M2 iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular Models Drop GSM/EDGE Support

[MacRumors]

Apple has just announced the new sixth-generation 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and it turns out the cellular models no longer include GSM/EDGE support.

EDGE was originally deployed on GSM networks beginning in 2003. Capable of providing data rates of up to 384 kbps, the cellular technology was an evolutionary upgrade to the existing GSM/GPRS networks.

GSM/EDGE was often referred to as being 2.5G, since it formed the bridge between 2G and the 3G technology that was starting to be developed at the time. Many carriers have already shut down or will soon shut down their edge networks, and Apple has clearly decided the legacy support in recent models of cellular iPad has reached its end of life.

While Apple has taken away some cellular support, it has added support for next-generation Wi-Fi 6E networks. Like its previous incarnation, the Wi-Fi + Cellular model continues to support 5G, Gigabit LTE (although now 30 bands, down from 32), and GPS/GNSS.

The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are available to order starting today on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in the U.S. and 27 other countries, with pricing starting at $799 for the 11-inch model and at $1,099 for the 12.9-inch model.

Article Link: M2 iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular Models Drop GSM/EDGE Support

 

[Erpler]

I'm surprised went with WiFi 6E after all. After that iPhone 14 launched without it I figured they'd skip it until WiFi 7 would be ready.

 

[falkon-engine]

Long live GSM (Global System for Mobile communication).

 

[DarthDon]

Ipad 12.9 (1TB, 5G) will cost the same as the 14" MBP (1TB)? 2500€... What the fu** is wrong with apple?

 

[Nsousa]

Ordered. 256 / Wi-Fi / 12.9. 1609 € in Portugal

 

[PBG4 Dude]

It now costs $200 to go from WiFi to cellular.

 

[james2538]

Surprised it took them this long. GSM/Edge networks for the big 3 in the US have been dead for a couple years now.

 

[djphat2000]

Ordered 11", 128GB SpaceGray. Trade in older M1 iPad Pro 11", 128GB space gray.
They gave $415 trade in for the old one. Which was a trade in of a previous version too.
0% interest on Apple Card for a year and I included AppleCare (just in case).
I think this is the most amount of money I spend on Apple in such a short period of time. 2 iPhones, 2 watches, and now this iPad.

Still need the AirPod Pro 2.. That will wait till Christmas...

 

[mabaker]

In Germany there are still spots where people use EDGE regularly and it works well enough albeit at a snails pace.

 

[cocky jeremy]

I'm surprised went with WiFi 6E after all. After that iPhone 14 launched without it I figured they'd skip it until WiFi 7 would be ready.

I'm sure it takes a lot longer to ramp up inventory for iPhones. I'd guess we get it in 2023.

 

[jz0309]

Wonder what cellular modems are in the new iPads…

 

[retroneo]

Homegrown cellular modem?

 

[Spacedust]

How about 3G, does it still work?

 

[iPhoneFan5349]

Ipad 12.9 (1TB, 5G) will cost the same as the 14" MBP (1TB)? 2500€... What the fu** is wrong with apple?

Well, if you look at it form a pure costs point of view, what’s the difference between them really? They must cost about the same, just different form factors.

 

[svish]

Good to know about the change. Don't think anyone is going to miss EDGE