HT203099: Use Apple SIM with Wi-Fi + Cellular models of iPad
Learn about Use Apple SIM with Wi-Fi + Cellular models of iPad
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Helpful answers
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Jul 29, 2015 7:55 AM in response to Ereklessby Courcoul,Alas at first blush it would appear that Mexico does not have a carrier supporting Apple SIM Card yet: http://www.apple.com/mx/ipad/apple-sim/
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Jul 29, 2015 7:59 AM in response to Courcoulby Erekless,But if i activate the Apple Sim Card in the US and take it to mexico with T-Mobile service already on it shoudlnt it work? Since i am not looking for a different carrier?
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Jul 29, 2015 9:18 AM in response to Ereklessby Courcoul,If I understand the technology correctly, it is really a chip-less SIM alternative where the connection and carrier data originally burnt into the chip gets stored in a non removable but rewriteable component in the phone. Given that its usage is slowly spreading on a country-by-country and carrier-by-carrier basis, it would appear that participating carriers have to add extra hardware or software in order for the activation to occur. That has not happened over here yet, further evidenced by the fact that we cannot purchase the Wi-Fi+Carrier version of the Air 2 in the Mexico Store.
If an Air 2 that has successfully activated its Apple SIM registering to a US carrier, I don't know if it can then function in a manner identical to a regular chip-based SIM device. If it does, pretty sure T-Mobile has an agreement with at least one of our main carriers (Telcel, IUSAcell, Movistar, Nextel) and let you connect, you can call them to confirm. If it does work, beware that scary international roaming rates may apply.
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Jul 29, 2015 8:29 PM in response to Ereklessby rosquillas,You might prefer to buy a pre-paid chip in Mexico and insert it to the iPad, I've recently bought a Movistar cellphone prepaid chip at a street corner, cut it, and inserted it into an iPad mini and had data for two-three days with 150 pesos (like 9 USD).
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Jul 30, 2015 12:59 AM in response to rosquillasby Courcoul,His iPad Air 2 does not have a SIM slot. It uses the new Apple Sim Card technology. So it either manages to link up with whatever Mexican carrier has an arrangement with T-Mobile, after having been activated on that carrier's US network, else he will have no cell service while visiting.
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Jul 30, 2015 8:20 AM in response to Courcoulby Erekless,AActually the iPad Air 2 does have a SIM card slot.
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Jul 30, 2015 9:00 AM in response to Ereklessby Courcoul,Since I have a much older iPad 4, I was basing my conjectures on what the Apple Store has on display ( http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-ipad/ipad-air-2 ),where it doesn't appear to have the slot. If it does, the matter is totally simplified. Activate the Apple Sim and test when you get here. If it works, you're in luck (except if they start trying to bleed you dry with international roaming charges, check with T-Mobile before leaving). If it does not, buy a pay-as-you-go SIM at the nearest customer service center of your preference, specifying you want it for Data Only and use that instead; at over 16 pesos to the dollar, it will seem dirt cheap.
Of our carriers, Telcel has the most thorough coverage nationwide, both 3G and 4G/LTE.
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Jul 30, 2015 10:18 AM in response to Ereklessby ShagCA,Erekless wrote:
But if i activate the Apple Sim Card in the US and take it to mexico with T-Mobile service already on it shoudlnt it work? Since i am not looking for a different carrier?
Ask t-mobile support. They may offer free data roaming in Mexico and Canada. Don't forget to mention you're using Apple SIM card.
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Jul 30, 2015 10:19 AM in response to Courcoulby ShagCA,Courcoul wrote:
Since I have a much older iPad 4, I was basing my conjectures on what the Apple Store has on display ( http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-ipad/ipad-air-2 ),where it doesn't appear to have the slot.
You were looking at the WiFi versions on that site.