AT&T announces Modio Smartcase to connect Wi-Fi-only iPads to LTE

Today at CES 2015, AT&T unveiled the Modio Smartcase for iPad, designed to connect Wi-Fi-only models to AT&T's LTE network. It works like any other mobile hotspot, and there are models compatible with both the iPad Air and iPad Air 2, as well as all three versions of the iPad mini.

The Modio also contains a 4,600mAh battery to provide up to 10 hours of use of the hotspot, along with a microSD card slot for 32GB of extra storage for your iPad via AT&T's Modio Data companion app. Pricing and availability of the Modio Smartcase has not yet been announced.

Press release:

AT&T Modio Smartcase to Provide 4G LTE Connectivity for iPad with Wi-Fi Models

First Protective Smartcase that Provides 4G LTE Connectivity to be Available in U.S. Exclusively at AT&T

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2015 – AT&T1 will be offering the first U.S. smartcase of its kind that can help you connect Wi-Fi only models of iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini to the network with the nation's strongest 4G LTE signal.2 AT&T Modio™ smartcase will be available in AT&T stores and www.att.com for iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini with Wi-Fi models initially, followed by iPad Air 2 and iPad Air with Wi-Fi models. The durable smartcase will initially provide 4G LTE connectivity with a Mobile Share plan to iPad with Wi-Fi models only. More information regarding pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

"The AT&T Modio smartcase gives you the freedom and convenience to connect your Wi-Fi only tablet to AT&T's blazing fast 4G LTE network," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Device Marketing and Developer Services – AT&T Mobility. "Secure and easy to set up and use, AT&T is proud to deliver you another industry first, enabling you to stay connected at home or while on-the-go."

The AT&T Modio smartcase comes with a 4,600mAh dedicated battery providing you with up to 10 hours3 of continuous use and even expands your iPad memory capacity so that you can have and take more of your content with you. It comes with a microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB of storage. You can also monitor and manage your data usage using the accompanying AT&T Modio Data application.4

In addition to being the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T's network now also has the nation's strongest LTE signal.2 AT&T's network is designed to allow customers to do the things they love on their LTE wireless devices – such as stream music and videos or surf the Web – with less likelihood of LTE data interruptions due to poor signal strength than the other national carriers.

For more information please visit www.att.com/modiosmartcase.

Joseph Keller

Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.