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If I purchase a wifi+cellular iPad from Apple.com, do I HAVE to activate the cellular with my carrier or can I wait till I am ready? AT&T is stating that if I purchase an iPad through them that has cellular capabilities, I have to pay the extra $20 a month immediately after purchase. But it is not something I need at this point in time but will add in the future when I am ready.
In choosing a WiFi+Cellular model iPad, from a technical perspective, you are not committed to having an active Cellular plan - but can add a cellular plan at any time of your choosing. Many users opt for the WiFi+Cellular model as these models include GNSS/GPS positioning functionality that is not available with WiFi Only models.
If you are purchasing your iPad from a Cellular Carrier - and not directly from Apple or a regular Apple retailer - the Carrier (e.g., AT&T) may require you to also purchase and maintain a Cellular Plan. What is likely to be happening is that the iPad purchase may appear to be cheaper with the cost being spread over the life of the associated (carrier-mandated) Cellular plan. For some, this option may be financially attractive, although (a) the overall cost may be much greater, and (b) lacks flexibility.
Be aware that this arrangement also has a hidden cost - in that the iPad itself may be subsidy-locked to the Carrier, such that you’ll be unable to subsequently change to a different Carrier at a later date. In addition, for iPad models that have a physical SIM-slot, the internal eSIM may be permanently disabled by the supplying carrier.
In summary, if considering purchase of an iPad from a Cellular Carrier, be sure to understand the [potentially unseen] limitations and costs. While you may be able to pay for the subsidy lock to be removed at a later date (typically when your minimum contract period ends), it is impossible to reverse a carrier-disabled the eSIM. Devices purchased directly from Apple are “unlocked” and usable with any supported Cellular Carrier.
Given your question, you would be best advised to purchase from Apple - and not from AT&T.
In choosing a WiFi+Cellular model iPad, from a technical perspective, you are not committed to having an active Cellular plan - but can add a cellular plan at any time of your choosing. Many users opt for the WiFi+Cellular model as these models include GNSS/GPS positioning functionality that is not available with WiFi Only models.
If you are purchasing your iPad from a Cellular Carrier - and not directly from Apple or a regular Apple retailer - the Carrier (e.g., AT&T) may require you to also purchase and maintain a Cellular Plan. What is likely to be happening is that the iPad purchase may appear to be cheaper with the cost being spread over the life of the associated (carrier-mandated) Cellular plan. For some, this option may be financially attractive, although (a) the overall cost may be much greater, and (b) lacks flexibility.
Be aware that this arrangement also has a hidden cost - in that the iPad itself may be subsidy-locked to the Carrier, such that you’ll be unable to subsequently change to a different Carrier at a later date. In addition, for iPad models that have a physical SIM-slot, the internal eSIM may be permanently disabled by the supplying carrier.
In summary, if considering purchase of an iPad from a Cellular Carrier, be sure to understand the [potentially unseen] limitations and costs. While you may be able to pay for the subsidy lock to be removed at a later date (typically when your minimum contract period ends), it is impossible to reverse a carrier-disabled the eSIM. Devices purchased directly from Apple are “unlocked” and usable with any supported Cellular Carrier.
Given your question, you would be best advised to purchase from Apple - and not from AT&T.
Purchasing a cellular iPad
