A Sprint-Specific iPad Ready to Launch Before the Holidays?
The last few days have been full of reports detailing how Sprint and Apple are planning to launch the iPhone next month.
However, what many in the industry seem to overlook is the possibility of a 4G iPad in Sprint’s network making the iPad crowded market even more formidable.
A report from 9to5Mac claims that a “Sprint-specific” iPad is ready for consumers and will probably hit the market in the coming months.
“Apple and Sprint have completed work on a version of the iPad for Sprint’s data network. This Sprint compatible iPad appears to be ready for public consumption and will join the family of GSM (AT&T) and Verizon capable Apple tablets before the holidays.”
Many would argue, why bother building a specific iPad for Sprint’s network? Apple already supports a CDMA iPad 2 in Verizon’s network. Well, you could argue that since Sprint is currently running a 4G WiMax based network, the service provider would want a specific version of the iPad. In addition, Sprint has announced its plans to launch an LTE network. Although the LTE network will take a while, you could imagine Sprint making the case to be treated as a separate provider for Apple’s products.
I know a lot of folks that have signed up for Sprint’s service due to the service provider’s enticing unlimited data plans. Will Sprint carry the same data plan strategy for an iPad 2 or iPad 3? Only time will tell.
One thing is for sure. By adding a new iPad onto Sprint’s network, Apple will be expanding its tablet market domination, and possibly even find a way to add additional iPad models to its formidable product line.
