T-Mobile CEO hints at iPad that would work with his carrier’s service

A tweet by T-Mobile’s chief executive may be a clue for what to expect from Apple’s media event next week.

John Legere, the head of the Seattle-based carrier, sent a tweet on Wednesday expressing his excitement for the event.

“What has two thumbs and is excited for October 22? #thisguy,” Legere tweeted.

The tweet is notable because Apple’s event is expected to focus on the company’s iPad tablets. The tech giant sells Wi-Fi-only iPads as well as those that can be connected to a cellular service such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. The lone exception has been T-Mobile.

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Legere’s tweet suggests that Apple may roll out iPads that come preloaded with T-Mobile cellular service. Teaming up with Apple on the iPad would allow T-Mobile to sell the device at its stores, and it could also mean that Apple would sell T-Mobile compatible iPads through its stores and website.

Currently, users can set up LTE-enabled iPads to work with T-Mobile, but they must first buy the device and then go to T-Mobile and get a plan and SIM card there. If Apple and T-Mobile team up for an LTE iPad, the process will become much simpler for customers.

At the Oct. 22 event, Apple is expected to announce a redesigned iPad, an new version of the iPad mini, new MacBook Pro laptops, a release date for the Mac OS X Mavericks operating system and maybe more.

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