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iPad Air 10.5 with wifi and cellular be used for just wifi?

Can an iPad Air 10.5 that has WiFi and cellular be used for just WiFi? We are trying to plan ahead for our son. He only needs WiFi at this time but may decide he requires cellular once off to school.


Thank you.

iPad Pro 10.5-inch, Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on May 19, 2020 6:10 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 19, 2020 10:59 PM

Thank you Lyssa,

With a cureent sale the model with Cellular is actually less than than the WiFi only model. Didn’t want to get a good deal and later find we needed a SIM card or anything else just to use the WiFi.


Thanks again.

7 replies

May 20, 2020 3:37 AM in response to Jens166

Whether you intend to to use the Cellular functions of iPad, or not, the WiFi & Cellular model is always the better model to own. The Cellular models have significant functionality that is otherwise not present on WiFi Only models - specifically, it has GPS functionality, this beeing needed for accurate Location Services.


The usefulness and importance of GPS capabilities with iPad, at first glance, is often underestimated.


Without GPS, your iPad relies upon “lookup” of your IP Address and neighbouring WiFi networks - in an attempt to infer your location. Whilst this method of determining your location can be accurate in urban areas, it often inaccurate (if it works at all) in rural or unpopulated areas. Many iPad users discover this the hard way - and are disappointed when many services (not just mapping) fails to work as anticipated.


I hope this additional information is helpful to you.

iPad Air 10.5 with wifi and cellular be used for just wifi?

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