Apple debuts cellular LTE-equipped iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in China

Apple on Wednesday announced cellular-capable iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 models will be available in China later this week, offering support for region-specific wireless networks used by major telecoms like the world-leader China Mobile.

According to Apple's announcement, cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 now on sale in China include TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, TD-SCDMA, DC-HSDPA, HSPA+ and other advanced networks. A quick check with China's Online Apple Store shows the latest WLAN + Cellular iPads up for sale with an estimated ship time of one day.

Prices for Space Gray, silver and gold iPad Air 2 with WLAN + Cellular models start at 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 16GB model, 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 64GB version and 5,888 RMB ($954) for the top-end 128GB model. Apple has set iPad Air 2 with WLAN pricing at 3,588 RMB ($581) for the 16GB model, while a 64GB version sells for 4,288 RMB ($695) and 4,988 RMB ($808) for the top-end 128GB model.

As for iPad mini 3 WLAN + Cellular models supporting TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, units are available for 3,788 RMB ($614) for the 16GB model, 4,488 RMB ($727) for the 64GB model and 5,188 RMB ($840) for the 128GB model. Non-cellular versions sell for 2,888 RMB ($468), 3,588 RMB ($581) and and 4,288 RMB ($694) for 16GB, 64GB and 128GB models, respectively.

With the introduction of current-generation iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 hardware, Apple has decreased iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini pricing.

Apple unveiled the iPad Air 2 in October, showing off the tablet's slimmed-down 6.1-millimeter thick chassis, A8X SoC, Touch ID support, anti-reflective screen coating and new gold color option. Revealed on the same day, Apple's iPad mini 3 brought less extensive generational improvements, adding only Touch ID and gold chassis.