Ever pondered why iPads don’t make calls? This article will help you get the scoop. Get a glimpse of the hardware, software and tech that make iPads so amazing. Whether an Apple fan or tech guru – this article has the answers!
Quick facts: Why Can’T Ipad Make Calls
- ✅ iPads cannot make phone calls because Apple has not included a built-in microphone or speaker in their design – Source: Apple Support
- ✅ iPads cannot make cellular calls because they are not equipped with a SIM card – Source: Apple Support
- ✅ iPads can make calls over Wi-Fi or cellular networks using an app such as Skype or FaceTime – Source: Tom’s Guide
- ✅ iPads can make audio and video calls using FaceTime, and they can also send text messages using iMessages – Source: Tom’s Guide
- ✅ There has been a steady increase in the use of iPads, particularly among business users, as an alternative to traditional phones and laptops – Source: The Guardian
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The iPad’s Design
The iPad’s design is often praised for its sleek and sophisticated look. Apple is leading the charge in making tablets more functional, portable, and attractive. But did you know that design can be a factor in why you can’t make phone calls from it?
The iPad cannot make phone calls because it doesn’t have a cellular modem or antenna. To make or receive calls, other phones or tablets need some sort of cellular connection.
Also, Apple excluded any type of microphone from the iPad’s design. So even if you had a cellular connection, you wouldn’t be able to make or receive audio calls without a microphone.
For now, tablets like the iPad are designed more for media consumption than communication.
What makes an iPad different from a smartphone?
The iPad is much different to a smartphone. Smartphones are small and fit into pockets, but iPads are bigger and stronger. Smartphones have sensors that make calls, take pictures, and track users. iPads don’t have these components, they focus on streaming media and gaming.
iPads don’t have a built-in cellular modem like a smartphone, so they can’t connect directly to a mobile network. Finally, apps written for smartphones won’t work on an iPad due to the different operating systems.
How does an iPad’s design limit its ability to make calls?
The iPad’s design can’t make calls for many reasons.
- Firstly, iPads are huge, so too big to talk on. That’s why Apple had to leave out speakers and microphones.
- Secondly, iPads don’t have access to phone networks like other phones. As they don’t have a modem or SIM card slot, they are stuck with Wi-Fi.
- Lastly, iPads have iOS, which is tailored for tablets. So, no apps for phone calls or VoIP services.
The iPad’s Operating System
The iPad runs on a version of the Apple operating system called iOS. This is based on macOS, made for Macs. It is optimized for tablets and mobiles.
You cannot make or receive cellular calls on an iPad, like you can on an iPhone. There are ways to make ‘phone-like’ calls, but not traditional cellular ones. You can connect an iPad to a mini-SIM card with an external reader or adapter. But, this won’t give access to networks that support VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.
What is the difference between iOS and Android?
Apple’s iPads and Android devices have dissimilar operating systems. iOS is the only OS for all Apple’s mobiles, like iPad and iPhone. It’s a closed OS, not available for other manufacturers’ products. Android is an open source software, used by various makers to build phones or tablets.
Comparing the two systems, user interface design, customization, performance, security and privacy settings, and app store offerings and sizes differ. Notably, only iPhones can make phone calls; iPads use Wi-Fi for online services and don’t have cellular capabilities.
How does iOS limit the iPad’s ability to make calls?
The iPad 4th Generation can access the internet, store and play media, and run applications. However, it cannot make calls. This is because iOS, the operating system used in the iPad 4th Generation, does not enable such a feature. The only way to make calls is through a Wi-Fi connection – no cellular connection is supported.
To use services such as Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts for calling, you need to be connected to a wireless network. Also, cellular data plans cannot be used to make calls on the iPad 4th Generation. Apple has deliberately chosen this limitation, so that they can focus on other features of their mobile devices, instead of supporting telecommunication technologies.
Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps come from software companies outside the Apple ecosystem. You can install them on any iOS device from the Apple App Store. These apps have features and functions not available in the built-in features of iPhones and iPads.
When it comes to making calls, third-party apps offer more options or different ways than what comes with the device. For instance, you can use Skype or WhatsApp to make calls over data networks like Wi-Fi or cellular. This type of call is called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It’s a popular way for people to talk to each other from around the world through their phones or tablets.
What are the third-party apps available for making calls on an iPad?
Third-party apps are available to make calls on an iPad. These are not part of the core OS, but can be downloaded and used on Apple’s iOS devices. Examples include Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Viber and more. Each app provides voice and video calling, text messaging, sending images and videos, file sharing etc. Most of these apps allow for international calling at lower rates than regular phone calls. Some even offer VoIP services, allowing free calls from your iPad over Wi-Fi or cellular data networks.
Third-party apps let users bypass carrier limitations when making calls on an iPad. They also provide other features like recording conversations or creating conference calls with multiple people.
How do these apps work?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps are the way to go for Apple device users. They convert speech into data and send it to the receiver via the internet.
VoIP apps work similarly to regular phones, but use data plans or Wi-Fi to save money. Plus, no physical phone number is needed – only the app account.
These apps are a great option for iPad owners who want to make calls. They are cost-effective and simple to use. Making video calls, recording conversations and using international numbers come at no extra charge.
Alternative Options
IPads can’t make phone calls, but they can stay connected. VoIP services such as Google Voice, Skype and Viber offer free or discounted calls over Wi-Fi. Mobile providers have apps like Facetime and WhatsApp that let users send voice messages and videos without extra charges. Finally, Line2 lets users use the iPad as a calling device with a dedicated number when connected to Wi-Fi.
So, lots of options to stay connected on an iPad, without buying a new device!
What are the alternative options for making calls on an iPad?
Calling on an iPad is not built-in. But there are other possibilities! Skype, Google Voice, and Facetime audio are popular choices. All of these let you make or receive calls via Wi-Fi or cellular data. Plus, features like call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calling are often included.
You can also buy a Bluetooth Cellular Adapter. This connects your iPad to your cellular network, letting you make calls directly from your iPad. Finally, some apps sync your iPhone contacts with your iPad. Then, you can use the app to make and receive calls on the iPad. With a bit of creativity, you can find ways to make up for the lack of native calling options on the iPad!
How do these options work?
Making calls with an iPad has three options: VoIP, FaceTime and connecting another phone. All require a reliable internet connection.
- VoIP is popular. It routes voice data from device to another’s. Skype and Google Hangouts use this technology.
- FaceTime is Apple’s video calling service for iPads and iPhones. Both users must have Apple devices connected via Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Lastly, a separate phone can be connected to the iPad via Bluetooth. All calls will be routed through this phone, instead of the device’s internet connection.
Conclusion
So, iPads can’t make calls. The reason? They don’t have the hardware and software they need. No microphone, speaker, or cellular connection. Plus, Apple hasn’t created telephony software that would work with iPads. But, users can still make audio and video calls. As long as both have the same program.
This article proves that even with our modern tech, iPads can’t act like phones and make calls.
Summary of the main points
iPads cannot make phone calls, unlike Apple iPhones. This is because of the physical elements missing from iPads, like a microphone, speaker, and cellular modem. Also, service providers don’t allow features like call forwarding and call waiting on iPads. Even though iPads have 4G networks and features like hotspot or tethering, they can’t make phone calls directly as they don’t have the components required.
Final thoughts on the iPad’s ability to make calls
iPads are amazing, but they can’t make phone calls. The reason? No cellular chip. For calls, you need an internet connection – Wi-Fi or data. Apps like FaceTime or Skype can help.
But there’s still hope! Companies offer adapters to connect iPads to a cellular network. Plus, Google Fi can turn tablets into temporary phones. You can make and receive standard calls.
FAQs about: Why Can’T Ipad Make Calls
Q: Why can’t an iPad make calls?
A: iPads do not have cellular capabilities, which is necessary to make calls. To make calls with an iPad, you need to connect a headset to the iPad and use a third-party app such as Skype or FaceTime.
Q: What is the difference between an iPad and a smartphone?
A: The main difference between an iPad and a smartphone is that iPads do not have cellular capabilities, which is necessary for making calls. Smartphones have both cellular capabilities and Wi-Fi, while iPads are limited to Wi-Fi connections.
Q: Can I use an iPad as a phone?
A: While iPads do not have cellular capabilities, you can use a third-party app such as Skype or FaceTime to make calls. You will need to connect a headset to the iPad in order to make calls.