YES you need Griffin FM device BUT works great on my iPad mini – iFM Radio Controller Review

Is working without any issues - on three devices - my iPad 3, iPhone 4S AND yes an iPad Mini 1st Gen - all devices using iOS 7.1 FIRST for ANY device you need the Griffin Tech device NOT just this app - WHY? because Apple did not build an FM receiver into the iPad or iPhones (some iPods do have them) - the Griffin device is an FM receiver . . . This software only operates the device on you iPhone/iPad. SECOND - works fine with “lightning connector” - using on my iPad Mini 1st Gen - iOS 7.1 BUT - you need the Apple brand "Lightning to 30-pin Adapter" (0.2 m) - (I’ve not tried it with any other adapters so can’t verify those.) THIRD - I am using the Apple ear buds with mic which came with my iPhone have not had any issues
Review by KZFisher on iFM Radio Controller.