CES 2015: AT&T Announces 4G LTE Smartcase With MicroSD Slot for Wi-Fi iPads - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

CES 2015: AT&T Announces 4G LTE Smartcase With MicroSD Slot for Wi-Fi iPads

by

AT&T today announced the upcoming availability of its new Modio smartcase that will add 4G LTE connectivity to a Wi-Fi-only iPad or iPad mini. The Modio smartcase will be compatible with the iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini.

att_modio_ipad_smartcase
The Modio will allow Wi-Fi iPad owners to connect to AT&T's 4G LTE network using the data available on the customers' Mobile Share plans. Mobile Share allows customers to pay for a monthly data allotment that is shared between smartphones, tablets and other connected devices.

Beyond cellular connectivity, the Modio smartcase also includes its own 4,600 mAh battery to support up to 10 hours of use, along with a microSD card slot that can be used to store up to 32 GB of media and other files. Case owners can install the accompanying AT&T Modio Data application to monitor data usage and manage cellular plan details.

The AT&T Modio smartcase for iPad mini is listed on AT&T's website as coming soon, with a version for larger iPad Air models to follow. Pricing and exact launch dates for the new cases has yet to be announced.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Tag: AT&T
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy), iPad Mini (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

ipad mini 7 blue

OLED iPad Mini: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Thursday May 14, 2026 5:08 am PDT by
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over a year ago? Read on to find out. Processor and Performance Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code...
Read Full Article • 88 comments
ipad blue

It's a Bad Time to Buy the Low-Cost iPad

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:12 pm PDT by
Apple's iPad that's just an iPad with no Air or Pro attached is its most appealing tablet because of the affordable starting $349 price tag, but if you've been thinking about buying one, you should wait. Apple refreshed the iPad in March 2025, so it's over a year old. That's reason enough not to buy when there's a new model on the horizon, but this year, there's even more to lose by...
Read Full Article • 96 comments
macOS 27 on MacBook Pro

Apple Says macOS 27 Won't Be Compatible With These Macs

Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:29 am PDT by
During WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that macOS 26 Tahoe would be the final major macOS version for Intel-based Macs. macOS 27 will be compatible with Apple silicon Macs only, meaning that you will need a Mac with an M-series chip or a MacBook Neo with an A18 Pro chip in order to install the software update. Apple will unveil macOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote this Monday, June 8, and the...
Read Full Article • 90 comments

Top Rated Comments

S
ScubaCinci
149 months ago
Or you can get a hot spot or use your phone as a hot spot. Who wants to carry around that monster? Might as well have a laptop at that point.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
marco114 Avatar
marco114
149 months ago
Seems like it could use more functionality, like a keyboard.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
coolfactor
149 months ago
Then they need to do something like what Samsung did for the Tab Pro tablet:

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EJ-CT800UAEGUJ

This effectively turns the 10.5" tab pro into a laptop.

Apple has to start actually thinking about what it means to be "productive" and not just assume people want a larger tablet = productivity. Relying on 3rd parties to add the features to increase iPad productivity will result in a mishmash of disjoint add-ons that will cripple iPad's mobility in lieu of Apple simply not designing proper productivity accessories for the iPad.

The fact Apple has not created their own keyboard/case for the iPad speaks volumes of how far off Apple is in terms of understanding what it means to bring productivity to a tablet.

The most clueless post that I've read this week. But you are forgiven. :p

Apple created the MFi program to support a healthy ecosystem of third-party accessories that they then place their stamp of approval on. There's plenty of keyboards available for the iPad if you want one today.

While it would be *nice* for Apple to officially have their own full lineup of every possible accessory, it's unrealistic.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
ChrisCW11
149 months ago
If Apple is serious about iPad productivity

Then they need to do something like what Samsung did for the Tab Pro tablet:

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EJ-CT800UAEGUJ

This effectively turns the 10.5" tab pro into a laptop.

Apple has to start actually thinking about what it means to be "productive" and not just assume people want a larger tablet = productivity. Relying on 3rd parties to add the features to increase iPad productivity will result in a mishmash of disjoint add-ons that will cripple iPad's mobility in lieu of Apple simply not designing proper productivity accessories for the iPad.

The fact Apple has not created their own keyboard/case for the iPad speaks volumes of how far off Apple is in terms of understanding what it means to bring productivity to a tablet.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jlake02 Avatar
jlake02
149 months ago
it'll probably also cost $10/month for the connection fee.

I was thinking the same thing. Absurd to charge each month to use the data you've already paid for. That's the deal breaker for me. I'll just use my phone's hotspot.


:apple:
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
hlfway2anywhere
149 months ago
it'll probably also cost $10/month for the connection fee.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments