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iPad mini Q&A
Update Published May 3, 2019
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Which iPad mini models support cellular networking? What are the differences between the cellular networking on each model? Which iPad mini models use which type of SIM? Nano? Apple SIM?
Each generation of iPad mini devices -- from the original iPad mini to the current iPad mini 5 -- have at least one model that supports cellular networking. However, models from different generations, and even within generations, have different capabilities.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Cellular iPad mini 2 - Left; iPad mini 5 - Right)
Physically, it is possible to tell that an iPad mini model supports some kind of cellular networking if it has a plastic panel or an antenna line on the back toward the top of the case, but this is not sufficient to determine the generation or the specific wireless capabilities.
Cellular Capable iPad mini Models
The Model Number located toward the bottom on the back of each device is the quickest way to establish the precise model:
iPad mini |
Model No |
If an iPad mini is not listed above, it does not support cellular networking, but rather is a model only capable of using Wi-Fi.
To pinpoint a specific iPad mini by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
iPad mini Cellular Differences
All cellular-equipped iPad mini models support 2G GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz). They otherwise are quite different.
Supported 4G LTE bands and other cellular support differences between models are as follows:
iPad mini |
Model No |
4G LTE |
Other |
| 4, 17 | UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA | ||
| 1, 3, 5, 13, 25 | CDMA EV-DO A & B UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA |
||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 | CDMA EV-DO A & B UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA |
||
| 38, 39 | TD-SCDMA UMTS (WCDMA)/HSPA+/ DC-HSDPA |
||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 | CDMA EV-DO A & B UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA |
||
| 38, 39, 40 | CDMA EV-DO A TD-SDCDMA UMTS (WCDMA)/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA |
||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 | CDMA EV-DO A & B UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DCHSDPA |
||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 | UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 | UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA | ||
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 66 | UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA |
iPad mini SIM Types
All cellular-capable iPad mini models have a Nano SIM card slot. With the exception of the China-only models, the cellular capable iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, and iPad mini 5 add support for a physical Apple SIM as well:
- iPad mini 3 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - A1600)
- iPad mini 4 (Wi-Fi/Cellular - A1550)
- iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cell US/CA - A2126)
- iPad mini 5 (Wi-Fi+Cell Global - A2124)
With the exception of the China-only iPad mini 5 (A2125), the current iPad mini 5 models have an "eSIM" integrated or "embedded" in the device, too.
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