Apple’s new iPad 3 comes with a faster Internet connection than previous models. The new version supports 4G LTE in the US, so you would expect things like FaceTime to work over LTE.
For some reason, Apple has decided that FaceTime over 4G LTE won’t be supported on the new iPad, and you will instead have to connect to WiFi.
One of the reasons it wasn’t supported in the iPad 2 was that 3G apparently wasn’t fast enough, but with 4G LTE, this shouldn’t be a problem, so we can see no reason why this shouldn’t be enabled.
The guys over at the Verge have asked Apple about it, and they have responded with no comment. AT&T and Verizon have yet to supply any details on why it doesn’t work.
Technical Considerations
While the decision to restrict FaceTime over 4G LTE might seem puzzling, there could be several technical considerations behind it. One possible reason could be the impact on battery life. Video calling is a resource-intensive activity, and even though 4G LTE offers faster data speeds, it also consumes more power. Apple might have decided to limit FaceTime to WiFi to ensure that users get the best possible battery performance from their devices.
Another technical aspect could be network stability and quality of service. Even though 4G LTE is faster than 3G, the quality of the connection can vary depending on the user’s location and network congestion. Apple might have opted to restrict FaceTime to WiFi to ensure a consistent and high-quality video calling experience.
Carrier Policies and Data Usage
Carrier policies and data usage concerns could also play a significant role in this decision. Video calls consume a substantial amount of data, and allowing FaceTime over 4G LTE could lead to higher data usage for users. This might result in users exceeding their data caps, leading to additional charges from their carriers. By restricting FaceTime to WiFi, Apple might be aiming to protect users from unexpected data charges.
Moreover, carriers like AT&T and Verizon might have their own policies regarding video calling over their networks. They might prefer to limit such services to WiFi to manage network traffic better and ensure that their networks are not overwhelmed by high data usage.
Future Possibilities
While FaceTime over 4G LTE is not supported on the new iPad 3, this might change in the future. As network infrastructure continues to improve and carriers offer more robust data plans, Apple might revisit this decision. Future software updates could potentially enable FaceTime over 4G LTE, providing users with more flexibility in how they use the service.
In the meantime, users can still enjoy FaceTime over WiFi, which offers a stable and high-quality connection for video calls. For those who need to make video calls on the go, there are alternative apps and services available that support video calling over cellular networks.
The decision to restrict FaceTime over 4G LTE on the new iPad 3 might be disappointing for some users, but it is likely based on a combination of technical, battery life, and carrier policy considerations. As technology continues to evolve, we can hope for more flexible and user-friendly solutions in the future.
Source TUAW
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
