The Apple SIM supports wireless services across multiple supported carriers, which can be selected from a user interface within iOS and iPadOS, removing the need to install a SIM provided by the carrier itself. While Apple did not acknowledge the feature whilst presenting the iPad models that ship with Apple SIM, promotional materials on its website discuss the feature as being geared toward users of short-term mobile Internet contracts across multiple carriers.[2]
Carriers supported by Apple SIM include AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, EE, au, GigSky, Truphone, Three, and AlwaysOnline Wireless.[3] Altogether these carriers provide coverage in 100+ countries.[3] However, activating mobile services on AT&T will permanently lock the Apple SIM to AT&T, requiring the purchase of a new Apple SIM in order to use a different carrier.[4]
The Apple SIM is known as a Removable SIM with Remote Provisioning[5] – it is a special SIM card that may be configured with different operator profiles. This is in contrast to an embedded SIM, which is not removable and may also be remotely provisioned. It appears that Apple has begun to include both types of SIM in their newer devices.[6]
As of October 1, 2022, Apple SIM technology is no longer available for activating new cellular data plans on iPad.[7]
