Apple 'iPad mini' to be Wi-Fi only, report says
Coming on the heels of a rumored production stoppage of cases designed for Apple's rumored 7.85-inch tablet, a separate report from the UK claims the so-called "iPad mini" will ship without cellular data capabilites.
Citing industry sources, The Guardian on Tuesday reported that the purported small form factor iPad will not be offered in a 3G-capable version, countering multiple pictures of "leaked" parts clearly showing the tell-tale black plastic RF window implemented on Apple's cellular-connected tablets.
The move is said to be a cost-saving measure as 3G wireless connectivity would require an additional up-front cost in added cellular components, as well as a monthly fee for data access.
Although speculation, it seems highly suspect that Apple would deny users of the "lower-end" tablet the option of cellular connectivity, though it remains to be seen how the company plans to market the device.
The same sources also told the publication that Apple is likely to release an updated version of the third-generation iPad, which will adopt the iPhone 5's baseband chip to offer support for the UK's Everything Everywhere 4G network. Apple's new Lightning connector is also likely to be added to the full-sized iPad, these people said, further expanding the new plug's implementation across the company's mobile device lines.
Also said to be coming in the refreshed 9.7-inch iPad is an iteration of Apple's A6 system on a chip, which made its debut in the iPhone 5 last month. It was reported last week that an unknown iPad running an A6 series processor was found in a developer's access logs, possibly pointing to internal testing of the purported device.
Citing industry sources, The Guardian on Tuesday reported that the purported small form factor iPad will not be offered in a 3G-capable version, countering multiple pictures of "leaked" parts clearly showing the tell-tale black plastic RF window implemented on Apple's cellular-connected tablets.
The move is said to be a cost-saving measure as 3G wireless connectivity would require an additional up-front cost in added cellular components, as well as a monthly fee for data access.
Although speculation, it seems highly suspect that Apple would deny users of the "lower-end" tablet the option of cellular connectivity, though it remains to be seen how the company plans to market the device.
The same sources also told the publication that Apple is likely to release an updated version of the third-generation iPad, which will adopt the iPhone 5's baseband chip to offer support for the UK's Everything Everywhere 4G network. Apple's new Lightning connector is also likely to be added to the full-sized iPad, these people said, further expanding the new plug's implementation across the company's mobile device lines.
Also said to be coming in the refreshed 9.7-inch iPad is an iteration of Apple's A6 system on a chip, which made its debut in the iPhone 5 last month. It was reported last week that an unknown iPad running an A6 series processor was found in a developer's access logs, possibly pointing to internal testing of the purported device.
Comments
I think this is the most disinformation about a product we've seen.
Good job, Tim. You've successfully doubled down.
However, I doubt this will be solely for Wifi. I see the same Wifi/Cell structure but I see those mobile workers buying the wifi only in places like hospitals, Power Plants, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Also said to be coming in the refreshed 9.7-inch iPad is an iteration of Apple's A6 system on a chip, which made its debut in the iPhone 5 last month. It was reported last week that an unknown iPad running an A6 series processor was found in a developer's access logs, possibly pointing to internal testing of the purported device.
The developer log thing possibly could answer the question if it could be determined that the unreleased device was using an AT&T IP address at any time. Surely they must be testing that feature if it is going to be supported. I need some honey pot website that would attract iPad mini testers so I can look through the logs.
While I believe this tablet will eventually replace the touch, and as such the lack of cellular connections would be negligible to sales, I don't believe the reasons stated in the article are valid. Apple charges a premium for such connectivity and the space is likely already designed into the logic board. The cost is entirely picked up by the consumer. Perhaps Apple will delay the cellular models by a month and then only in the US for a few
More months, but ultimately there is no reason not to offer it on release, at least for he reasons stated in the article ...
If the "mini" comes without cellular, I'm down with that. Never used it on my original iPad, either.
If the "mini" doesn't have GPS... not the least interested. The thing has to know where it is or a whole swath of astronomical applications won't work; I use the iPad out in the field all the time.
Be interesting to see just what this machine is. And the price, of course.
Hoping for an IR emitter too, a smaller iPad would make a great remote for a home theater system, just as the Ipad does for non-IR control. My HT hardware has its own web server, but IR control is the way to go for most systems and auxiliary devices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fyngyrz
Hmm. With the iPad, cellular was bundled with GPS.
If the "mini" comes without cellular, I'm down with that. Never used it on my original iPad, either.
If the "mini" doesn't have GPS... not the least interested. The thing has to know where it is or a whole swath of astronomical applications won't work; I use the iPad out in the field all the time.
At least up till now Apple only offers gps with cellular-equipped iDevices.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4995
This makes sense. I woudn't be surprised if they had cellular model down the line. For launch, they'd like to simplify the lineup and reduce variables.
There couldn't possibly be a more unreliable source. (for anything)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slurpy
This makes sense. I woudn't be surprised if they had cellular model down the line. For launch, they'd like to simplify the lineup and reduce variables.
I think they know what the variables are, at least in ratio, as they have three years of iPad sales data to rely on. Even the first iPad had cellular and it was a completely unknown entity at the time. It makes no sense to me to not have it as an option and I certainly would not buy one without it.
Either way, I wouldn't get a cell-equipped model. I'll take a mini for $249, please!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mac_128
Yup, just like the iPod Touch -- NOT
While I believe this tablet will eventually replace the touch, and as such the lack of cellular connections would be negligible to sales, I don't believe the reasons stated in the article are valid. Apple charges a premium for such connectivity and the space is likely already designed into the logic board. The cost is entirely picked up by the consumer. Perhaps Apple will delay the cellular models by a month and then only in the US for a few
More months, but ultimately there is no reason not to offer it on release, at least for he reasons stated in the article ...
I have a touch. I used to carry it around with me all the time, but invariably found myself wanting information while walking down a street and being unable to get it because there was no free WiFi nearby. Today I bumped into an old friend on the bus and was able to update his contact information so having the touch with me was convenient, but the information didn't flow to any of my other devices so it might as well have been written in ink on the back of my hand.
Without at least the option for cellular data the touch, even the new one with its decent camera, just isn't appealing to me. However I'm not the target market for the touch. My desire for a pocketable information appliance doesn't fit Apple's business model.
The tablet is a completely different market and I believe, as you do, that Apple will have a cellular option for those who can't or won't tether to their phones.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatorguy
At least up till now Apple only offers gps with cellular-equipped iDevices.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4995
Umm. I am 99% that my wife's non-3G First-Gen iPad has a GPS locator in it. In fact, I am looking at its location now on iCloud's find my device feature.
Originally Posted by SchnellFowVay
Umm. I am 99% that my wife's non-3G First-Gen iPad has a GPS locator in it.
I'm 100% sure it doesn't, bar none. Three trillion dollar bet.
It has Akamai Wi-Fi mapping.
IF the rumors are true Apple will announce an event tomorrow. If the rumors are wrong we will have a bunch of excuses and reasons for being delayed stories on the 10th.
Originally Posted by Realistic
If the rumors are wrong we will have a bunch of excuses and reasons for being delayed stories on the 10th.
What else would it imply if there wasn't an invite?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ireland
More stock manipulation, eh?
Gotta do something to bring the stock price back up.