New iPad Air and iPad Pro: M2 Powered, eSIM Ready (Up to 50% Faster!)

Apple removed the actual SIM slot from its latest iPad Air and iPad Pro cellular devices, moving toward eSIM.

As reported by The Verge, this shift follows the iPhone 14s, demonstrating Apple's commitment to eSIM technology across its product range.

The 2024 Apple iPad models solely accept eSIM, unlike the iPhone 14, which simply deleted the SIM slot in the US but kept it elsewhere.

Apple's UK and Canadian retail sites note that the new iPads don't support physical SIM cards, underscoring its eSIM commitment.

eSIM Tech: Say Goodbye to Physical SIM

Recently, most flagship smartphones have featured eSIM technology. Apple smartphones only support eSIM, which sets them apart.

Many users may easily set up or transfer an eSIM, but those who often switch SIM cards, especially between platforms like Android, may struggle.

Despite customer worries, iPad eSIM-only seems like a natural progression. Most customers only insert a SIM card once; therefore, eSIM might simplify the selection of iPad mobile data packages.

iPad users may choose their mobile data provider, unlike Apple Watch users, who must match the eSIM carrier of the associated iPhone.

2024 Apple iPads: Other Features and Pricing

Apple introduced the M2 processor in its first iPad Air upgrade in two years at its Let Loose presentation, per Engadget.

While not Apple's newest chipset, the M2 processor is 50% quicker than the M1, making the tablet three times faster than its predecessor, powered by the 2020 A14 Bionic CPU.

A 13-inch screen option joins the 11-inch model, equating the iPad Air and iPad Pro in display size. The 13-inch model has 30% more screen space than the smaller one.

Apple upped the iPad Air's standard capacity to 128GB, with options up to 1TB. Blue and purple join the current starlight and space-gray finishes.

Despite speculations of a mini-LED display, both variants have liquid retina displays. However, expert Ross Young expects a mini-LED iPad Air upgrade later this year.

Moving the 12MP front-facing camera to the landscape border of the display improves video calls. The rear camera captures 4K video at 240 fps and reduces background noise with twin mics. The 13-inch stereo landscape speaker has twice the bass.

Moreover, the latest Apple iPad Air supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster internet and 5G with eSIM for cellular connections. The 1TB and 2TB versions have 10-core CPUs, while the 256GB and 512GB versions have 9-core CPUs.

Both have 10-core GPUs and 16-core neural engines. Devices with more storage have doubled the RAM to 16GB from 8GB.

The latest Apple devices cost $599 for the 11-inch and $799 for the 13-inch, plus $150 for cellular connectivity. Pre-orders for both models begin today, and sales start May 15. The 2024 Apple iPad Pros will be available online in 29 countries and in Apple stores.

The new iPads' 1TB and 2TB versions include $100 nano-texture glass options.These prices are for Wi-Fi tablets. Models with 5G cost $200 more, according to GSMArena.