What Does Apple’s Shift to eSIM-Only iPads Mean for Your Business?

Apple’s decision to make iPads eSIM-only 2024 onwards marks a major change, but for businesses, this is a chance to streamline operations and future-proof your connectivity. With no more physical SIM cards, businesses will need to embrace eSIM technology to stay connected and avoid disruptions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of eSIM for businesses and the iPad models you should be aware of to make the transition smoother for your business.

Key benefits of iPad eSIM for businesses

The switch to eSIM technology presents numerous advantages for businesses, including cost savings, easier management, and scalability. Here are the main benefits that make eSIM ideal for modern businesses.

1. Eliminate physical SIM card logistics and costs

Gone are the days of managing physical SIM cards. From inventory handling to activation, traditional SIM cards require significant resources. With eSIM technology, businesses can eliminate these logistical challenges by remotely activating and managing devices.

By adopting eSIM solutions, you’ll no longer need to ship physical SIM cards, saving both time and money. Devices are activated digitally, and everything is managed through a central system, cutting operational costs and simplifying your business processes.

• Explore Our Business eSIMs 1GLOBAL Business eSIM Solutions offer a seamless, scalable approach to eSIM connectivity, helping businesses stay connected globally without dealing with the hassle of physical SIM cards.

2. Zero-Touch deployment with MDM integration

Managing devices across multiple locations can be challenging, but eSIM enables zero-touch deployment. With integration into Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms like Jamf Pro (see our guide on eSIM deployment with Jamf Pro), businesses can remotely configure, manage, and deploy iPads with eSIM, ensuring a smooth and automated setup process.

This means your IT team won’t need to touch each device physically. All configuration and management are done remotely, reducing the risk of errors and saving significant time.

3. Future-proof your business

Apple’s decision to transition to eSIM-only devices signals a growing trend across the tech industry. As more manufacturers move toward eSIM technology, businesses that adopt it now will be well-positioned for future advancements. eSIM will become the industry standard, so early adoption gives your business a competitive edge.

At 1GLOBAL, we provide global connectivity solutions that ensure your business stays connected regardless of location. Whether your teams are in remote regions or major cities, you can seamlessly manage all your devices with one unified platform.

4. Global Connectivity with One Plan

Traditional roaming charges and multiple SIM cards can complicate international operations. eSIM technology allows businesses to stay connected globally without dealing with roaming charges or managing multiple SIM cards. With 1GLOBAL’s Business Connectivity solutions, you can connect your workforce in 190+ countries under a single, scalable plan.

For businesses that need to manage mobile data across multiple regions, 1GLOBAL also offers a simple data only roaming solutions (SmartEnterprise Prepaid Data Roaming) for international travel and remote workers , having a data pool that is shared across employees.

5. Centralized Overview

With eSIM, all your devices can be centrally managed through a unified platform. This provides real-time insights into usage, performance, and device status, ensuring that your entire fleet is always connected. Centralized management also simplifies compliance and monitoring, saving your business time and resources.

6. AI Features in Newer eSIM-Enabled iPads: Boosting Business Efficiency

One of the standout benefits of newer eSIM-enabled iPads is the integration of Apple’s AI capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence. These intelligent features enable businesses to leverage advanced device management tools that improve efficiency across various operations.

For example, the AI technology can help optimize device performance by learning usage patterns and automatically adjusting settings to maximize battery life, security, and overall device responsiveness. This allows businesses to reduce manual configuration time, improve device longevity, and ensure that iPads are always performing at their best. Additionally, these AI-powered features enable businesses to automate tasks and enhance user experience, which ultimately leads to increased productivity and smoother workflows.

eSIM-Only iPads vs. iPads Supporting Both eSIM and Physical SIM Cards

As Apple shifts to eSIM-only models, it’s important to know which iPads support eSIM technology and which still offer physical SIM card slots. This knowledge will help businesses make informed decisions about which models best suit their operational needs.

eSIM-Only iPads (2023 and Later)

These iPads do not have a physical SIM card slot and support only eSIM technology:

1. iPad (11th generation) – 2025

2. iPad Air (7th generation) – 2025

3. iPad Pro (7th generation, 11-inch & 13-inch) – 2024

4. iPad mini (7th generation) – 2024

5. iPad Air (6th generation) – 2024

iPads Supporting Both eSIM and Physical SIM Cards

These iPad models support both physical SIM cards and eSIM technology, offering businesses more flexibility:

1. iPad Pro (6th generation, 11-inch & 12.9-inch) – 2022

2. iPad mini (6th generation) – 2021

3. iPad Pro (5th generation, 11-inch & 12.9-inch) – 2021

4. iPad Pro (4th generation, 11-inch & 12.9-inch) – 2020

5. iPad Air (4th generation) – 2020

6. iPad mini (5th generation) – 2019

Older iPads Supporting Only Physical SIM Cards

These earlier iPad models support only physical SIM cards and do not have eSIM capability:

1. iPad (10th generation)

2. iPad Pro (3rd generation and earlier)

Quick Reference Table: Does Your iPad Support eSIM?

How to Transition to eSIM-Only iPads with 1GLOBAL

Switching to eSIM-enabled iPads doesn’t have to be complicated. With 1GLOBAL’s eSIM solutions, businesses can easily integrate eSIM technology into their workflows. Here’s how to get started:

• Step 1: Check Device Compatibility – Ensure your iPads are eSIM-compatible. Refer to the model details to confirm whether your devices are eSIM-only or hybrid (supporting both eSIM and physical SIM cards).

• Step 2: Choose Your Plan – Select the appropriate data, voice, and SMS plan based on your business’s needs, whether prepaid or postpaid.

• Step 3: Implement MDM – Leverage MDM solutions like Jamf Pro to enable zero-touch deployment and remote management for your entire device fleet.

• Step 4: Monitor & Scale – Use centralized management to track device usage and optimize connectivity across all regions.

Request a free trial from our team today!

Why eSIM is a Game-Changer for Your Business

eSIM technology provides several advantages for businesses looking to streamline operations and stay ahead of the curve. It enables lower operational costs, greater scalability, and future-proof connectivity. With 1GLOBAL’s eSIM solutions, you can manage all your devices effortlessly, no matter where your teams are based.

Learn more about eSIM solutions for businesses and get started with a more efficient, cost-effective way of managing your iPad fleet.