Which iPad Models Have Built-In GPS? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple 357 357 people found this article helpful

Which iPad Models Have Built-In GPS?

And which ones don't

By Fred Zahradnik Fred Zahradnik Freelance Contributor Pennsylvania State University Former Lifewire writer Fred Zahradnik has a long history as a writer and is considered an expert on all things related to GPS products and software. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 16, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs The iPad can be used for mapping, navigation, and other location-aware apps. However, you need the right model to take full advantage of its GPS features. Not all models have built-in GPS. The 27 Best iPads of 2022 by Lifewire Fourleaflover / Getty Images

Which iPad Models Have Built-In GPS

A built-in GPS chip is found in Apple's Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models, which is an option for all available versions of the tablet. These devices cost more than the Wi-Fi-only versions. Apple never stated why it doesn't include a GPS chip in the Wi-Fi-only models. It might be because many apps that use GPS for navigation and other duties draw on data from the internet, even when you're out of range of a Wi-Fi signal. This means GPS apps are effectively broken when out of Wi-Fi range on a Wi-Fi-only iPad. You don't need to pay for a data plan for the GPS chip to work. If you get a Wi-Fi + Cellular model with no data plan, you won't receive fresh maps, points of interest, and other related data when out of Wi-Fi range.

Wi-Fi-Only iPads Can Still Track Your Location

Confusing the issue somewhat is that a Wi-Fi-only iPad can fairly accurately pinpoint your location under many conditions. As long as it can pick up a few Wi-Fi signals, it can use Wi-Fi positioning, which draws on a database of known Wi-Fi hotspots, to determine where you are located.

Best Built-in and Downloadable Apps for GPS and Navigation

The iPad comes with a Maps app that lets you search for addresses, points of interest, and more. After finding a location, you can get turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic information. Several other key apps included with the iPad make good use of GPS and location capability. iPhoto automatically geotags your photos and videos (you can turn off this feature) to help you organize and find photos by location. The Reminders app lets you geofence and set reminders by location. TeleNav, MotionX, TomTom, and Waze offer high-quality turn-by-turn navigation apps for the iPad. With its large, high-resolution Retina display, the iPad is popular with pilots and boaters. Pilots use apps for charts, weather, and airport information. Sailors can tap into a wealth of charting and navigation apps. Travelers appreciate apps such as The Flight Tracker, a live flight status tracker, Tripit: Travel Planner, Kayak, and Yelp for restaurant and other reviews. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy apps such as Maps 3D PRO Outdoor GPS, which is a joy to use on the iPad touchscreen. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fake a GPS Location on Your Phone How to Turn On/Off Location Services on the iPad Compare Every iPad Model Ever Made The 18 Best Tips to Get More iPad Battery Life (Updated for iPadOS 15.5) The Difference Between a 4G and Wi-Fi iPad Apple Watch Series 8: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News How to Control GPS Settings on the iPhone What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? The iPad Air 5: Price, Release Date, Specs, and News How Long Does an iPad Last? iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 GPS The 6 Best GPS Apps for iPhone of 2022 How to Calibrate the Compass for Android How Does a Wi-Fi Positioning System Work? How to Extend Wi-Fi Outdoors What Is GPS and How Does It Work? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies