Integrating an LTE modem into an iPad requires a mobile data plan, and thats about it. It's not "tethered" if its built into the device.

I've always heard that patent disputes were at the root of the lack of a modem option. Apple had a prototype MacBook Pro back in the early Intel days IIRC but it was never released.

Maybe if Apple ever gets their in-house modems working, we'll see them on all of the product lines, but until then, it's a niche use case that likely isn't causing them to lose a ton of sales.

> It's not "tethered" if its built into the device.

I understand that. My point is that I think an LTE modem in a laptop might reasonably use far more data than an LTE modem in a phone or tablet. Most people who download and/or upload very large files do so on their computer rather than their mobile devices.

Dell laptops can be configured with LTE modems.

There is no reason macOS cannot have some option for throttling usage by background updates when connected over LTE. iPads have an LTE option.

That carriers have not figured out how to charge me by the byte over all my devices instead of per device is really not a big issue to me. I would like to pay for an LTE modem and the necessary bandwidth.

My intuition is that when Apple has their own LTE modem and is not dependent on Qualcomm, a MacBook Pro will have an option similar to that for Dell power users.

The industry as a whole is trying its best to not rely on Qualcomm, given its extremely litigious past. Apple already tried once to avoid using their chips for the iPhone's modem, which I seem to recall failed. When it comes to devices for enterprise, it's less of a gamble because the cost can be passed on to orgs who are less price sensitive.

I think the biggest obstacle is the Qualcomm patents. There is no good reason why a MacBook Pro cannot have a feature that Dells have.