iPad Pro Is it worth to spend extra $$ on iPad Pro with cellular?

[jlc1978]

Just curious. For this use case, shouldn’t it possible using WiFi and personal hotspot to your phone?

I guess it depends on your use case and thethering plan. For me, having had a cellular iPad, the extra cost wasn’t worth it because I usually was somewhere WiFi was available, such as a hotel, and when I wasn’t I could use my phone to get internet access. As always, YMMV based on your use case. There isn’t one right answer; despite what some people claim.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Just curious. For this use case, shouldn’t it possible using WiFi and personal hotspot to your phone?

Technically, it is doable if there is WiFi available but, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is prudent.

1) Public WiFi is not secure and would necessitate using a VPN (or Tailscale).
2) Hotspot speed can be slow as well and depending on connection and tasks being done, using it to remote into a Mac and download files can chew up some battery (depending on the time frame involved.
3) If one needs to make use of the forum members scenario on a regular basis, it makes sense to get the cellular plan, in my opinion.

 

[wib]

Just curious. For this use case, shouldn’t it possible using WiFi and personal hotspot to your phone?

Yes, as I said in my post, it IS possible but not preferable for me. I've already got bags and things in my hands while I'm standing on the platform. Needing to balance my phone and the 13" iPad as well, would make it quite hard and I'd worry about dropping one. I'm not a big fan of public Wi-Fi spots.

iPad data plans are not much of a thing here in Japan so I'm using a prepaid plan (Roamless) someone on these forums helpfully suggested. The volume of data given in Japan is much, much smaller than that in other countries, so I'm only using it sparingly, in 'emergencies'. I get 4.20GBs for $25 dollars vs US - 7.69GB and UK - 10.2GB.

I used it again recently to upload a screenshot to Google Classroom so I didn't have to keep sharing my screen on the projector. It was really helpful! I am thinking about investing in a small monthly data plan too, as it is really nice to just be able to use the internet freely wherever I am. The split screen on the 13" makes certain routine activities a lot smoother.

I hope that answered your question.

 

[Bandoholic]

IMO If you can afford it, then do it, instead of regretting not doing it down the road.

 

[Populus]

Yes - no connection required.

Just to be sure, even without an eSIM, data or WiFi connection, if you previously download the maps and stick with duct tape the whole iPad onto your old 2000s car to give it a Tesla vibe… will it precisely follow your movement like on an iPhone or any other smartphone with GPS?

Like, I’m considering getting a discounted M2 Pro and the cellular model is like 100€ extra, and I’m pondering if that’s worth it or not. Many thanks!

 

[sparksd]

Yes, it has a built-in

Just to be sure, even without an eSIM, data or WiFi connection, if you previously download the maps and stick with duct tape the whole iPad onto your old 2000s car to give it a Tesla vibe… will it precisely follow your movement like on an iPhone or any other smartphone with GPS?

Like, I’m considering getting a discounted M2 Pro and the cellular model is like 100€ extra, and I’m pondering if that’s worth it or not. Many thanks!

Yes, a cellular iPad has a built-in GPS chip for satellite acquisition and tracking and will act like a phone with GPS.

 

[Surfsalot]

Just to be sure, even without an eSIM, data or WiFi connection, if you previously download the maps and stick with duct tape the whole iPad onto your old 2000s car to give it a Tesla vibe… will it precisely follow your movement like on an iPhone or any other smartphone with GPS?

Like, I’m considering getting a discounted M2 Pro and the cellular model is like 100€ extra, and I’m pondering if that’s worth it or not. Many thanks!

Yes.
Before bigger iPhones and CarPlay I always used to buy cellular iPads just for maps/gps.

 

[Populus]

Yes. Before bigger iPhones and CarPlay I always used to buy cellular iPads just for maps/gps.

But you used them without a data connection, right?

Yes, a cellular iPad has a built-in GPS chip for satellite acquisition and tracking and will act like a phone with GPS.

I know, but iPhones usually have a data connection by default (the iPhone would be pretty useless without it); maybe Apple restricted it to work with a data connection, because it is an A-GPS, and I don’t plan to get an extra eSIM for the iPad Pro. And there’s no WiFi on the highway.

EDIT: right now the price difference is 150€, and I’m considering if it’s worth it. And I must make the decision… like… NOW LOL

EDIT 2: Does anyone know if AppleCare (monthly) is more expensive on cellular models?

 

[sparksd]

But you used them without a data connection, right?


I know, but iPhones usually have a data connection by default (the iPhone would be pretty useless without it); maybe Apple restricted it to work with a data connection, because it is an A-GPS, and I don’t plan to get an extra eSIM for the iPad Pro. And there’s no WiFi on the highway.

EDIT: right now the price difference is 150€, and I’m considering if it’s worth it. And I must make the decision… like… NOW LOL

EDIT 2: Does anyone know if AppleCare (monthly) is more expensive on cellular models?

Yes, no data connection is required when using GPS on a cellular iPad. I use my cellular Mini 6 for GPS navigation when it has no data connection, cellular or WiFi.

AppleCare (monthly) is not more expensive on cellular models.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I’ve always had the cellular Pro iPads and will continue. So nice to have if we lose our internet at home or if there is crappy or no WiFi when traveling.

 

[Populus]

Yes, no data connection is required when using GPS on a cellular iPad. I use my cellular Mini 6 for GPS navigation when it has no data connection, cellular or WiFi.

AppleCare (monthly) is not more expensive on cellular models.

Many thanks to you and @Surfsalot for your insight and information.

I only had an hour to make my mind because I found some crazy deals on the 2TB 11” M2 iPad Pro, as I suspect this 50% discount won’t last long… and during that time I had to figure out wether the cellular was worth the extra 160€, what color did I prefer, and the international shipping details.

The clock was ticking and, afraid to miss the deal, I decided I’m good with the WiFi version and saving those 160€. Why? Well, honestly I don’t see myself using my iPad Pro as navigator, I use the car very little, for those times I think I can manage well with my iPhone, if I need to. And I don’t plan to contact a secondary SIM card, my iPhone works pretty well as a WiFi hotspot. So I just got the WiFi version.

 

[Surfsalot]

Many thanks to you and @Surfsalot for your insight and information.

I only had an hour to make my mind because I found some crazy deals on the 2TB 11” M2 iPad Pro, as I suspect this 50% discount won’t last long… and during that time I had to figure out wether the cellular was worth the extra 160€, what color did I prefer, and the international shipping details.

The clock was ticking and, afraid to miss the deal, I decided I’m good with the WiFi version and saving those 160€. Why? Well, honestly I don’t see myself using my iPad Pro as navigator, I use the car very little, for those times I think I can manage well with my iPhone, if I need to. And I don’t plan to contact a secondary SIM card, my iPhone works pretty well as a WiFi hotspot. So I just got the WiFi version.

The plans used to be good here you would get a free data sim for you iPad, now you have to either pay $25AUD a month or go on higher phone plan and get one for $10, which is still extra $20 a month. Every dollar counts these days.
Plus the extra for the iPad.
If I travelled alot for work like I used to I would 100% have the cellular iPad.

I don't even have a iPad now swapped to a 13" M3 16/512GB MBA, love it.
My wife has my 11" M1 and selling her 2018 11".

 

[pugxiwawa]

The only reason to get the cellular version is to get GPS, if you are going to use maps app cause the normal iPad doesn't have GPS, when every cheap android tablet has GPS, but Tim obviously saved some money by not having GPS in the wifi chipset.

Not the only reason. Using hotspot is annoying having to manually connect and wait for it to establish connection.

 

[muzzy996]

Not the only reason. Using hotspot is annoying having to manually connect and wait for it to establish connection.

I suspect that the intent of the comment was more along the lines of “if a person has no intention of ever activating a cellular based iPad on a cellular data plan then the main benefit of having one is having GPS.” Of course this has been well established within this thread at this point.

 

[macfacts]

Not the only reason. Using hotspot is annoying having to manually connect and wait for it to establish connection.

I'm not in the iOS ecosystem but read comments (I once commented Chromebooks can automatically turn on & connect to an android hotspot and someone else said iPads and iPhones do that too) that connecting to an iPhone hotspot from an iPad is automatic.

 

[ppetrovic]

Yes, it's flawless, at least for me. If both an iPad and an iPhone are signed into the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth turned on and the iPhone is connected to a 4G/5G signal, all you have to do is select the iPhone in the list of WiFi networks on your iPad and it just works.

On the other hand, if your mobile device is an Android, the situation changes significantly and the friction increases considerably.

 

[pugxiwawa]

I'm not in the iOS ecosystem but read comments (I once commented Chromebooks can automatically turn on & connect to an android hotspot and someone else said iPads and iPhones do that too) that connecting to an iPhone hotspot from an iPad is automatic.

Not automatic. You still have to go to iPhone making sure hotspot is on and go to iPad to select iPhone as wifi.

Yes, it's flawless, at least for me. If both an iPad and an iPhone are signed into the same iCloud account, have Bluetooth turned on and the iPhone is connected to a 4G/5G signal, all you have to do is select the iPhone in the list of WiFi networks on your iPad and it just works.

On the other hand, if your mobile device is an Android, the situation changes significantly and the friction increases considerably.

That’s not flawless. Still have to ensure iPhone hotspot is on and also iPad needs to select iPhone in WiFi. And connection doesn’t stay on so if stop using iPad for a few minutes, it will drop connection and you need to do it all over again. It’s annoying and not close to flawless, not to mention iPhone gets really hot.

 

[jlc1978]

Not automatic. You still have to go to iPhone making sure hotspot is on and go to iPad to select iPhone as wifi.

That’s not flawless. Still have to ensure iPhone hotspot is on and also iPad needs to select iPhone in WiFi. And connection doesn’t stay on so if stop using iPad for a few minutes, it will drop connection and you need to do it all over again. It’s annoying and not close to flawless, not to mention iPhone gets really hot.

I'm not sure about your setup but on my if I leave the hotspot turned on and have my iPad (or Mac) set to auto join it does that and works flawlessly. The iPhone is just seen as another WiFi network.

I use that setup, depending on where I am, to watch TV by linking my iPad or Mac via HDMI to a TV.

I've also used the USB connection but prefer WiFi because I can keep both devices charging as needed.

You might wonder, why not just have gotten a cellular iPad? The short answer is it's cheaper to hotspot, since I saved the cost of a cellular iPad and when I'm not using the hotspot I still have cellular data on my phone and just have 1 plan, not one for each device. Someone else may find it better to have separate plans because of how the devices get used; that is their choice, there is no one right answer.

 

[pugxiwawa]

I'm not sure about your setup but on my if I leave the hotspot turned on and have my iPad (or Mac) set to auto join it does that and works flawlessly. The iPhone is just seen as another WiFi network.

I use that setup, depending on where I am, to watch TV by linking my iPad or Mac via HDMI to a TV.

I've also used the USB connection but prefer WiFi because I can keep both devices charging as needed.

You might wonder, why not just have gotten a cellular iPad? The short answer is it's cheaper to hotspot, since I saved the cost of a cellular iPad and when I'm not using the hotspot I still have cellular data on my phone and just have 1 plan, not one for each device. Someone else may find it better to have separate plans because of how the devices get used; that is their choice, there is no one right answer.

Yes the reason to go with hotspot obviously is to save money. We know that. The question how much friction ie inconvenience using hotspot vs cellular iPad. The answer is quite a bit if you are primarily using iPad on the go.

You don’t want to leave hotspot on your iPhone all the time as that drains the battery. So think about what you need to do to connect iPad
1) turn on iPhone hotspot
2) navigate on iPad to WiFi connect to hotspot
3) wait for connection to establish
4) feeling iPhone gets hot and battery drain. And then let’s say you stop using iPad for 5 min, it disconnects from hotspot. Next time you turn it on you will need to repeat the same steps. If you are using iPad on the go only occasionally then obviously hotspot is ok. If you need it on more frequent basis hotspot is just a pain.

 

[jlc1978]

Yes the reason to go with hotspot obviously is to save money. We know that.

And depending on the use case saving money is a good thing; everyone needs to decide on their own if the ~200/year plus higher cost for the iPad is worth it.

For me, a hotspot is a cheaper and more flexible solution since 1 account can handle data on the phone, iPad and Mac.

The question how much friction ie inconvenience using hotspot vs cellular iPad. The answer is quite a bit if you are primarily using iPad on the go.

Again, my experience is connecting to my iPhone is automatic. Everyone doesn't have to do it your way.

You don’t want to leave hotspot on your iPhone all the time as that drains the battery.

Mine is always on and I get several days of battery life; I haven't noticed any negative impact. YMMV

So think about what you need to do to connect iPad

UH, turn it on and have it auto-connect to my hotspot.

1) turn on iPhone hotspot
2) navigate on iPad to WiFi connect to hotspot
3) wait for connection to establish
4) feeling iPhone gets hot and battery drain. And then let’s say you stop using iPad for 5 min, it disconnects from hotspot. Next time you turn it on you will need to repeat the same steps. If you are using iPad on the go only occasionally then obviously hotspot is ok. If you need it on more frequent basis hotspot is just a pain.

Again, my experience is it auto connects and just works when I need it. I suspect something in your settings is causing the issues you see.

I agree if you use cellular frequently a cellular iPad may be the way to go, because it meets your needs.

My point is using a hotspot is nowhere near as problematic as you claim, at least not in my experience. YMMV.
Edit: Typos

 

[pugxiwawa]

And depending on the use case saving money is a good thing; everyone needs to decide on their own if the ~200/year plus higher cost for the iPad is worth it.

For me, a hotspot is a cheaper and more flexible solution since 1 account can handle data on the phone, iPad and Mac.



Again, my experience is connecting to my iPhone is automatic. Everyone doesn't have to do it your way.



Mine is always on and I get several days of battery life; I haven't noticed any negative impact. YMMV



UH, turn it on and have it auto-connect to my hotspot.



Again, my experience is it auto connects and just works when I need it. I suspect something in your settings is causing the issues you see.

I agree if you use cellular frequently a cellular iPad may be the way to go, because it meets your needs.

My point is using a hotspot is nowhere near as problematic as you claim, at least not in my experience. YMMV.
Edit: Typos

How does your phone autoconnect? iPhone? How does it have hotspot on all the time? Isn’t that waste of battery most of time?

iOS does not auto connect. Once hotspot is off you have to go in setting and turn it on again otherwise iPad won’t see it in WiFi. It takes few steps as I outlined above.

 

[macfacts]

How does your phone autoconnect? iPhone? How does it have hotspot on all the time? Isn’t that waste of battery most of time?

iOS does not auto connect. Once hotspot is off you have to go in setting and turn it on again otherwise iPad won’t see it in WiFi. It takes few steps as I outlined above.

I'm guessing you need to be signed in same iCloud account on both devices and have Bluetooth on.

 

[jlc1978]

How does your phone autoconnect? iPhone? How does it have hotspot on all the time? Isn’t that waste of battery most of time?

iOS does not auto connect. Once hotspot is off you have to go in setting and turn it on again otherwise iPad won’t see it in WiFi. It takes few steps as I outlined above.

I leave my on and auto-connect on. No real impcat on battery life that I have noticed. Do the same for family members because otherwise i’d get calls ‘it’s broken’.

 

[pugxiwawa]

I'm guessing you need to be signed in same iCloud account on both devices and have Bluetooth on.

I have on both, nothing automatic about the process. Automate to me means, when i turn on my ipad, it automatically connects to hotspot WiFi on my iphone. Mine certainly doesn't do that.

I leave my on and auto-connect on. No real impcat on battery life that I have noticed. Do the same for family members because otherwise i’d get calls ‘it’s broken’.

Which option in your iphone has this setting? Under hotspot there's no option for leaving it always on. Again, unless you are talking about android phone.

 

[macfacts]

I have on both, nothing automatic about the process. Automate to me means, when i turn on my ipad, it automatically connects to hotspot WiFi on my iphone. Mine certainly doesn't do that.


Which option in your iphone has this setting? Under hotspot there's no option for leaving it always on. Again, unless you are talking about android phone.

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