Apple‘s latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models have been spotted without physical SIM slots, marking a significant shift towards an eSIM-only future for the tech giant. This move follows the iPhone 14, which was the first model to lose the SIM slot in the United States, but not globally. The new iPads, available in the UK and Canada, are explicitly stated to use eSIM and are “not compatible with physical SIM cards” on Apple’s retail sites.

The trend towards eSIM technology has been gaining momentum over the past few years, with most flagship smartphones supporting the technology. However, Apple’s decision to make eSIM the only option for its devices is a distinct choice. While setting up an eSIM or transferring it from another Apple product is relatively straightforward, the lack of physical SIM slots can be frustrating for those who frequently switch SIM cards between devices, especially if those devices run on different operating systems like Android.

Despite the potential inconvenience, the shift to eSIM-only on the iPad seems reasonable. For many users, the SIM card is inserted and then forgotten, so the lack of a physical slot may not be a significant issue. Additionally, eSIM could potentially simplify the process of shopping around for a mobile tablet plan, as the iPad’s eSIM does not need to be tied to the same carrier as the iPhone. This flexibility could be a significant advantage for users who want to take advantage of different carrier plans or promotions.