“What’s the difference between an unlocked iPad and a locked iPad ? Can I have it unlocked at a later date after I’ve purchased it? Would it be a fee for that? Is apple the only provider that can unlock it ?”
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I think you are a little bit confused about the meaning of "unlocked" iPad. To understand this, first we must divide this iPad model into its two sub-models: the ones with Wi-Fi only and the ones with Wi-Fi + Cellular. Now, the Wi-Fi + Cellular models are the only ones that are defined as "unlocked", as it means that it does not have a Cellular Carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), but you can come into any of these carriers to "activate" your iPad. By doing this, you will have access to the carrier's 4G LTE network, which then allows you to use you iPad with internet connection on places where there is no Wi-Fi available. Essentially, just like a smartphone. And, just as a smartphone, again, you will have to pay a monthly fee for this cellular connection. Depending on the carrier and the plan you choose, the monthly fee charge varies. I would say that you are looking at around $50 a month for an unlimited cellular plan. But let's say you buy this Wi-Fi + Cellular model and do not activate it. Well, you won't have the cellular connection, but you would have GPS which is a hidden feature that this model has. But the price increase is not worth it.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Hey, Diego, your answers to several questions are top notch. Just wnted to give you a shout-out.Keep it up!
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I believe that Kizzy is actually asking about iCloud locked iPads and not so much about cellular network “locks”. iCloud locked iPads cannot be unlocked by anyone other than the person who originally set up and personalized the tablet. It has been reported that even a court order will not succeed in getting Apple to unlock an iPad and even a receipt for the original purchase will not get it done. There are a number of online companies that claim that they can unlock an iCloud locked iPad but their claims are bogus. After they have your $39.95 and go thru their “unlocking” process they will notify you that they were unsuccessful in unlocking the iPad…and there goes your $39.95. An iPad that is locked only with a Passcode CAN be unlocked by anyone by connecting the iPad to iTunes and by doing a Deep Firmware Update (DFU) reset which totally removes all non factory installed apps and data. It will not work on an iCloud locked iPad. You will find a countless number of iCloud locked iPads on the eBay site. Unfortunately, many of these iPads have been stolen or purchased from a pawn shop or at an estate sale. They are generally listed as being “for parts only”. If a buyer can rationally use parts on these iPads to repair a different iPad or has significant micro soldering skills needed to replace the iPad’s original processor (which contains the original owner’s Apple ID, Password and other security information, a purchase of one of these iCloud locked iPads would be a waste of time and money. Buyers beware!
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