All iPads Why does iPad/Pro still have a SIM tray?

[JPack]

What’s the justification here? Did the decision makers forget to tell iPad development teams about this cost-cutting measure?

 

[CyberDavis]

Maybe just one hardware version to allow for countries that do not fully support e-Sim? I guess there are some.
Only a guess, or maybe seeing how iPhone pans out then learning any lessons from that.

 

[*~Kim~*]

The day they don’t is the day I no longer buy cellular. I have several to interchange and they’re not available on e-Sim. At least in the UK, if you want to use e-Sim rather than a physical sim, you pay a premium to do so.

 

[Shirasaki]

They didn't even attempt to re-engineer the cases. Just slap the newer processor with revised support circuit and bam, new iPad Pro. There's little incentive for them to remove SIM tray component from iPad atm.

Plus, some carriers don't even "officially" support eSIM on iPad despite being around since 2018. You get the idea.

 

[DMG35]

Why remove the sim tray when you can just use the same design you've been using for the last 3 years and save a boat load of money?

 

[axantas]

e-sim is often a real pain...
I would be 100% out of luck, because no provider I use is even offering e-sim at my low-level tariff. Furthermore, swapping an e-sim from one to another device can be even more tedious, because you depend on the services of your provider - sometimes you need a new QR-code, because it is "one time", and you might have to show up at a shop to get a new one printed on a sheet of paper...

So, I absolutely prefer that little plastic thing, because I do decide about the device I am using it - anytime - instantaneous.

 

[CC88]

In Italy only two carriers support e-Sim. And I don't use them.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Cellular gets you a real GPS so it is a must for me.

 

[rui no onna]

They sell millions and millions of iPhones in the US while cellular iPads probably represent a tiny fraction of their iPad sales.

Making an eSIM-only iPad would probably cost more and would generally be a bigger headache than keeping the status quo.

 

[bwillwall]

what... wtf is your profile picture