iPad Sim Card: Data Solutions

SIM Cards for iPads: What You Should Know 

Why Do You Need a Cellular Enabled iPad?

Most people who use an iPad typically connect to it via a Wi-Fi network and access the internet. This makes sense since the device is not typically used like a smartphone and isn’t required to be as portable. And even in places with weak or no Wi-Fi coverage, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot to connect your iPad to the internet.

So, why would you ever need an iPad with cellular capabilities?

It turns out there are plenty of good reasons that make the upgrade worthwhile.

For one, it's much more convenient. Using a cellular enabled iPad means that users don't need to search for a Wi-Fi hotspot, as cellular coverage is readily available anywhere you go and, in most places, relatively stable.

Using your iPhone as a mobile hotspot also drains its batteries. When your phone dies, you instantly lose your only source of connection and communication. But with a cellular-enabled iPad, you no longer rely on your iPhone, and instead can use it as a backup device if your phone dies.

Finally, getting a cellular connection for your iPad that's from a different carrier than your iPhone is advantageous. It allows your iPad to connect to the internet if your iPhone's network signal is weak in an area and vice versa. It's insurance that you'll always stay connected.

eSIM: The Updated iPad SIM Card Technology

Embedded SIM, or eSIM, is the latest SIM card for iPad Mini, iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models released after October 2018. It's a significant upgrade to the physical Apple SIM and micro SIM card for iPad 2 and other older models.

As the name suggests, an eSIM is embedded digitally into the device without the need for a physical card. It's also separate from the standard SIM tray, meaning you can have two SIM cards for iPad Mini, iPad Pro, and other newer models.

eSIM allows iPad owners to switch between mobile carriers without getting a physical SIM card for each. In the past, if you wanted to switch from an old carrier, you'd need to buy the SIM card and unit directly from the new carrier.

With eSIM, it's as simple as selecting the new carrier from the iPad settings.

Having this type of SIM card for iPads is a game-changer for owners. It means they can always get the best signal coverage in an area. The multiple SIM configuration can also be helpful to designate a cellular plan for personal and one for business use.

Apple SIM vs. eSIM

Apple SIM was the previous SIM technology that used a physical card in the SIM tray. Since Apple SIM is no longer supported, GigSky cannot sell plans to iPads that only have a physical SIM card.

Does eSIM Work Abroad?

An eSIM is undoubtedly helpful for switching carriers at will.

But where it shines is having the ability to connect to international network providers via a service like GigSky. It eliminates the need to get foreign prepaid SIM cards for iPad users who want to use their device in another country.

Setting your iPad to connect to GigSky is easy as well—you don't even need to do anything before leaving for your destination. Once you arrive, log in to the GigSky service and then purchase a plan applicable in that area. For example, suppose you're traveling to France. In that case, you can buy the Europe regional plan which supports France and most other European countries.

GigSky is the most convenient alternative to a prepaid SIM card for iPad owners who want to stay connected wherever they are in the world. For more information, check out our GigSky iPad data plans.

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