 due to their state-of-the-art L1+L5 dual-frequency GNSS technology that helps eliminate any interference from tall buildings and dense forests.

Which GPS watch has the best battery life?

Amazfit T-Rex 3 tops the list here, with its remarkable battery capacity allowing for 27 days of performance before needing a recharge. Second place goes to the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro, with 21 days of battery life per full charge.

Can I use Apple Watch Ultra 3 for hiking?

Yes, it will be great for hiking because of its very high 3,000-nit bright screen, offline maps, automatic backtracking, and satellite-only SOS in case of emergencies.

Which GPS watch is most compatible with Android phones?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra GPS is the best smartwatch if you use Android phones. This watch runs the Wear OS and seamlessly connects with Android smartphones, plus its health insights feature includes Galaxy AI.

Is a GPS watch worth purchasing in 2026?

Yes, a GPS watch is well worth purchasing in 2026 due to their standalone navigation, topographic maps stored offline, and very accurate dual frequency GPS tracking which doesn’t depend on your smartphone at all.

Which GPS watch under budget is the best buy?

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 GPS Watch is the best choice in the budget range, giving you a multi-frequency GPS location tracking system, full offline mapping, and even rugged military-grade design in one package.

Which is the best GPS watch for runners?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (iOS) and the Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro (cross-platform) are the best choices for runners among the reviewed watches, offering real-time biomechanical insights into your run and training loads analytics.