Any catches buying an iPad in Japan?

[webstarcool]

Hi,

I'll be going to Japan next month and is contemplating to buy an Ipad Pro 10.5 Wifi only there, as it is quite a bit cheaper than in Europe.

I have 2 questions:

1) Are there any catches with the iPad sold on the Japanese market? Is it any different - like does it have a forced camera shutter sound or is this only with the iPhone?

2) Is warranty on local? I've been told iPads sold in Hong Kong only has local warranty, but I don't think it's the case in the US where it can be serviced even if you take it to Europe - it is basically the same model being sold there (A1701) - except for a different charger with US plug.

A side note: I bought an Apple Watch in Japan last year (Japanese version with Suica chip) and I have had no problem having it serviced and replaced at the Brussels Apple Store (microphone stopped working).

Anything else I should consider?

Looking forward to your answers!! Thx

 

[mrklaw]

Nope. Bought my kids mini 2s a few years ago, and my wife a mini 4 last year. Assuming wifi only they're identical - the charger may not fit your socket but just use any old USB charger or replace the plug part (the charger itself is multi voltage)

Way cheaper even with the crappy exchange rate with the UK - pro 10.5 is about £500 instead of £639

 

[kasakka]

If you want a cellular model you might want to check if it supports all the same bands used in your country. I can't seem to find info if there are any differences or if it's globally the same model.

There might be some issues where they try to sell the cellular model in conjunction with Japanese operators. Hopefully someone can clarify if it's possible to buy without a cellphone plan or something.

 

[webstarcool]

If you want a cellular model you might want to check if it supports all the same bands used in your country. I can't seem to find info if there are any differences or if it's globally the same model.

There might be some issues where they try to sell the cellular model in conjunction with Japanese operators. Hopefully someone can clarify if it's possible to buy without a cellphone plan or something.

The cellular model is the same being sold in Japan/Europe/USA:
https://www.apple.com/ipad/LTE/

Anyone has info on warranty?

 

[techiegirl]

We bought 2 10.5" in Japan on release day. We were told warranty will be covered in the US. We even bought AppleCare plus.

 

[rhyzome]

I'm in a similar situation in the Singapore area. (I wanted to buy before I left home in NY but Apple didn't release it in March as I had hoped...) Anyone have experience buying from the new Singapore store or other Apple stores in Southeast Asia? Are all of the internal components the same? No quality disparities?

 

[wib]

The wifi only ones you can buy at normal electrical stores and they aren't tied to any phone companies of course. If you change your mind and want cellular, then you'd have to go to the Apple store to ask for a Sim Free one - they're the only place you can get them.

I've just checked my 10.5 and it does have a shutter sound when you take a photo, but not when it's a live photo.

(I'm in Osaka)

 

[kasakka]

The wifi only ones you can buy at normal electrical stores and they aren't tied to any phone companies of course. If you change your mind and want cellular, then you'd have to go to the Apple store to ask for a Sim Free one - they're the only place you can get them.

I've just checked my 10.5 and it does have a shutter sound when you take a photo, but not when it's a live photo.

(I'm in Osaka)

Thanks for the info, as expected you have to jump thru a few hoops with cellular devices.

I'll be going to Osaka soon and was planning to visit an Apple store to pick one up. Any recommendations for which store to go to as there seem to be several? Also offtopic but any recommendations for places to visit in Osaka? I've been there a few times but could always use some new ideas.

 

[darkarn]

I'm in a similar situation in the Singapore area. (I wanted to buy before I left home in NY but Apple didn't release it in March as I had hoped...) Anyone have experience buying from the new Singapore store or other Apple stores in Southeast Asia? Are all of the internal components the same? No quality disparities?

You can give the Apple Store in Orchard Road a shot, it is run by Apple which reduces the chances of quality issues by a lot
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Thanks for the info, as expected you have to jump thru a few hoops with cellular devices.

I'll be going to Osaka soon and was planning to visit an Apple store to pick one up. Any recommendations for which store to go to as there seem to be several? Also offtopic but any recommendations for places to visit in Osaka? I've been there a few times but could always use some new ideas.

You can go see the Glico Man signboard in the Dotonbori area for starters!

 

[wib]

Thanks for the info, as expected you have to jump thru a few hoops with cellular devices.

I'll be going to Osaka soon and was planning to visit an Apple store to pick one up. Any recommendations for which store to go to as there seem to be several? Also offtopic but any recommendations for places to visit in Osaka? I've been there a few times but could always use some new ideas.

There's only one Apple shop in Osaka, in Shinsaibashi. (Not very far from the infamous Glico man)

https://www.apple.com/jp/retail/shinsaibashi/

Oh yes, and they have a few English speaking staff that work there these days, so shopping should be easy for you.

Wow, you're brave coming in the Summer - it's going to get really humid in a couple of weeks...

What kinds of things are you interested in seeing/doing/eating?

 

[nostodnayr]

Is it any different - like does it have a forced camera shutter sound or is this only with the iPhone?

iPad, too. Shutter sound is always played, like wib said. (Thankfully not for screenshots anymore, though!)

Wow, you're brave coming in the Summer - it's going to get really humid in a couple of weeks...

Here in south Mie, this week has been pretty murderous. But the heat is coming

 

[webstarcool]

Hi @wib and @nostodnayr ,

Just to clarify. Is there a shutter sound even when the iPad is muted?

Not that it's a big problem. I don't take a lot of pictures with my iPad, so not a major issue. I just want to make sure it's the same model as they sell in Europe, otherwise it can be more difficult to have it serviced/replaced. But I think it's the same model number, so I think it would not be a problem.

 

[wib]

I just checked and there IS a shutter sound even in in silent mode. However as I said before, if you turn on live photos, the shutter sound goes away but it makes a noise after you've taken the photo (an electronic noise).

Mine's the cellular one (A1709).

 

[nostodnayr]

Just to clarify. Is there a shutter sound even when the iPad is muted?

Yes.

The model is A1701 (Wi-Fi only).