I'm in Canada so the AT&T thing doesn't affect me. But how do they get away with this? It's not even their SIM card and they lock it? In the case of the built in SIM, they are essentially taking over the entire device. I'm surprised they can do this legally. Obviously they can, but it's still strange to me.
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iPad Pro 9.7: Embedded sim carrier lock?
- Thread starter mcgroarty
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No, they are not. You can always stick someone else's sim in there.
I'm referring to the built in SIM. They take over a built in component which I find strange. I realize you can put in a different SIM in the tray, but that defeats the purpose of having a flexible internal SIM card.
I think so...
5Embedded Apple SIM in iPad Pro (9.7-inch) may be disabled when purchased from some carriers. See your carrier for details. Apple SIM and embedded Apple SIM not available in China.
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2016/03/21Apple-Introduces-9-7-inch-iPad-Pro.html
It just seems crazy to me that they are allowed to lock it. At very least, they should offer an unlocking procedure so that one can restore the embedded SIM to original condition.
The embedded sim is not marketed as "flexible". It's just that - an embedded sim. Use it. Or not. But don't accuse AT&T of doing something they are not. You can use whatever sim you want. The iPad in unlocked.
Both posters that had theirs locked were ipads bought from att. Anyone buy theirs from the Apple Store and still have this issue? I just popped in my activated Verizon sim from my iPad Air and in settings still have a choice to activate the internal sim on the other 4 carriers. Wonder if this is an issue with iPads bought from att.
Well, it IS marketed as flexible. It's the whole point of the Apple SIM card... flexibility.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/apple-sim/
"With Apple SIM in select iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models, you get the convenience of choosing a cellular data plan from carrier partners right on your iPad.1 And when you travel, Apple SIM gives you the added flexibility to stay connected in more than 90 countries and territories around the world. So when you reach your destination and want to check your email, find directions or send a message back home, you can purchase a cellular data plan for the duration of your trip — whether it’s a day, a week or a month."
"Apple SIM lets you keep your iPad connected in more than 90 countries and territories around the world. When you reach your destination, simply select a cellular data plan right from your iPad and get connected. Since iPad is an unlocked device, you can also install a local carrier SIM if that’s a better solution. And because Apple SIM is so flexible, when you return home you can easily switch back to your U.S. carrier plan."
[doublepost=1459605318][/doublepost]If this article is correct, it sounds like AT&T will only lock the embedded Apple SIM if the iPad is purchased at one of it's stores. Fair enough, but buyer beware!
http://recode.net/2016/03/22/latest-ipad-pro-makes-it-even-easier-to-switch-wireless-carriers/
"T-Mobile and Sprint are fully supporting the built-in Apple SIM feature. AT&T, however, will tie the Apple SIM to its network if you buy your iPad at one of its retail stores. Verizon, meanwhile, will require a separate SIM card and disable the built-in embedded Apple SIM on the iPads it sells."
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You can read, can't you? You mean to tell me you can't tell what flexibility they are referring to?????
Let me spell it out.
To stay connected in more than 90 countries.
Not to pick and choose and go back to however many carriers you want.
Geez Louise.
Flexibility is flexibility and Louise had nothing to do with it.
I find it strange that anyone would be okay with a company taking exclusive ownership of an internal component of an unlocked device, but whatever. You have your opinion and I have mine. We'll never agree so let's move on shall we?
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But if your internal SIM is tied to AT&T, you won't be able to use it to connect in 90 other countries. You'd have to buy external SIM in each country you travel to, just like before.
Exactly... I have an issue with a company that would hobble an embedded component. AT&T certainly wouldn't be getting any of my business.
They can't miss me if I never met them to being with. Sounds like you're good buddies with them since they called you. Please say hi for me.
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Well that's stupid. But good to know in the future. I'll just get T-Mobile's free plan with the embedded SIM and use an AT&T SIM card.
Thanks for taking the time to post your experience. I'd like to clarify what you're saying, since my iPad purchased directly from Apple arrives today.
Were you able to select ATT from the embedded SIM and set up an ATT plan that way, and afterwards still having the option to go to Settings and switch to another carrier as needed (and then back to ATT)? This is exactly what I want to be able to do as I'll be traveling a lot with this iPad. When overseas I'd love to not have to get a separate SIM for each country.
Thanks for your help.
Were you able to select ATT from the embedded SIM and set up an ATT plan that way, and afterwards still having the option to go to Settings and switch to another carrier as needed (and then back to ATT)? This is exactly what I want to be able to do as I'll be traveling a lot with this iPad. When overseas I'd love to not have to get a separate SIM for each country.
Thanks for your help.
If you pick AT&T with the embedded SIM, you can ONLY use AT&T with the embedded SIM. If you want to keep the flexibility, get an AT&T SIM, and use the embedded one while traveling using GigSky or another carrier that doesn't lock the SIM.
A quote from an article posted above states that "AT&T, however, will tie the Apple SIM to its network if you buy your iPad at one of its retail stores." Would this also apply if I purchase the iPad Pro from ATT.com? Logic would say so, but I don't rely on logic when attempting to decipher AT&T's business practices.
I'd like to buy a 9.7" iPad Pro from ATT.com and activate it on my existing AT&T plan while retaining access to the embedded sim for use while traveling internationally. Possible?
Thanks.
I'd like to buy a 9.7" iPad Pro from ATT.com and activate it on my existing AT&T plan while retaining access to the embedded sim for use while traveling internationally. Possible?
Thanks.
I doubt it. Buy from Apple, and go to AT&T and get an external SIM, and have them switch your existing plan to that SIM. Or you may be able to take out the existing SIM from your current device and pop it into the external SIM slot.
My new iPad Pro isn't working after a restore. None of the tech 'support' people were even aware of an internal SIM. One rep said 'that don't make no sense.' I promptly hung up on him. SMH
Anyway, no LTE after a restore. Apple phone support is sending me to the Apple Store for a replacement.
It's strange, it worked Sunday and Monday, but today, after a restore, no cellular. Even tried restoring through iTunes. AT&T said s need a new nano SIM. Again, SMH.
Anyway, no LTE after a restore. Apple phone support is sending me to the Apple Store for a replacement.
It's strange, it worked Sunday and Monday, but today, after a restore, no cellular. Even tried restoring through iTunes. AT&T said s need a new nano SIM. Again, SMH.
When you restored did you select to keep your cellular plan? I did a restore last night and had to choose that option, first time I have ever seen it.
I was not shown that option. I spent 2 hours between AT&T and Apple. No luck. I have to go to the store and wait in line for a no appointment Genius appointment.