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The iPad could include cell phone features in the near future

by Lisander González / August 22, 2015 12:13 PM EDT

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Apple is seriously considering equipping the iPad with a hands-free device that supports voice calls via LTE or VoLTE. The device already boasts an efficient, convenient, and fast interface for internet calls using apps like Skype or WhatsApp . It's only natural that the Cupertino company would pursue something this ambitious. This would represent an evolution in the tablet's applications, which currently enjoy high demand; however, the underlying motivation for this new Apple initiative seems to be geared more towards the business sector.

Apple is considering equipping the iPad with a hands-free device that supports voice communication via signals such as LTE or VoLTE.

The iPad could include cell phone features in the near future

Currently, the iPad can answer calls from nearby iPhones ; it's this dependency that they hope to eliminate. With phone capabilities, the tablet could gain compatibility with SIM cards, thus also having an assigned phone number.

And of course, the most important aspect of the accessory is that it would free the iPad owner from manual use. This means that the hands-free device would have to somehow address the need to reach for the tablet to answer calls, among other things. It would have to include buttons that allow access to this function, for example.

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This strategy is driven by how the company's competitors have approached this offering; some other tablet manufacturers already offer this option, so Apple simply can't afford to fall behind. What new capabilities will future generations of iPads include ? Only time and the evolving needs of users will tell.