Will the GPS work on an IPad if you don’t activate cellular

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Level 1

8 points

Will the GPS work on an IPad if you don’t activate cellular

Hi all,

We asked 5 representatives at our local Apple store, and no one can seems to answer this question.

If I purchase a new IPad Pro with cellular capabilities, will the GPS work if I don’t activate the cellular plan on the IPad. I know that GPS should be independent of a cellular plan (I understand the differences in the technologies) but apparently no one else does ... at least not at the Genius Bar). I’m not asking if MAPS works...I’m just curious about the GPS.

Thanks for for any input.

Regards,

Elizabeth

iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular, iOS 11.3.1

Posted on May 1, 2018 3:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ckuan

Level 10

120,926 points

May 1, 2018 9:38 PM in response to Psulli9

iPad Wi-Fi & Cellular models has a GPS hardware chip so it will work without cellular plan.

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Answer 2

markwmsn

Level 6

16,715 points

May 2, 2018 4:15 PM in response to Psulli9

The GPS hardware will work fine without cellular activation. (I happen to be in possession of an iPad Pro equipped for cellular but not activated it, as was able to verify that receives a strong GPS signal.)

Some apps may not work when you don't have an internet connection. I assume you understood that because you said you weren't asking about whether the Maps app works.

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Answer 3

Psulli9 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 1, 2018 4:36 PM in response to yahir34

Possibly. I don’t know the technologies that Find my IPhone uses, but yes it could use that I would guess. For example, my Garmin has a GPS in it, I don’t pay for cellular or additional services. I pay for the GPS hardware. Would the iPad GPS work just from the hardware itself without any cellular.

Hope this clarifies.

E

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Answer 4

yahir34

Level 1

105 points

May 1, 2018 4:32 PM in response to Psulli9

Ok, just to see if I understand correctly, your asking if the gps inside your iPad works, for example, find my iPhone?

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Will the GPS work on an IPad if you don’t activate cellular

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