iPad is a line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The devices are known for their sleek designs, superior performance, and various features, including built-in GPS. GPS technology is used to determine the geographic location of an iPad, enabling a wide range of location-based services and applications.

However, not all iPad models have built-in GPS. In this article, we’re going to explore which iPad models have built-in GPS, and what you need to know about this feature.

First off, it’s worth noting that not all iPad models feature cellular connectivity. The cellular version of the iPad usually includes a GPS chip that enables accurate location tracking, even when there’s no Wi-Fi network or hotspot available. However, the Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad lacks this feature.

Here’s a breakdown of which iPad models have built-in GPS:

iPad (1st generation)

The original iPad, released in April 2010, was Wi-Fi only and did not feature built-in GPS.

iPad 2

The iPad 2, released in March 2011, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models included an A-GPS (Assisted GPS) chip that allowed for faster, more accurate location tracking.

iPad (3rd generation)

The third-generation iPad, also known as the iPad 3, was released in March 2012. Like the iPad 2, it was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad (4th generation)

The fourth-generation iPad, released in November 2012, was also available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models, as expected, included a GPS chip.

iPad Air

The iPad Air, released in November 2013, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular version of the iPad Air featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2, released in October 2014, was available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular version featured GPS capabilities.

iPad (5th generation)

In March 2017, Apple released the fifth-generation iPad. Like its predecessors, it was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad (6th generation)

The sixth-generation iPad, released in March 2018, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad (7th generation)

The seventh-generation iPad was released in September 2019, and like its predecessors, it was available in Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad (8th generation)

The eighth-generation iPad, released in September 2020, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Air (3rd generation)

The third-generation iPad Air, released in March 2019, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Air (4th generation)

The fourth-generation iPad Air, released in September 2020, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Mini (1st generation)

The first-generation iPad Mini, released in November 2012, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Mini 2

The iPad Mini 2, released in November 2013, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Mini 3

The iPad Mini 3, released in October 2014, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Mini 4

The iPad Mini 4, released in September 2015, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

iPad Mini (5th generation)

The fifth-generation iPad Mini, released in March 2019, was available in both Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The cellular models featured GPS capabilities.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an iPad model that has built-in GPS, we recommend purchasing a cellular version instead of a Wi-Fi-only version. Apart from the GPS feature, a cellular model also offers the added benefit of mobile connectivity, which can come in handy when there’s no Wi-Fi network available.