Highlights

• New iPad Air and iPad Pro models feature eSIM technology, eliminating physical SIM slots.
• Both devices to ship with only a USB-C cable in the UK and Europe, no wall plug included.
• Apple’s shift to eSIM only may influence wider adoption across the mobile industry.
• Changes aim to support environmental sustainability and reduce electronic waste.

Apple’s latest iPad lineup, featuring the powerful M4 iPad Pro and the sleek new iPad Air, has hit the shelves.

However, in a bold move towards an eSIM-centric future, Apple has removed the physical SIM slots from the cellular versions of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

eSIM Embraced, Physical SIM Slots Removed

We think it is a follow-up to the iPhone 14, which ditched the SIM tray in the US market, where Apple will completely retire the SIM tray across its lineup in favor of eSIM technology.

It is not certain what may be the reason behind this decision, but it can be a part of Apple’s relentless pursuit of thinness and minimalism in device design.

However, this change represents a significant shift for users accustomed to swapping physical SIMs on their devices.

eSIM technology has been gaining traction in recent times, but most of the flagship smartphones have the feature.

Apple is the first to make it an exclusive option—a move that is highly likely to spur the industry towards this technology.

Minimalist Approach: USB-C Cable Only in Certain Regions

Surprisingly, product listings from the UK and other European countries indicate the iPad Pro and iPad Air will only ship with a USB-C cable and not the USB-C wall plug.

The move marks a change from the prior-gen iPad Pro and iPad Air, both of which came with both the cable and wall plug.

There was no official word on the change, though at least the iPad mini and iPad 10 sold in the same regions retain the wall plug in their packaging.

Now, reports hint that the reason for the change may lie in the “Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment” in the European Union—regulations applied at least to the UK before it left the union.

This makes at least some sense and the move to streamline the included accessories aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote environmental sustainability.

FAQs

What changes has Apple made to the SIM options in the new iPad models?

Apple has removed the physical SIM slots from the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models, opting instead for eSIM technology exclusively, continuing a trend started with the iPhone 14 in the US.

Why is Apple shifting to eSIM-only technology for its devices?

The move to eSIM-only configurations in the new iPads likely supports Apple’s goals for thinner and more minimalistic device designs while also possibly setting a new standard for connectivity options in the tech industry.

What does the removal of physical SIM slots mean for iPad users?

Users of the new iPad models will no longer be able to swap physical SIM cards as eSIM technology allows for digital switching and management of carrier profiles without needing a physical SIM.

Are the new iPads shipping with all necessary accessories?

In the UK and other European countries, the new iPad Air and iPad Pro will ship only with a USB-C cable, excluding the traditional USB-C wall plug, which aligns with environmental goals to reduce e-waste.

Also Read: eSIM Fraud Alert How Cybercriminals Are Hijacking Phone Numbers

Also Read: Apple Quietly Adds eSIM Support to 10th-Gen iPads in China