Skip to main content

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

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
The best iPads in 2024: the 5 best ones you should buy
The backs of Apple's iPad Air and iPad Pro, with the tablets place on a table.

Apple's iPad is undoubtedly one of the most popular tablets on the market right now. There are several different models to choose from, but no matter which one you go with, you'll be getting one of the best tablets out there. Still, Apple provides an abundance of choice here, and with so many different versions — and almost annual updates — it can be tricky to know which one is the best to get.

All of Apple's iPads are pretty great, and they're each designed with a slightly different audience in mind, so it's hard to pick a single one as "the best." That's why we've broken this list down by categories; after all, there's an ideal iPad for nearly every situation. Whether you're looking for the best overall iPad, the best iPad on a budget, something in the middle of the pack, or even the best small iPad, we've got you covered.

Read more
The 5 best Magic Keyboard alternatives for iPad in 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11 with Apple Magic Keyboard.

The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad transforms the tablet into a laptop, with features such as a precise typing experience and a responsive trackpad -- but at a hefty price. Fortunately, there are less expensive options, and to help you out, we've rounded up the best Magic Keyboard alternatives. They may be cheaper than the Apple Magic Keyboard, but they cater to different types of users with various helpful features, so there's probably something for you in the list below.
The best Magic Keyboard alternatives in 2024

Buy the

Read more
How to take a screenshot on an iPad (any generation)
apple ipad review 2018 front in hand

While most iPad apps have built-in sharing features, taking a screenshot is still one of the easiest ways to capture information from your iPad. Whether that's an interesting news article or recipe, directions to your favorite restaurant, or a cool scene from one of your favorite games from the App Store, iPadOS makes it easy to capture a quick image of whatever's on your iPad and either save it for future reference or share it with your friends and family.

See more

Read more