Apple’s eSIM-only iPads herald the demise of the Australian SIM card
Apple’s new eSIM-only Australian iPads hammer another nail in the coffin of physical SIM cards. Alongside the astonishing popularity of eSIM unlimited roaming data plans from companies like Australia’s rising star Simify, the use case for eSIMs is unarguable.
To explore some of Simify’s eSIM collections go to: https://simify.com/collections/esim-europe
Invented back in the 1990s, SIM cards revolutionised mobile phones by making it easy to move phone numbers between handsets. While they started out the size of credit cards, sliding into bulky 2G mobile phones, today’s physical SIMs have shrunk to the size of a fingernail.
While the shrinking size of SIM cards has made them more convenient, they remain a hassle in that phone and tablet owners still need to obtain a physical card to access mobile networks. Waiting for a physical SIM slows things down, whether people are unboxing a new device, changing Australian providers or switching to a local provider when travelling in order to avoid oppressive roaming fees.
The rise of digital eSIMs eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, offering people the freedom to instantly sign up for new mobile services and even switch between providers on the fly.
Apple has led the way both with eSIM adoption and the phasing out of physical SIM cards.
Apple’s iPhone 14 was its first handset to eliminate the physical SIM card slot on some US models. This year’s iPhone 17 is expected to go eSIM-only in many more countries, likely including Australia.
Paving the way, the recent refresh of the iPad Air and entry-level iPad means that Apple no longer sells a tablet in Australia that can take a physical SIM card.
Previously, the entry-level iPad was the only iPad that still supported a physical SIM card. The SIM tray was removed from the iPad Pro, iPad mini and iPad Air last year.
Apple has a long history of setting technological trends, meaning that physical SIM cards are living on borrowed time in Australia, says Aidan Butler – co-founder of Australian international roaming provider and eSIM specialist Simify.
“The days of the physical SIM card are clearly numbered in Australia,” Butler says. “From ditching physical keyboards on smartphones to removing headphone jacks, where Apple goes others follow, so it’s only a matter of time.”
“Simify has seen that eSIMs are a game-changer for travellers, but they’re also a fantastic innovation for anyone who wants to get their mobile device online instantly, rather than waiting to get their hands on an old-fashioned SIM card.”
Recently rebranding from SimsDirect, Simify has seen a surge in demand for eSIM plans from Australians embracing its flexibility, particularly among long-term travellers, digital nomads and families.
Simify was founded in 2018 by two young Australian entrepreneurs, who were frustrated at the expensive and restrictive roaming packages offered by the major telcos. Tapping into pent-up demand for a better deal, the business has quickly grown to more than 300,000 customers.
“Whether it’s for smartphones or tablets, today’s mobile users are demanding the convenience of eSIM so they’re never stuck waiting for a physical SIM card,” Butler says.
“When Apple decides it’s time to ditch the SIM card slot on all iPhones and iPads, you can be sure that others will follow suit and relegate physical SIM cards to the history books.”
To explore some of Simify’s eSIM collections go to: https://simify.com/collections/esim-europe
About the Author
Alex Novus While not travelling, reading, gaming, watching films AND writing reviews and articles, Alex loves exploring the shops of Melbourne searching for classic pop culture trinkets.
