What's with the 20mb cap on 3G downloads?

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What's with the 20mb cap on 3G downloads?

I just got my 64 gb iPad 3G and when tried to update some of my apps it said "app over 20mb please connect to a wifi network or update application on your computer with iTunes" or something along those lines. I signed up for the unlimited data plan with AT&T and I just would like to know why there is this storage cap when I am paying $30 a month for Internet on my iPad.

iPad 64GB 3G, Windows Vista

Posted on Apr 30, 2010 5:28 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 30, 2010 5:32 PM in response to Willisrules

The same issue on iPhone was reported to be related to stability of the network, and reliability of clean downloads and installs.

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Answer 2

Willisrules Author

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Apr 30, 2010 5:48 PM in response to Craig Brady

Well I have full signal if that helps. But will this be changed/fixed?

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Answer 3

Apr 30, 2010 5:52 PM in response to Willisrules

It never has changed on the iPhone. I recently bought the TomTom navigation app, and had to download at home via WiFi.

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Answer 4

Apr 30, 2010 5:55 PM in response to Willisrules

No one here works for Apple or AT&T.
We are users like you without any idea why apple and AT&T chose to do this or what they may do in the future.

The cap on iTunes downloads on 3g started at 10mb-was recently raised to 20mb.
This has been in place for 3 years.

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Answer 5

Willisrules Author

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Apr 30, 2010 8:44 PM in response to Johnathan Burger

I never once assumed anyone here was from apple I merely asked a question. I didn't assume so you should't assume my ignorance. A lot of people know things regardless of whether or not they work for apple or not.

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Answer 6

Apr 30, 2010 11:31 PM in response to Willisrules

The point is this: we do not know anymore than you. We can only guess at why apple/AT&T did this.
We have no inside info.

Any thing anybody post as to the why or if it will change is per speculation.

Stop being defensive, I in no way insulted you.

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Answer 7

dwb

Level 7

33,220 points

May 1, 2010 6:05 AM in response to Willisrules

It is probably related to AT&T's insufficient network capability but since none of us here work for Apple or AT&T (and/or aren't their official spokesperson) none of us know for certain. In general, I never ascribe to ill-will or conspiracy when incompetency or stupidity explains the issue. Speaking of AT&T 'nuff said.

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Answer 8

rkkeller

Level 1

137 points

May 1, 2010 7:08 AM in response to Willisrules

I was just coming here to post about this very thing. I knew about the limit for the iPhone but wish Apple or att would stop tying people to the computer and allow the freedom to do anything anywhere.

I don't have fast wifi at home and that is one of the reasons I waited and bought the 3G version. I was sitting out back last night having a couple drinks and went to download a few games but nooooooo.

I know the iPad is not a laptop replacement but I had hoped to get away more with it not be stuck at a computer anytime I want to buy an app or update anything.

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Answer 9

May 1, 2010 7:19 AM in response to rkkeller

You also have the option of downloading the app to ITunes and then you'll be able to Sync it with your Ipad.

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Answer 10

May 16, 2011 12:21 AM in response to Willisrules

Unfortuantly, Apple being Short sited, put this limit into the system, They were a bit Anal on this, due to possible reasons that they needed AT&T to help with their role out and acceptance criteria. They forget that many places have unlimited option on 3G, Like here in Hong Kong, I can stream Gigs of Radio through my 3G, but can I down load a 20meg app store? can I ek.

But there is a work around....

I put the 3G sim in my pocket wifi, and I can download the app. So this stupid limit is mindless. I heard that whe they get the Jailbreak, this limit will be removed, but I won't jailbreak, I prefer the system in its unaltered state. I might even suggest that the limit is applied by the App store and not really an OS limit, so they can remove it at any time, but just like any Typical Amarican Company, They can't think for over seas markets, nore Average users, infact, Apple has become the big brother they originally claimed to be fighting.

Pocket Wifi!

Or Visit a coffee Shop!

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Answer 11

May 16, 2011 4:02 AM in response to Willisrules

You are lucky. Here in South Africa I cannot download anything over 10mb - even on wifi. sooooo frustrating - I thought Apple was a good thing but.........................

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