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iPad2 3G SIM unlocked?

Does anyone know if the iPad2 3G (GSM version) is SIM unlocked like the original was?

If so, great! And if not, I guess I'm buying an original one because I don't like the idea of being stuck with AT&T and I do like the idea of using 3G services with an iPad overseas (prepaid data SIM).

iPad, iOS 4

Posted on Mar 2, 2011 12:17 PM

Reply
39 replies

Mar 2, 2011 12:56 PM in response to george-greek

george-greek wrote:
it is specifically configured for either AT or Verizon?? Doesn't that mean that it is locked?


AT&T is GSM while Verizon is CDMA; to use a US iPad with European SIMs, you'd want to get the AT&T one, if it is unlocked (which I'd also like to know, as I'll be moving back there in a few months).

However, since the release date for Europe is only a couple of weeks after the US one, why not save yourself some hassle and wait?!

Mar 3, 2011 8:22 AM in response to g-hun

If they had changed the US GSM iPad I'm sure it would have been mentioned that the iPad 2 is now locked, unlike all original iPads.

On the other hand, if they did indeed decide to lock the iPad 2 everywhere in the world it would make my used iPad WiFi+3G 64GB worth a LOT more money!

So yeah, the new ones they are DEFINITELY locked to AT&T. You want to buy mine?

Mar 3, 2011 1:04 PM in response to deggie

You are chatting with Brent , an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Brent . Welcome to Apple!
Hi
How are you?
Fine thank you
How can I help you today?
I am Swiss citizen who currently studies in the United States
Now I want to buy the new iPad 2 next week with 3G support by AT&T
in June I head back to Switzerland
Oh okay!
will I be able to switch to a swiss carrier and buy a micro sim card back in my contry?
If there is a carrier that offers service for the iPad in Switzerland.
The iPad isn't locked.
The iPad 2 is not locked?
You are a 100% sure?
Correct.
okay
i called apple and they said the same
but yesterday i chatted with another supporter and she said it is locked lol
so that s why im not sure
Only the iPhones are locked.
good
so i can buy the iPad 2 wifi+3g
Yes.
does it matter if at&t or verizon?
Yes, it depends on what type of network the carrier uses in Switzerland.
gma
not cdma
Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM.
gsm
Okay.
okay then i need AT&T
Right.
so when i leave i just can take the sim card out and replace it
i dont have to call them or anything
You will want to make sure that if you have service, you cancel it.
okay but it is not a contract right
Right.
okay
thank you very much
You're welcome!
i think everybody is kinda confused at the moment about that
if its locked or not
Yeah, sometimes when something new is released there is confusion.
okay but then im glad! thank you
No problem!
Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business. If you would like more help, please chat with us again.

Mar 3, 2011 4:45 PM in response to 4Luca

Hello,

I have received a "no" answer to the question.
I wish to buy the iPad2 3G on behalf of an Italian relative.
Whoever I spoke to at the Apple Store, on the phone, also told me "No.".




You are chatting with Landon S, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Landon S. Welcome to Apple!
Hi,
Hello! How are you doing today?
I am fine, thank you.

I am interested in iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G for use in Italy. Is it locked?

No problem, and I can certainly help you with our iPad today!
I meant Ipad 2

*Currently, the information we have available states that the iPad 2 will be only available on AT&T Wireless's and Verizon's services.So as long as those services are available in your area, it would be presumed that it wouldn't be a problem.*

+Those services are not available in Italy without roaming fees.+

I found this online:

Re: iPad2 3G SIM unlocked? Posted: Mar 3, 2011 1:04 PM in response to: deggie Reply chatting with Brent , an Apple Expert

... I am Swiss citizen ... I want to buy the new iPad 2 next week with 3G support by AT&T ... will I be able to switch to a swiss carrier and buy a micro sim card back in my contry? If there is a carrier that offers service for the iPad in Switzerland. The iPad isn't locked.

*The iPad 2 is not locked?*

_You are a 100% sure? Correct_....


Two different answers to the same question. Your "Brent" seemed more informed
but that isn't enough assurance. There is a two week return policy with a 10% restocking fee and the Italian mail would never get it back in time.

does this change your mind?

Mar 3, 2011 7:35 PM in response to abraxis

I'm not convinced that the ipad2 is unlocked, but I certainly hope it is. Here's a quote from Apple's Australian website:

"Choose your iPad by carrier.

If you decide on an iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G, be sure to select the model that corresponds with the carrier you’d like to use for 3G service. The iPad model you purchase is specially configured to work with a single specific carrier. So while you don’t have to activate 3G service right away, you should choose your iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G according to the carrier you prefer."

That looks like locked to me. And restraint of trade into the bargain. Hope I'm wrong on both counts.

Mar 4, 2011 1:22 AM in response to michaelbzr

I'm from the UK and in the same boat as yourself... But I just had an idea that might help everyone! Don't quote me on it but I was thinking, apple has an international warranty for one year with all there products. So if your device 'stops working' or you meet/know a really nice person in your LOCAL apple store, even if that is in a different country since you're within 28 days of purchase, wouldn't you be entitled for an exchange? Or at least a swap from the genius bar. Wouldn't you then be given a 'local' iPad for the country your in that will work on your selected provider? It's just a thought, not 100% that it will work, but I don't see why not... Get back to me with your thoughts...

Mar 4, 2011 7:25 AM in response to Ausbev

You are chatting with Holly, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Holly. Welcome to Apple!
Good morning!
good morning Holly.
My question is regarding the ipad2
Happy to help!
we have the the original ipad running on GSM network, as such when we travel overseas we can us a sim card from the hosting country. I would like to know if the ipad2 is also sim "unlocked" becasue it is of no good to me if it is locked
Apple hasn't made any statements about the iPad 2 being any different. So that feature should be the same.
Since there are no contracts on the iPad, that is why it is unlocked.
excellent. I love apple, everything i have is apple. and i am pretty sure i have an apple sign stamped somewhere on my brain. So thank you
Haha!! Me too!
You're welcome!
Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business. If you would like more help, please chat with us again.
Thank you for choosing the Apple Store. If you have any additional questions, please chat us again.

iPad2 3G SIM unlocked?

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