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IPad LTE question

C

Cricketman

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 30, 2008
267
92
Hi all
Thinking of upgrading to the 10.5 iPad Pro, 256GB with LTE. Currently have a 128gb wifi model, and i absolutely love it.

Getting an LTE version will be the major upgrade. However, i have a few questions...

The apple sim sounds wonderful. Ala-cart LTE plans? Ability to switch between carriers? International use? Sounds awesome. But I read that some of them lock you down. I have ATT as my iPhone carrier. It would be nice to tie it in with my monthly phone bill and data allotment. BUT - once you choose att, does it become locked? I am not about that life!

Also, I travel a few weeks a year internationally and there is spotty/no wifi often to the places I go. A major reason I am thinking of getting LTE iPad is the ability to switch into an international plan when abroad. Whats the situation there? If I choose ATT, will I be able to switch into international services without the crazy ATT international roaming surcharge?

Thanks for the advice.
 
Cricketman said:
Hi all
Thinking of upgrading to the 10.5 iPad Pro, 256GB with LTE. Currently have a 128gb wifi model, and i absolutely love it.

Getting an LTE version will be the major upgrade. However, i have a few questions...

The apple sim sounds wonderful. Ala-cart LTE plans? Ability to switch between carriers? International use? Sounds awesome. But I read that some of them lock you down. I have ATT as my iPhone carrier. It would be nice to tie it in with my monthly phone bill and data allotment. BUT - once you choose att, does it become locked? I am not about that life!

Also, I travel a few weeks a year internationally and there is spotty/no wifi often to the places I go. A major reason I am thinking of getting LTE iPad is the ability to switch into an international plan when abroad. Whats the situation there? If I choose ATT, will I be able to switch into international services without the crazy ATT international roaming surcharge?

Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...
The new iPad Pros have an embedded SIM in addition to a SIM card slot (https://www.apple.com/ipad/apple-sim/). If you buy the iPad from AT&T, they lock the embedded SIM to their network (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203099), however you can still insert a SIM from another carrier.

If you purchase an unlocked iPad I would imagine you can insert an AT&T SIM in the slot and tie the iPad to your existing account that way as well, without locking the embedded SIM (therefore allowing you to change carriers at will via the embedded SIM for international travel, etc.).
 
iF34R said:
Well, I'm sure someone would have that option, but for me, I don't. That's why I would go LTE model if needed. Still considering it.
Click to expand...

You have to pay for the LTE connection in iPad too,it's basically just the same as an extra phone. Try getting a flat rate deal with your carrier.
 
I have the new Pro with LTE on AT&T. An unlocked version form Best Buy. Put an AT&T SIM in the device to add it to your data plan. That's what I did. The embedded SIM is thus unused and not locked down so I can use that one for ad hoc plan needs like when traveling. It really is an awesome way to do it because you'll never have to physically hassle with SIMs (aside from inserting the AT&T one once, which they should give you for free at a store).

I had an LTE Air 1 as well. I find the +$10 on my AT&T bill for it to share my family data plan is easily worth it versus hassling with hot spots from the phone. To be fair, hot spot isn't terrible and is suitable for someone who would very rarely need cellular on their iPad. But I usually have my iPad without wifi a few times a month, often for many hours on several days (due to travel). That was enough for me to appreciate the LTE option with no regrets.
 
Of note, with Verizon:
Verizon (Verizon retail locations): The embedded Apple SIM isn't enabled. You can use a nano-SIM card from another carrier in the nano-SIM tray.​

So if you buy an iPad Pro directly from Verizon, you lose any/all capabilities provided by the embedded Apple SIM. How nice.
 
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Reactions: Peter K.
The embedded SIM is completely useless here in Canada. None of the major carriers show up on it.
 
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