Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Selecting a cellular carrier is never easy, and determining the various voice and data plans, ensuring they are compatible with the Apple device they are marketing, and inserting the SIM cards can be tedious. Apple attempted to demystify this with the Apple SIM. How does it work?
What Is the Apple SIM?
At first, the Apple SIM was an actual SIM card that you could physically place into an iPhone or an iPad. It was not designed to work with a certain provider, so one SIM card could be used when shifting between carriers. This made it easier to activate a new device, get a new phone number and service, and cancel a service without needing to wait for a new SIM card to be delivered.
Apple began phasing out the physical SIM in October 2022 and then introduced the Apple eSIM. As such, when you hear of an Apple SIM, it is more likely to refer to the Apple eSIM.
An eSIM is embedded in your device and replaces the traditional physical (and separate) SIM card: There is no need to eject the SIM tray on your device anymore which is rather inconvenient especially when you no longer have the official Apple SIM-eject tool that came with your new device, and attempt to slip a small SIM card into the compact opening because it is already there in your iPhone or iPad. Just like with this technology, an eSIM allows the user to change both the carrier and the plan on the device without the need for a physical SIM card.
Read more on NRTC
What Do You Need To Use Apple SIM?
Apple eSIMs are available on the following iPhones and iPads:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
- iPad Pro 11 inch 1st generation or later
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch 3rd generation or later
- iPad Air 3rd generation or later
- iPad 7th generation or later
- iPad mini 5th generation or later
To activate the Apple SIM on your iOS or iPadOS device, navigate to Settings > Cellular Data > Add New Plan.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
