How does GPS work, and is there a limit on how many devices it can track?

You're spot on! GPS satellites act like synchronized clocks in the sky. They transmit signals, and a GPS receiver (in your phone or car) measures the time differences between each signal to determine its position. So, in short, no, GPS can’t track devices; it helps devices figure out where they are.

GPS satellites don't track devices. They just transmit signals that GPS receivers use to determine their own location. Essentially, there's no limit on how many devices could potentially receive these signals and calculate their position, so it's almost like an infinite number of devices can use GPS. You just need a few satellites to figure out your own location.

GPS works by using a network of satellites that broadcast time-coded signals. When your device catches these signals, it measures the time it took for each signal to arrive and does some calculations to pinpoint its location. You only need at least three satellites to find your position on a flat 2D plane, and a fourth one helps calculate your elevation in 3D. There’s no limit from the satellites' perspective; they're just sending time signals.

You’ve got to remember that GPS satellites don’t track anything. They transmit their locations and signals, and your device does the math to figure out where it is based on that. Essentially, all the devices out there just receive satellite data to calculate their own position. The only physical limitation could be how many satellites a device can ‘see’ at once.