[NewsPoster]

The new Apple SIM in the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 is being locked to AT&T if data subscribers choose that carrier, according to complaints. The problem is confirmed by a new Apple support document, which says that when buyers "choose AT&T on iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3, AT&T dedicates Apple SIM to [that] network only."

AT&T is so far the only carrier that appears to be locking the Apple SIM, which is supposed to be intended to allow customers to move between providers seamlessly. In the US, for instance, iPad owners can try a T-Mobile plan one month, but switch to Sprint the next, and vice versa. Apple's support document indicates that if a person chooses AT&T, the only way to make the leap to another carrier is to buy a new Apple SIM and choose a different carrier.

Prior to the latest models, people buying an iPad had to choose a specific carrier, whether in advance or by activating an appropriate SIM card. This remains true with Verizon, which isn't an option on the new Apple SIM.

[ElectroTech]

Wow! That sure would drive me to try any other carrier other than AT&T.

[ElectroTech]

In Canada, I would expect the same unscrupulous behaviour from Rogers.

[azrich]

Stay classy AT&T! Stay classy...

[vinnieA2]

Man that is ridiculous. You can count on AT&T to do this kind of thing. They are always the last to support new OS features, and if you ask me, if they "brick" your sim, they should pay for a new one if you switch. Can anyone say "class action suit"?

[davisadm]

Shame on you, AT&T!

[chimaera]

This looks a lot like theft. "It was your SIM card, now it's our SIM card. Thank you."

I love how big corporations steal from us, those poor(er) than themselves. Can't we watch even one great heist, of AT&T robbing a few billion from Verizon HQ? Middle of the night, commando team in black, clean out the vault. "We're honorable here at AT&T. We refuse to rob those smaller than ourselves." One can dream.

[elroth]

At least Verizon tells you up front that they don't care what you want. AT&T tries to hide it.

I struggle to see why this is a big deal. Who cares if the SIM is locked as long as the iPad isn't locked? SIMs cost a few pennies - and you often get one free from your new provider when you sign up for service.

[azrich]

This is a big deal because it undermines the whole purpose of the Apple SIM! It's douche-y. Why should you have to buy another SIM if you already have one? If once you put Chevron gas in your car you couldn't put any other brand of gas in your car, but you could swap out the tank at a fraction of the cost of the car, wouldn't that be annoying?

Now Apple has to invent a multiple SIM, SIM Card.

[Flying Meat]

That's messed up. I'm shopping elsewhere when I get my next phone.