Photo: Apple
Following the iPhone’s footsteps, Apple has switched entirely to eSIM on the 2024 iPad Pro and Air. The two tablets’ cellular models lack a physical SIM slot altogether.
With this move, Apple has transitioned two major product categories to eSIMs.
2024 iPad Pro and iPad Air jump on the eSIM bandwagon
In markets outside the US, you can purchase the iPhone 15 Pro series with a physical SIM slot. However, that’s not the case with the new M4 iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs. Apple’s tablet listing in the EU and the UK only mentions eSIM support and incompatibility with physical SIM cards.
This move from Apple will only help accelerate its transition entirely to eSIM worldwide or at least across major markets.
An eSIM-only option on the iPad makes much more sense than on the iPhone. Once you set up a cellular connection on the tablet, you are unlikely to switch operators soon. Plus, eSIM makes it easy to handle multiple networks while roaming.
However, the lack of a physical SIM slot can be an issue if your operator or MVNO does not support eSIMs. If nothing else, this might force them to speed up their transition to eSIMs.
No Apple stickers with new iPads
The physical SIM slot is not the only thing missing from the 2024 iPads. Apple has also stopped bundling its iconic stickers with them.
While Apple did not discuss this during its “Let Loose” event, it mentioned the change in a memo distributed to Apple Store employees, as seen by 9to5Mac. The report says the company removed the stickers to make the tablet’s packaging plastic-free and reach its environmental goals.
When buying a new iPad Pro or iPad Air, you can request an Apple Store employee for a sticker. Reportedly, Apple is shipping out a small batch of stickers so employees can provide them to customers upon request. But this benefit only appears to be available when you purchase the new iPads directly from an Apple store and not a third-party retailer.