iPad Pro and iPad Air Permanently Remove Physical SIM Slots

Like the iPhone, the 2024 iPad Pro and Air have fully adopted eSIM technology, eliminating the physical SIM slot entirely. This change affects both tablets, simplifying their design and possibly enhancing their connectivity features. 

With this shift, Apple has now moved two significant product lines entirely to eSIM technology. 

This transition reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards more integrated and less hardware-dependent solutions, which can offer benefits like improved security and easier device setup.

iPad Pro and iPad Air Embrace eSIM Technology in 2024

You can buy the iPhone 15 Pro series with a physical SIM slot in markets outside the US. But the new M4 iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs don't have this option. In the EU and the UK, Apple's tablet descriptions only show support for eSIM and state they do not work with physical SIM cards.

Apple's decision will speed up its shift to using only eSIM globally or in key markets. This transition reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward simpler, more integrated components. 

By eliminating the physical SIM slot, Apple not only streamlines the design of its devices but also encourages a shift towards more secure and flexible cellular connectivity options. 

As eSIM technology becomes more prevalent, consumers can expect to see a reduction in the physical components of mobile devices, potentially leading to thinner and lighter products.

Having only eSIM on the iPad is better than on the iPhone. Once you set up a cellular service on your tablet, you probably won't change carriers often. eSIM also makes managing different networks easier when traveling.

Still, not having a physical SIM slot could be a problem if your carrier or mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) doesn't offer eSIMs. This might push them to adopt eSIMs faster. 

Additionally, in regions where eSIM technology is not yet widely available, users might face connectivity issues, but with the Holafly app, they can get additional options. Therefore, the move to an eSIM-only model might compel both operators and regions to accelerate their technology updates to support the new standard.

New iPads don't come with Apple stickers.

Alongside the absence of a physical SIM slot, the 2024 iPads are also missing Apple's iconic stickers. This change wasn't highlighted during Apple's “Let Loose” event, but it was mentioned in a memo to Apple Store employees, as reported by 9to5Mac.

The decision to omit the stickers is part of Apple's broader initiative to reduce plastic waste. By removing these small items from the packaging, Apple aims to streamline its materials and advance toward its environmental objectives. 

This move reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to minimize its ecological footprint.

If you purchase a new iPad Pro or iPad Air directly from an Apple Store, you have the option to ask a store employee for a special sticker. 

Apple has begun distributing a limited quantity of these stickers exclusively to their official stores. This means that when customers buy one of these new iPads from an Apple Store, they can request a sticker from any staff member there. 

However, it's important to note that this offer does not apply to iPads bought from third-party retailers.