iPad Pro LTE strategy

[bniu]

for the iPad Pro, Apple only offers LTE with the 128GB model.

Just curious, would that strategy work as well with the iPad Air 2 and mini 4, also by offering only a 32GB or 128GB wifi models and LTE only on the 128GB version?

Surely it'd cut down on Apple's inventory capacity as each line would have just 9 instead of 18 different SKUs.

 

[Robnsn2015]

I find it unfortunate. I have had an LTE iPad Air 1 for 2 years and have noticed that I actually use LESS storage because of being constantly connected to the internet.

 

[Smeaton1724]

I want to go cellular as tethering from the iPhone hammers the battery on both devices (currently tether an iPad 4 to an iPhone 6), more so than just using cellular on each one individually. Major downside is paying for 2 cellular/data plans.

 

[RevTEG]

A none cellular iPad is a NO GO for me. I do relief work in the Philippines 6 months each year. The places I work have very limited wifi but the cellular connections are mostly good. Not having cellular abilities would really limit my work. Unfortunately for me I don't need the 128 gig HD. But will have to buy it.

 

[s2mikey]

I dont like the idea. The pro was already off my list because of some other things but the lack of LTE support on the lower models seals it. I dont get it...????

 

[Marshall73]

No cellular = no GPS which is essential for a lot of my clients. They don't even use sim cards with them but need the GPS functionality.

 

[DavesIknow]

it does seem strange to only offer it in one model, its better than not offereing at all i guess...you gotta pay to play

 

[Smeaton1724]

When the iPad 1 was released if someone would have said there would still be wifi only models 5 years on I'd have been surprised. Non integration of cellular as a 'standard feature' has me convinced of Apple scalping on storage to bump people up to higher priced models. If you have cellular capability quite often you do not need as much local storage.

In the case of the iPad Pro they will let you have cellular but you also have to pay them for the privilege of 128GB.

They should just rationalize the whole iPad line from Mini/Air/Pro and just have cellular models.

 

[Menel]

I dont like the idea. The pro was already off my list because of some other things but the lack of LTE support on the lower models seals it. I dont get it...????

Easy. They expect sales to be really low on the 13" model. Carrying so many different SKU is costly.

 

[DavesIknow]

so many devices, so many space options, so many colors and then throw LTE or non LTE - that is a huge headache...add in now Rose Color which you would guess is coming to ipads next year...its alot

i can see why they did this. people who will spend $100 plus extra for LTE will also send the extra for the space. if you don't want to, then dont get it, its that simply...same as the base price of $800 for a 32 gig for the pro...if its too much it isnt for you

 

[Skika]

Easy. They expect sales to be really low on the 13" model. Carrying so many different SKU is costly.

Arent they all 13 inch models?

 

[Macalway]

A bit off topic, but WTF

Does this model have the different backing for cell, with the plastic part? (black strip I remember). Or does it have a different casing in any way?

Thanks!

 

[cbrand493]

There are a LOT of businesses out there that use millions of iPads worldwide and require LTE but only require minimum storage. If they cut that out, they would lose a lot of business customers to Samsung etc. My local parcel delivery guy now uses an iPad mini LTE with a case that can scan barcodes instead of one of those scanner things.

 

[RickTaylor]

for the iPad Pro, Apple only offers LTE with the 128GB model.

Just curious, would that strategy work as well with the iPad Air 2 and mini 4, also by offering only a 32GB or 128GB wifi models and LTE only on the 128GB version?

Surely it'd cut down on Apple's inventory capacity as each line would have just 9 instead of 18 different SKUs.

I get the LTE model for the GPS. If I were forced to get a mini with 128 GB when it came time to upgrade just to get the LTE, I would resent it, enough to at least consider other devices.