The iPad 3 will come in two configurations for data connectivity and will remain at the same price as the iPad 2 according to a new report from 9to5Mac. The site is reporting that instead of the three data configurations currently (Wi-Fi + two 3G models), there will be a single Wi-Fi model as well as a single model which would have unified cellular connectivity enabled for all networks.
In addition to this information, the iPad 3 will come with onboard storage options that are identical to the iPad 2 i.e. in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The device will likely remain at the same price points as the current iPad, with the lowest price 16GB Wi-Fi model starting at $499 in USD.
It is still unclear at this stage whether the iPad 3 will continue to rely on 3G network for cellular data but it is thought that Apple will be incorporating 4G connectivity in the device to take advantage of 4G networks that have been rolled out across the United States and are starting to be implemented in other countries as well. Given that the new model is rumored to have the capability to connect to multiple networks in a single model, it will be interesting to see how carriers like AT&T and Verizon compete for customer data usage i.e. will customers be able to use AT&T one month and then Verizon the next?
The new iPad is expected to be announced at an Apple media event on March 7th, so it will be interesting to see if the carriers make an announcement about data plans shortly after that, or perhaps, even at the same event.
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