Bea Beltran Tech 10.03.2022 01:Oct AM EDT

Apple SIM No Longer Available— What Does This Mean for Users of Supported iPads?

It seems that the Apple SIM will no longer be an option for cellular data plans on upcoming Apple models. The Apple Sim was designed so Apple users can avail of cellular data when they have no access to WiFi.

Apple Sim was introduced in 2014, which was initially a physical nano-SIM card, but was then later embedded into iPad Pro devices, based on MacRumors' article. Apple SIM has the same services as modern eSIM technology but offers more limited carrier support.

Do Telecom Companies Support the New Cellular Data System?

The answer is, yes. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, three of the top cellular data carriers, support the idea of using an eSIM. Smaller or prepaid carriers like Mint Mobile, Google Fi, or Verizon-owned Visible also agree to the upgrade.

The benefit of this new feature is that users will no longer need to acquire a physical SIM card to avail the services that the carrier will provide. If the network adds a new feature, then the update can be done directly through the user's phone.

This will eliminate the need to get a new SIM card when you want to access the new networks in some instances, like upgrading from 4G to 5G. This gives users the chance to try out different networks to find what suits them and change it easily if they want to.

T-Mobile and Verizon's Visible have been using eSIMs for a trial run to give users a way to experience the services of their network. T-Mobile even offers a three-month trial run with their 5G unlimited data so users can compare it with other networks, according to CNET.

The eSIM feature reduces the user's waiting time when they want to switch cellular data providers, as opposed to waiting for a physical SIM card, as eSIMs are significantly quicker to process.

You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two different phone numbers when you want to use one for work and the other for personal use.

Which Devices Can Still Use the Apple SIM Card?

A physical Apple SIM card is still included with the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, First-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad 5, and iPad 6.

Cellular iPad models like the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and Second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, already have an embedded Apple SIM within their systems.

These devices still have SIM card trays, and if users want to avail eSIM services, MacRumors advise that they contact their carriers for details on whether or not they can activate a cellular data plan

Can Users Convert Physical SIMS to an eSIM on the Same Phone?

Users can do just that if your carrier supports it, based on Apple's support website. Go to Settings on your phone and tap Cellular, and then tap Convert to eSIM. You can immediately tell if your carrier does not support this conversion if the option is not available.

Contact your carrier and ask them to transfer your phone number from your physical SIM to your eSIM by scanning a QR code or using eSIM Carrier Activation. Finally, tap Convert Cellular Plan.