Apple is bringing the era of swapping SIM cards to an end with its latest addition to its lastest line-up: the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Not so much the iPad Pro itself, but what it features: an Apple SIM embedded directly into the device's logic board.
Introduced in 2014, the Apple SIM had one singular function: to allow iPad owners, through the use of a single SIM card, to pick and choose a data service (without contracts) from any participating wireless carrier around the world. The endeavor started small with only providers like AT&T and Sprint, but the soon service soon expanded through a partnership with GigSky which allowed the offering of data plans in more than 100 countries and territories.
Currently, Apple's current iPad models can be purchased with the Apple SIM pre-installed, however based on where you purchase the device, it may come with the SIM of the dominant GSM-based carrier in your country, the specific wireless provider where you got the iPad or sometimes not at all.
This changes with the newly launched 9.7-inch iPad Pro which will now allow buyers to escape that predicament with the embedded SIM cards.
"Now with Apple SIM embedded directly in the new iPad Pro, it's even easier to connect to wireless data plans right from your device when traveling in more than 100 countries and territories," said Apple in the press release.
However, with this new addition comes some new difficulties. Namely, while purchasing an iPad Pro directly from Apple ensures that the SIM cards come pre-embedded, the same isn't always the case when purchasing it from a carrier. At times, the Apple SIM will be disabled or locked, forcing the buyer to tackle that issue before being able to enjoy the SIM's advantages.
The move towards embedded SIMs have reportedly been a long time coming, though the rumors never truly took hold until last July when reports about the tech giant teaming up with Samsung to push "e-SIM" standard forward began to surface.
As for what the embedded SIMs mean for the rest of the company's product-line remains to be seen. Though unlikely, the embedded SIMs could find their way into future iPhones, allowing users to switch between service providers on the fly when there is no reception for a particular network. Apple could also make use on the card's ability to save space on smaller devices like the Apple Watch, which could be handy if and when it plans to add cellular data connectivity to its signature timepiece.
