Why doesn't Sprint carry iPad Air 2? Is it possible to get one?

Question

Why doesn't Sprint carry iPad Air 2? Is it possible to get one?

Hi,

I'm looking to sign up for Sprint's service (coming over for Verizon), utilizing their offer to pay off my Verizon cancellation as well as their iPad-forever and iPhone-forever programs.

What I currently have with Verizon is 2 iPhone 6's, an iPad 3, and an iPad Air 2. They offered to allow me to trade those in for 2 iPhone 6s's and 2 iPad Mini 4's.

The issue is that the iPad Mini 4 appears to be a considerable DOWNGRADE compared to the iPad Air 2, and Sprint says they do not carry the iPad Air 2 because it was not a popular model. Sprint says they are willing to give me any iPad I want that they have.

My questions are as follows:

Why wouldn't Sprint carry the iPad Air 2?! As far as I know, it has the the highest "stats" of any iPad Apple makes.
Is there a way to convert my iPad Air 2 (currently on the Verizon Network) to a Sprint iPad Air 2?
Am I correct in my assessment that the Air 2 is the superior iPad?
Any other suggestions for me would be very welcomed.

Thanks!!

Chris

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 1:57 PM

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Answer 1

kb1951

Level 10

124,175 points

Oct 8, 2015 3:11 PM in response to Ceedubbadubba

In response to your questions, 1) Sprint told you why they don't carry the air 2, 2) I don't think this is possible but ask Sprint to see if it is possible, 3) other then size and a slight difference in the processor, there is not much difference from the air 2 and mini 4. So that is a personal choice, you will need to decide for yourself which Sprint offer you wish to accept.

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Answer 2

Oct 8, 2015 3:51 PM in response to kb1951

Ok, so thanks for adding zero information to what I already had in front of me, but I guess that was my fault for asking my question poorly. I guess what I'm really looking for is a solution in the form of:

A. Am I getting good information that Sprint does not sell iPad Air 2s? The sales rep really had no idea why they didn't sell it, but her guess was that it was because it didn't sell. She sounded very unsure.
B. Is there any way to work it out to get one on their network?
C. Is there any way to convince Verizon to unlock our current iPad Air 2?

The Air 2 is my wife's iPad, and she definitely does not want to downgrade the screen size. I hate to pass up on this opportunity to get new iPhones and cheaper service, but it looks as if I may be locked in by Verizon's locked device.

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Answer 3

Oct 8, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Ceedubbadubba

Ceedubbadubba wrote:

C. Is there any way to convince Verizon to unlock our current iPad Air 2?

Your Verizon iPad Air 2 is not locked. However, the locked status is only relevant to GSM networks. I take my Verizon iPad to Canada and put a Bell Aliant SIM in it and it works perfectly. Bell Aliant is a GSM carrier. Sprint is a CDMA/LTE carrier. They may not be willing to activate a device brought in from another network. To activate it, the device's IMEI would need to be added to Sprint's Device Management Database. Only Sprint can decide if they're willing to do that. So, the onus is on Sprint, not Verizon.

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Answer 4

Oct 8, 2015 4:07 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Interesting, thanks! Sprint told me the exact opposite. They told me I would need to ask Verizon to see if they would release the iPad to work on another network. I haven't actually asked yet, because I can only assume that Verizon will say no, in order to keep a customer.

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Answer 5

Oct 8, 2015 4:46 PM in response to Ceedubbadubba

YEs you can get one, specifically for Sprint is $489 and the new model which is factory unlocked which I believe is any carrier $699 both on amazon.

here is the link http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/180-0738985-1161441?url=search-alias%3D computers&field-keywords=ipad+air+2+spri…

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Answer 6

Oct 8, 2015 6:05 PM in response to Ceedubbadubba

Ceedubbadubba wrote:

I haven't actually asked yet, because I can only assume that Verizon will say no, in order to keep a customer.

While they may well try to convince you to remain a customer, they're not going to tell you the iPad is locked. As part of an agreement with the FCC, Verizon is not allowed to lock their 4G devices. This is well known so there would be no point in lying.

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