Does the new iPad have GPS?

As with all iPads, yes, the wifi+cellular model includes GPS. The wifi only model does not.

https://www.apple.com/ipad-9.7/specs/

I understand I need an iPad Pro with the cellular option, so I may have the ability to use an app that requires a GPS signal for navigation on the road and on the water.

My question is, if I do not activate cellular service, will the GPS on the iPad work with reasonable accuracy where wi-fi is unavailable?

Yes, aGPS includes a full and proper GPS receiver and system. As long as the device has a clear unobstructed view of the open sky, it requires neither a cellular nor a wifi connection to get an accurate location from satellites alone.

Of course, if the map or loacation software you use requires an internet connection to get display data, that’s an entirely different issue. But offline nav apps work fine with no connection (I use City Maps To Go on my iPad at times, with airplane mode on).

I haven't purchased the iPad Pro yet. I will buy the iPad with the Cellular/GPS chip if it works without activating the cellular service. That's what i'm trying to determine before I buy. I'm getting conflicting answers though.

The aGPS functions and iOS location services have nothing at all to do with whether you have active cellular service or not. I’ve never activated cellular service with my iPad Pro. Offline navigation apps work just fine.

Thank you Michael for your help. After I spoke with an Apple Sales rep, he threw a wrench into the works. He stated I needed an initial Wi-Fi connection if I wasn't activating cell service for the iPad to "find" itself. That didn't make much sense to me either. I'm glad I verified with folks who have the working knowledge of the subject

I'm going with your experience and knowledge on this. What you said has been backed up with folks here on the discussion group.

Many thanks to all others who helped me. I'm going with the cellular/GPS chip option.

When setting up the iPad you will need a Wifi connection yes. But that's just required once.

After that, the GPS can locate the iPad fine. It can use any nearby wifi routers to aid in location, but it will not require it be connected to them or at all.

You will need a wifi connection to initially activate the iPad. That has absolutely nothing to do with aGPS nor iOS location services. Every single iOS device must be activated to use and that requires an internet connection. If not using cellular, you will have to use wifi.

Again, none if this has anything to do with location services and using aGPS without a wifi or cellular or BT connection.

The aGPS system in an iPhone or wifi+cellular iPad is a fully featured GPS system and all it needs to get a location is a clear view of the sky and the GPS satellites overhead.

Having a wifi or cellular connection merely speeds up an initial location fix, or provides approximate location inside buildings or elsewhere the device cannot receive satellite timing signals.

Thank you. Great detailed explanation.

So that’s what the Apple rep was talking about. I got the impression from him I had to have an initial wi-if connection each time I use the app requiring a GPS signal. .

I purchase today, tomorrow morning I’ll head outside and give it a try.

FJF

Yes, the GPS works without having to activate the Cellular service.

Buying from Apple gives you a 14 day return period.