The iPad 2 is coming, rumored to run on various networks

November 19, 2010 By Molly McHugh

Sure, the new iPad will have a considerably sleeker body, but it's what's inside that counts: the ability to run on different networks.

Maybe this is why those insanely low iPad prices keep popping up for holiday shoppers – it’s time to make room for the next round. All Things Digital reports that analyst Brian Blair says Apple is busy developing the iPad 2, which could be on shelves early next year. According to AppleInsider, production on the current iPad will end in January to make way for the new model.

As can be expected, the new iPad will feature FaceTime and come equipped with a camera on each side, all in a slimmed down package. But these additions pale in comparison to the real upgrade: a GSM-CDMA radio chip. There’s reason to believe that the tablet will implement this device, enabling it to run on various networks – i.e., Verizon customers could use the iPad without carrying around the $30-a-month MiFi device. In fact, AT&T (obviously), Verizon, and Sprint customers would all be able to provide connectivity for the iPad 2 (word is still out on T-Mobile, since it uses a different frequency band for 3G than AT&T). Apple is apparently labeling this capability as making the new iPad a “world mode” device.

Blair claims that “Apple is preparing to build approximately 48 million iPads in calendar 2011.” And making the second-generation iPad globally available is a wise choice if Apple wants to onto hold its edge over tablet competition.

Showing 8 comments

Mike Penjab at 3:53pm 13th January 2011 Every year Apples find's a new way to dumb down the market with shiny limited devices. the Droid may be imperfect in some areas but it doesn't require a regression in brain function to smile about it.
Kerry Dean at 6:13pm 10th December 2010 Apple is always "price fixing.' Always have.
konamarian at 2:24pm 2nd December 2010 these phone companies need to spend time improving performance of the telephone part of the phone
1. aimarz at 6:14am 23rd December 2010 Isn't that the real thing we are after? All of these Smart Phones are amazing machines. I've been a happy iPhone user for the past 3 years and have had absolutely no problems with it. My iPhone 4 runs amazingly smoother than any of the Droid Phones I have ever tried and demonstrated but that doesn't mean it is the best, it just so happens to be the best for me right now. AT&T may not be perfect, but in a comparison between my boss's Verizon Droid Phone and my iPhone on the go across the East Coast, I have had more areas of 3G, Fast Connections and more service than he has but the fact that we both still lose connection on major highways where we shouldn't is inexcusable...but yet, here comes 4g. Let's give 3g to the entire United States and then worry about whats next.
jedi at 9:51am 22nd November 2010 Stop crying about the trend setter! Your droids are a copycat of apples fruit, in a year or so they'll be available to you too.
Adi at 1:26pm 19th November 2010 None wants iPad, none wants iPhoney (4G); Android is here for everyone and it's spreading like wildfire. Android came to the rescue for rest of the carriers. We don't need iPhoney anymore.
1. Jesus at 11:06am 2nd December 2010 I switched to Droid because I hated the idea of being an Apple fanboy. I think anyone can build a quality product not just Apple. One small problem, the Android phones really are just not as good. I lasted 1 month then switched back to an iPhone. Maybe someday Android will offer a comparable experience. That day just isn't today. My iPhone's not perfect, but it's better than everything else that's out there right now.
2. MikeofLA at 12:38pm 2nd December 2010 Right... no one wants the iPad? That's why Apples sold over 4 million of them? And the iPhone, the phone that still tops customer satisfaction? I know plenty of people like Jesus, switched to Android for various reasons, and all either want to come back or have. Granted, Android is a great platform, and it is growing faster then iOS, but that's because ANYone can make a cheap handset and slap android on it, and most carriers are giving android phones away. If iOS was available on other carriers, it would take off. You just watch what happens when the iPhone comes to Verizon.