HT203089: Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad

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TyphoonTom
Level 1 (8 points)
iPad

Q: iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 256GB WiFi + Cellular

I have an Apple iPad Pro 9.7 in WiFi Cellular 256GB UNLOCKED and purchased it from Apple JAPAN.  My question is:  which carriers out there will lock my embedded SIM if I choose their service? My understanding is that only AT&T in the United States will lock it permanently and that the embedded SIM card would never again work with another carrier.  Does anyone know if there are any other carriers that would lock it especially any of the carriers in Japan such as AU (KDD), Docomo (NTT), or SoftBank?  Thank you.

iPad Pro, iOS 9.3.2, UNLOCKED iPad Pro

Posted on May 27, 2016 12:29 AM

by ShagCA,Solvedanswer
ShagCA ShagCA
Level 4 (2,235 points)
iPad
A:

AT&T is the only lamest provider that locks Apple SIM to their network and renders it unusable on other carrier networks once you use it on their network. I don't know if that only applies to removable Apple SIM or affects embedded iPad Pro Apple SIM as well. Here's the most recent information: http://www.imore.com/which-ipad-carrier-and-plan-should-you-get

Posted on May 27, 2016 11:47 AM

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TyphoonTom

Q: iPad Pro 9.7 Inch 256GB WiFi + Cellular

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  • Helpful answers

  • by ManSinha,

    ManSinha ManSinha May 27, 2016 10:32 AM in response to TyphoonTom
    Level 6 (10,250 points)
    iPhone
    May 27, 2016 10:32 AM in response to TyphoonTom

    I do not believe cellular capable iPads are locked - you can choose any carrier - the locking of the iPhone is mainly because it is financed through the carrier - we have owned two WiFi + Cellular iPads bought directly from a certified reseller (Staples and Best Buy) and they have been unlocked

  • by ShagCA,Solvedanswer

    ShagCA ShagCA May 27, 2016 11:47 AM in response to TyphoonTom
    Level 4 (2,235 points)
    iPad
    May 27, 2016 11:47 AM in response to TyphoonTom

    AT&T is the only lamest provider that locks Apple SIM to their network and renders it unusable on other carrier networks once you use it on their network. I don't know if that only applies to removable Apple SIM or affects embedded iPad Pro Apple SIM as well. Here's the most recent information: http://www.imore.com/which-ipad-carrier-and-plan-should-you-get

  • by TyphoonTom,

    TyphoonTom TyphoonTom May 28, 2016 12:31 AM in response to ManSinha
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPad
    May 28, 2016 12:31 AM in response to ManSinha

    Thank you ManSinha for your reply.  It's true what you said but what I'm finding out here and elsewhere is that AT&T is the only carrier that will render an Apple SIM useless other than to use with their service. I certainly wont do business with them.  That's like using your credit card to make a purchase at a particular department store and then having them lock your credit card to their store rendering it useless elsewhere.  Apple should go after them in court for that,nthey would win!