Apple set to re-release iPad with 'free' data

Apple's iPad set for revamp with free data
Apple's iPad set for revamp with free data

Apple could be set to re-release the iPad before Christmas this year, offering an integrated SIM and a lower price.

T3 has spoken to 'a reliable source close to a major UK network', which confirmed a newer version of the iPad would be sold with an integrated SIM and data rolled into the cost of the device.

The same method is used on the 3G version of the Amazon Kindle, allowing users to not worry about a data tariff after purchasing the iPad.

However, it's not yet known what kind of data allowance will be offered, as the Kindle's data consumption is relatively low compared to that of the iPad. It will need to be fairly high, so it will be interesting to see what price/allowances are offered if the new version of the iPad launches.

Apple surprise

It would be an unexpected move for Apple to launch a new version of the iPad this close to Christmas, although if the specs are relatively unchanged then it could be a decent standalone gift.

But given the sheer power of Apple's marketing machine, wouldn't it have already launched such a thing as many people (Ma Radar included) have already cracked on with Christmas shopping.

Add to that the fact that Apple is odds on to bring out the iPad 2 in Q1 next year, and it seems hard to believe we'll be seeing a reboot at this point - but then again, crazier things have happened...

Gareth Beavis
Formerly Global Editor in Chief

Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grown with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.