Apple's New Cellular iPad Air and iPad Pro Models Are eSIM Only

[threeonthetree]

Many people underestimate the inconvenience of transferring an eSIM to another device. In Canada, carriers stand to benefit from this change as they often charge for each transfer. Only Freedom Mobile doesn't impose this charge. This situation is frustrating that I will stick with an M1 iPad for as long as possible.

 

[threeonthetree]

Not all eSIM transfers require contacting the Carrier. I was able to do a eSIM transfer in less than 3 minutes without contacting T-Mobile. If you are referring to SIM to eSIM transfer, you are correct.

I think this capability varies depending on the carrier's policies. However, it shouldn't be left up to them. Apple should have implemented it in their software to enable seamless eSIM transfers between phones, like how you would transfer a physical SIM card.

 

[Radeon85]

I think this capability varies depending on the carrier's policies. However, it shouldn't be left up to them. Apple should have implemented it in their software to enable seamless eSIM transfers between phones, like how you would transfer a physical SIM card.

Don't see why they couldn't add an option to transfer it to different devices whenever you want because at least on EE in the UK, whenever I setup a new iPhone it automatically transfers over my eSIM when it's copying all the data from the old phone to the new one, it then deactivates the eSIM on the old phone and then new one is up and running immediately without me needing to do anything.

So I really can't see a reason why they couldn't add this feature because it already exists and works fine during a new setup.

 

[macf4n]

I get the feeling that major carriers pushed for this. I don't believe I can transfer my AT&T eSIM to a new iPad without contacting AT&T to do it.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/101569 scroll to the bottom; what you’re describing is ‘eSIM quick transfer’ - it is supposed to work on AT&T

 

[AZhappyjack]

Please tell me why anyone is surprised by this. Every little tweak to make the devices thinner. Not sure why that is so freaking important to Timmy, but it's the direction that they've been on forever... and anything to remove that last bit of user control over our own devices.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

https://support.apple.com/en-us/101569 scroll to the bottom; what you’re describing is ‘eSIM quick transfer’ - it is supposed to work on AT&T

Admittedly, I didn't check, and I also have not attempted to transfer the esim before. This upgrade would be the first time I am doing so. Thanks for easing my mind in regards to my own situation.

Still, it stands out to me that very few MVNOs are listed, and the ones that are or regional or have very good backing (xfinity and Spectrum Mobile). American companies going out of their way to inconvenience customers on a budget? Color me shocked!

 

[cgs1xx]

I’ve had all the top end iPads since 2011. And I am still shocked apple want an extra 200 bucks for an esim (cellular) version. I guess more nauseating than ever

This is a great point to make actually 👏🏻👏🏻

 

[MCHNelson]

Is this just us only? As in the uk iPhones still have a physical SIM card

My iPhone Pro 15 has a Sim-card slot, good job it has as the guy in EE could not get the E-sim option to work so gave me a real Sim. He tried for an hour! Who sorts my new Ipad out next week, EE or will Apple do it for me I have a second Sim for my Ipad as it has TNT Sport as one of my options. It means I can use either my Mini or Ipad Pro at present, with E-sims are we fixed to one item use and cannot swap around? I often use my Ipad as a Hub if I holiday with friends and there is no or little Wi-Fi where we stay. In future I might just Hot Spot from my phone and forego the Sim option on iPads.

 

[Mity]

I use cheap physical sim cards outside of the US so no more Iphone, my 13 is the last

iPhones sold outside the US still have SIM card slots. I'm not sure where you travel to but if in Europe, you will have access to an Apple Store.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I think this capability varies depending on the carrier's policies. However, it shouldn't be left up to them. Apple should have implemented it in their software to enable seamless eSIM transfers between phones, like how you would transfer a physical SIM card.

It honestly makes me wonder if Apple is taking backdoor money from carriers around the world.

This move benefits nobody but carriers

Totally consumer hostile and really disappointing to see

 

[Tenashus1]

I love my 13 Mini. In fact, I have two of them. I will be using them for a long time. No Apple merry go round for me anytime soon.