Is WiFi required for iPad GPS to work?

When purchasing an iPad, besides considering which model to get (iPad, iPad mini or iPad Air), you will also need to think about whether you would like it to provide GPS capability. If you will be using a compatible external GPS receiver with your iPad, then you could just get the less expensive WiFi-only iPad device.

A WiFi-only iPad device does not provide GPS capability. However, it will provide Location Service when WiFi signals are available. This means that, if you turn on Location Service when WiFi is available, you will be able to sporadically get an approximate location using the GPS function in our GPS/GIS apps. When there are no WiFi MODEMs in the vicinity of your work area, then there will be no Location Service available.

A WiFi/Cellular iPad provides GPS capability. Many users wonder if they will need to purchase a data plan for the GPS to work. The answer is No. The GPS in such devices will work independent of WiFi availability and cellular data plan. (Same for the built-in GPS of an iPhone.)

Like a WiFi-only iPad, the iPod touch does not come with GPS capability, but you could use it with a compatible external GPS receiver to run our apps. External GPS devices will work independent of WiFi availability and cellular data plan.