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GPS

Which ipads use actual GPS chips for location? Especially when out of range of Cellular.

Posted on Jun 14, 2023 5:25 PM

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2 replies

Jun 15, 2023 1:01 AM in response to msquaredx6

All iPad models are available in two variants - WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular.


Only WiFi+Cellular models of iPad have GNSS/GPS capabilities - this being a function of the iPad Cellular chipset. WiFi Only models of iPad have no GPS capabilities with which iPad Location Services can derive location. This fundamental difference may significantly impact your ability to use mapping Apps - in particular if real-time positioning (e.g., a moving map) is required. You should note that while GNSS/GPS is a function of the Cellular Chipset, satellite positioning is not reliant upon availability of Cellular service or in having an active Cellular plan for your device.


WiFi Only iPad models can only “infer” their location while they have an active network connection - an estimate location being derived from a database lookup of neighbouring WiFi networks for which the geographic location is known, or the geographic location of your public IP address. For static applications in urban locations, where the location of IP public IP addresses and WiFi networks are known, an “inferred” location can be relatively accurate. However, in rural locations, or when using a Cellular/Satellite/VPN connection, location accuracy of an inferred location [if it works at all] may be very inaccurate. 


GPS

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