iPad mini pro with phone function

[Kostas3000]

how cool it would be to have an iPad mini with:

1) pro capabilities (pencil, fast processor, over 3GB RAM)
2) phone function

It would be the optimal device, especially in conjunction with air pods, so that you don't have to hold the whole iPad on your ear

However, given Apple's tradition of trying to force you to buy multiple devices (see crippled productivity functions of iPad for many years) it is unlikely (unfortunately)

 

[Badrottie]

You can do that with Google Voice app

 

[jonnyb098]

how cool it would be to have an iPad mini with:

1) pro capabilities (pencil, fast processor, over 3GB RAM)
2) phone function

It would be the optimal device, especially in conjunction with air pods, so that you don't have to hold the whole iPad on your ear

However, given Apple's tradition of trying to force you to buy multiple devices (see crippled productivity functions of iPad for many years) it is unlikely (unfortunately)

I think you and about 5 other people would like that. Seriously. Said no one ever. Besides there is already FaceTime audio built in for calling other iPhones. That's a lot of set up, tooling and production cost to make a product 0.00001 percent of users want.

 

[joeblow7777]

That'd be neat, I guess, but I don't really see much point in phone functionality on a tablet, personally. If it's not small enough for me to carry at all times (ie. in a front pants pocket) it's not useful to me as a cellphone. And over 3GB of RAM seems unlikely given that even the 9.7" Pro and 4.7" iPhone 7 have 2GB, which, for my usage at least, is plenty for iOS. Such an iPad mini would probably be very expensive and overkill for most iPad mini users. This is what "phablets" are for.

 

[rui no onna]

how cool it would be to have an iPad mini with:

1) pro capabilities (pencil, fast processor, over 3GB RAM)
2) phone function

It would be the optimal device, especially in conjunction with air pods, so that you don't have to hold the whole iPad on your ear

However, given Apple's tradition of trying to force you to buy multiple devices (see crippled productivity functions of iPad for many years) it is unlikely (unfortunately)

I'm ambivalent regarding the Pencil but I sure would love a 7.9" 4:3 phablet with high end specs. Maybe priced the same or at most $100 more than the iPhone Plus? And while I find the Apple Watch quite chunky, an iPad mini-sized phablet would actually convince me to wear one.

One reason I don't like the 5.5" iPhone Plus models is they're still too small for comfy web browsing and manga reading but are too large to fit most women's wear pockets. My purse can hold a 7.9-9.7" iPad just as easily as it can hold an iPhone 7 Plus.

I have AT&T Wi-Fi Calling and Call on other devices enabled but it's been hit or miss thus far. I don't always receive iPhone calls on my iPad when on cellular data. Plus, it'd be nice to avoid paying the extra line access fee.

 

[rijc99]

I think you and about 5 other people would like that. Seriously. Said no one ever. Besides there is already FaceTime audio built in for calling other iPhones. That's a lot of set up, tooling and production cost to make a product 0.00001 percent of users want.

I think something along this line was also said about iPhones bigger than 3.5 or 4 inches. Oh and similarly about stylus input on an iPad. Oh and mini iPads.

 

[sonicrobby]

I think you and about 5 other people would like that. Seriously. Said no one ever. Besides there is already FaceTime audio built in for calling other iPhones. That's a lot of set up, tooling and production cost to make a product 0.00001 percent of users want.

It wouldnt be that much cost. The iPads already support cellular capabilities, its simple a matter of the OS including the same support for calls and texts through the cellular chip. I for one would prefer that they had it built in, especially since the cost of calls and texts are virtually free now anyway. Though there are workarounds with text and VOIP apps, but native integration would always be a better option for those kind of things IMO.

 

[jonnyb098]

It wouldnt be that much cost. The iPads already support cellular capabilities, its simple a matter of the OS including the same support for calls and texts through the cellular chip. I for one would prefer that they had it built in, especially since the cost of calls and texts are virtually free now anyway. Though there are workarounds with text and VOIP apps, but native integration would always be a better option for those kind of things IMO.

Say bye bye to 10 -hour battery life on iPads then. A cellular radio thats constantly on would kill the battery much quicker.

 

[sonicrobby]

Say bye bye to 10 -hour battery life on iPads then. A cellular radio thats constantly on would kill the battery much quicker.

I dont understand how this is different from a phone though. An LTE iPad = an iPhone. It already has a 9 hour battery life due to the constant connection of the LTE, so the 10 hours already isnt there. The hardware capabilities already exist in an LTE iPad, the sim card has its own mobile number. So unless Im missing some information on my end, the only thing keeping an iPad being a native phone:
-iOS not having native phone app
-The cellular chip to include calls/texts and not just data (though this is usually addressed in the carriers plans).

The capabilities are there, and the OP has a valid question of "why not?". If i take the sim card out of my phone and put it in my ipad, why couldnt I get calls and texts on there? My questioning is why are you so hard set against it. We know its not coming, and that many people may not use it. But your tone makes it sounds like you have some sort of personal grudge or distaste of this happening. What has the OP done to you?

 

[rui no onna]

It wouldnt be that much cost. The iPads already support cellular capabilities, its simple a matter of the OS including the same support for calls and texts through the cellular chip. I for one would prefer that they had it built in, especially since the cost of calls and texts are virtually free now anyway. Though there are workarounds with text and VOIP apps, but native integration would always be a better option for those kind of things IMO.

Yep, mostly software and carrier related.

I've never really understood the distinction made for "data SIMs" and normal "phone SIMs" in the US. When I travel to the Philippines, they just use the same SIM card for both. Features and functionality are dependent on device. I've seen 7"+ Chinese Android tablets with native phone functionality.

As for cellular killing battery quickly, not really. While cellular may have a huge impact on 1,500-3,000 mAh phones, its effect is pretty negligible on 6,000+ mAh tablets. The display is probably the biggest battery drain on tablets. With display off, I get 40 hours of hotspot use from the iPad 4 LTE and literally weeks of standby time.

 

[jonnyb098]

I dont understand how this is different from a phone though. An LTE iPad = an iPhone. It already has a 9 hour battery life due to the constant connection of the LTE, so the 10 hours already isnt there. The hardware capabilities already exist in an LTE iPad, the sim card has its own mobile number. So unless Im missing some information on my end, the only thing keeping an iPad being a native phone:
-iOS not having native phone app
-The cellular chip to include calls/texts and not just data (though this is usually addressed in the carriers plans).

The capabilities are there, and the OP has a valid question of "why not?". If i take the sim card out of my phone and put it in my ipad, why couldnt I get calls and texts on there? My questioning is why are you so hard set against it. We know its not coming, and that many people may not use it. But your tone makes it sounds like you have some sort of personal grudge or distaste of this happening. What has the OP done to you?

I have no grudge other than pointing out its something most people don't want therefor will probably never happen. I'm pretty sure Apple R&D already looked into something like this and came out saying its just not worth it to put any energy into a product very few want. Most people have and love their iPhones. This kind of product would in no way replace something to keep in a purse or pocket. Plus it takes away from a very profitable business model for iPhones. Phones are where the bulk business is at.

Like I said.....no one ever said....jeeze I wish I had an 8 inch phone. Even with Airpods, sometimes you just need the convenience of a very fast, small, portable device. Call me crazy. But that seems to be the common denominator for many. Hence why phones are the multi-billion dollar industry they are today.

I could sit here and make the OPs same argument for a mac with cellular connectivity. Its equally unlikely and not a common thing. Admittedly Apple added the ability to connect to your iPhone and take calls on Mac OS already.

Also looking at this from yet ANOTHER angle. With the Airpods now a reality....who cares WHAT device you use when you can just pop one in and tell siri to call someone? In order to do what the OP wants it assumes people own both devices (which many dont). So until you convince millions that a tablet should be their ONLY device, I submit this as yet another reason making full phone calls from an iPad won't happen.


All this circles around to my original point of it just not making sense from a business perspective of the current phone landscape , but y'all can keep on hoping.

 

[B.A.T]

I would love this. With air pods I can leave my iPad on my desk at work, in my bag at the gym or in my car. This is what I do with my 6 plus already and the screen on the mini is much better for getting work done.

 

[sonicrobby]

I have no grudge other than pointing out its something most people don't want therefor will probably never happen. I'm pretty sure Apple R&D already looked into something like this and came out saying its just not worth it to put any energy into a product very few want. Most people have and love their iPhones. This kind of product would in no way replace something to keep in a purse or pocket. Plus it takes away from a very profitable business model for iPhones. Phones are where the bulk business is at.

Like I said.....no one ever said....jeeze I wish I had an 8 inch phone. Even with Airpods, sometimes you just need the convenience of a very fast, small, portable device. Call me crazy. But that seems to be the common denominator for many. Hence why phones are the multi-billion dollar industry they are today.

I could sit here and make the OPs same argument for a mac with cellular connectivity. Its equally unlikely and not a common thing. Admittedly Apple added the ability to connect to your iPhone and take calls on Mac OS already.

Also looking at this from yet ANOTHER angle. With the Airpods now a reality....who cares WHAT device you use when you can just pop one in and tell siri to call someone? In order to do what the OP wants it assumes people own both devices (which many dont). So until you convince millions that a tablet should be their ONLY device, I submit this as yet another reason making full phone calls from an iPad won't happen.

All this circles around to my original point of it just not making sense from a business perspective of the current phone landscape , but y'all can keep on hoping.

I agree, there is no business sense in doing so, especially since Apple would be losing money in phone sales if they do. But all we are doing here is discussing, trying to be objective and respectful of other's thoughts. Concepts and implementation. I for one think a cellular macbook would be a great idea as well. My perspective is a phone was a phone at one point to talk to people, and now its been adopted across the population to where many has one and uses it for much more than its initial invention. And while you seem to be able to talk for most people, I cant; but my thought is that some people rely on other devices other than their phones for daily tasks. I use my laptop and iPad 95% of the time when compared to the phone usage. So my iPhone is something I have because I need it for my basic texts and calls. I wonder if other people may have the same sort of workflow, and depend more on larger devices than mobile ones. If someone carries around a laptop with them all day anyway, why couldn't that be their main communication device as well and not have to worry about the phone?

The OP thinks it would be cool, so do others. But I think everyone has agreed and understands that its not going to happen, the OP even admits it in the opening thread. But you seem to be eager to run around with that wet blanket and lay it on them. Like the lengths you go to to try and prove that it wont happen, but in a sarcastic and demeaning manner. Like you passionately dont want this, and if it were to happen you would be disappointed. Like just look over your first post and joeblow underneath yours. While he has the same beliefs you do, he presents it in a different manner. Maybe the lack of superlatives? I guess my fault is my expectation of what these forums were, and that's my bad.

 

[rui no onna]

I have no grudge other than pointing out its something most people don't want therefor will probably never happen. I'm pretty sure Apple R&D already looked into something like this and came out saying its just not worth it to put any energy into a product very few want. Most people have and love their iPhones. This kind of product would in no way replace something to keep in a purse or pocket. Plus it takes away from a very profitable business model for iPhones. Phones are where the bulk business is at.

Like I said.....no one ever said....jeeze I wish I had an 8 inch phone. Even with Airpods, sometimes you just need the convenience of a very fast, small, portable device. Call me crazy. But that seems to be the common denominator for many. Hence why phones are the multi-billion dollar industry they are today.

I could sit here and make the OPs same argument for a mac with cellular connectivity. Its equally unlikely and not a common thing. Admittedly Apple added the ability to connect to your iPhone and take calls on Mac OS already.

Also looking at this from yet ANOTHER angle. With the Airpods now a reality....who cares WHAT device you use when you can just pop one in and tell siri to call someone? In order to do what the OP wants it assumes people own both devices (which many dont). So until you convince millions that a tablet should be their ONLY device, I submit this as yet another reason making full phone calls from an iPad won't happen.


All this circles around to my original point of it just not making sense from a business perspective of the current phone landscape , but y'all can keep on hoping.

I do wonder what sales numbers are like on the iPod Touch and 12.9" iPad Pro. Apple spends R&D on those. And adding native phone functionality to the iPad? Quite trivial. Really, I reckon the primary reason iPads don't have native phone functionality is so that $459-529 LTE iPads don't cannibalize sales of $649+ iPhones.

Like I mentioned earlier, I'd be willing to pay a premium (e.g. $969 to $1069) for a 4:3 7.9" iPhone 256GB. All my purses would have no trouble fitting an iPad mini. Heck, I already carry a 9.7" iPad in mine. Granted, the question is how many others would be interested in paying $869+ (or $36+/mo on installment) for an iPad mini-sized iPhone with the latest specs? At $36/mo, I know several who would be interested (all of them female who carry purses ).

Also, stuff like AirPods and Apple Watch actually make having bigger phablets easier particularly for women. Keep the 7.9" phablet inside the purse and just use Apple Watch/AirPods to screen/answer calls. The only reason I still have an iPhone is so I can use it to forward calls and SMS to my iPad. I don't bother with the 5.5" iPhones since they don't fit in my pockets anyway.

 

[jonnyb098]

I agree, there is no business sense in doing so, especially since Apple would be losing money in phone sales if they do. But all we are doing here is discussing, trying to be objective and respectful of other's thoughts. Concepts and implementation. I for one think a cellular macbook would be a great idea as well. My perspective is a phone was a phone at one point to talk to people, and now its been adopted across the population to where many has one and uses it for much more than its initial invention. And while you seem to be able to talk for most people, I cant; but my thought is that some people rely on other devices other than their phones for daily tasks. I use my laptop and iPad 95% of the time when compared to the phone usage. So my iPhone is something I have because I need it for my basic texts and calls. I wonder if other people may have the same sort of workflow, and depend more on larger devices than mobile ones. If someone carries around a laptop with them all day anyway, why couldn't that be their main communication device as well and not have to worry about the phone?

The OP thinks it would be cool, so do others. But I think everyone has agreed and understands that its not going to happen, the OP even admits it in the opening thread. But you seem to be eager to run around with that wet blanket and lay it on them. Like the lengths you go to to try and prove that it wont happen, but in a sarcastic and demeaning manner. Like you passionately dont want this, and if it were to happen you would be disappointed. Like just look over your first post and joeblow underneath yours. While he has the same beliefs you do, he presents it in a different manner. Maybe the lack of superlatives? I guess my fault is my expectation of what these forums were, and that's my bad.

I would be fine if Apple decided to include phone capabilities with an iPad. Doesn't make a difference to me. The whole point here IS INDEED to discuss. Which is what I've done. Laying out why I think it won't happen. If my being more blunt has offended you in some fashion, that's unfortunate. Everyone has ways of explaining and discussing. Which is what makes things diverse around here.

 

[utilitas]

Never going to happen in the near future. They want to sell an iPhone and an iPad to one customer instead of only one device.

 

[rui no onna]

Never going to happen in the near future. They want to sell an iPhone and an iPad to one customer instead of only one device.

That depends. It's all about maximizing profit.

If a 7.9" iPhone for $869 base price will give them higher profit, I'm sure that's preferable to selling a $399 iPhone SE plus a $329 iPad. Particularly so if purchasers of that extra large phablet are also buying $399 Apple Watches and $159 AirPods.

The only question is how small/large is the market for those?

 

[Atomic Walrus]

The main thing keeping phone functionality off of tablets is that it would canabalize the phone market. The phones are more expensive, and right now anyone who wants a tablet realistically has to buy both devices.

So the outcome for Apple is that they end up selling 1 device to some subset of the market which would have previously bought 2. The carriers wouldn't go for it either; they would probably refuse to put the device onto their installment plans because it would allow users to skip an extra $10/month (or whatever) for a tablet data add-on.

As for who this device appeals to, I'd say that anyone who currently keeps their + device in some kind of bag instead of pocketing it (and uses BT for calls) might seriously consider it.

 

[Kostas3000]

Say bye bye to 10 -hour battery life on iPads then. A cellular radio thats constantly on would kill the battery much quicker.

All of us who have an iphone know that your statement is inaccurate