Texting on cellular ipad but no iPhone?
If I do not own an iPhone but have a Mac and a cellular ipad, can I send and receive text on my ipad?
will I also see the same texts on my Mac?
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An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. An iPad is not, and can never be, a standalone substitute for an iPhone.
Without benefit of an iPhone, iPad can only access proprietary iMessage services - this being limited to Apple devices.
When paired with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and SMS/MMS Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad/Mac over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.
More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:
Continuity
Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support
SMS/MMS Messaging
WiFi Calling
Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling – Apple Support