The cellular iterations of the new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will come loaded with a new network-agnostic SIM card that allows users to easily switch between networks.
The new Apple SIM, which is pre-installed in all of the Wi-Fi Cellular models, means buyers in the US and the UK will no longer have to choose a network and tariff as soon as they purchase the tablet.
The new SIMs will allow users to select short term deals from various carriers as and when it suits.
Several networks have signed up including EE in the UK and AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile in the United States. Apple is confident more carriers will sign on soon.
The deal could be a boon for Brits traveling to the US and vise-versa. Users would be able to sign up for a short-term local deal with their current SIM while traveling.
On its website the company wrote: “The new Apple SIM is pre-installed on iPad Air 2 with Wi-Fi Cellular models,” Apple said on the site. “The Apple SIM gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of short-term plans from select carriers in the U.S. and UK right on your iPad.
"So whenever you need it, you can choose the plan that works best for you—with no long-term commitments. And when you travel, you may also be able to choose a data plan from a local carrier for the duration of your trip.”
The Apple SIM announcement flew under the radar following a launch event which saw new iPads, the release of iOS 8.1 and Mac OS X Yosemite and the launch of a brand new 27-inch iMac with Retina Display.
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Via: Recode