There are two SIM options for connecting your WiFi + Cellular iPad model to a data plan: a physical SIM card or eSIM technology.* (Note: Wi-Fi iPad models cannot connect to mobile networks.)
Physical SIM card: All Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models have a physical nano-SIM tray that will hold a network provider nano-SIM card (also called 4FF SIM card). Your iPad may have a network provider SIM card already installed if you purchased it from a provider. If not, you can contact your network provider to obtain an appropriate card for your iPad. Some iPad models also support an Apple SIM card. For more information, go to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203089.
[external_link_head]eSIM technology: Newer Wifi + Cellular iPad models include built-in eSIM technology that essentially acts as a digital SIM card. There are a few ways to activate an eSIM on your iPad, including downloading it on the iPad itself, scanning a QR code or using an app from a network provider. With eSIM, you can choose data plans from selected providers in the UK and in more than 180 countries and regions around the world. For more information on setting up eSIM, go to https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT203089.
[external_link offset=1]More information on iPad support for LTE networks by provider and country or region
All iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models include a nano-SIM tray that supports a network provider SIM card.
Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models with embedded eSIM technology include: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation), iPad (7th and 8th generation) and iPad mini (5th generation).
Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models with a physical Apple SIM card include: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), iPad Air (2nd generation), iPad (5th and 6th generation) and iPad mini (3rd and 4th generation).
[external_link offset=2]Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models with an embedded Apple SIM include: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), 10.5-inch iPad Pro and 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
*Not all network providers support Apple SIM and eSIM. See your provider for more details. Not available in China mainland. The eSIM technology works with iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation), iPad (7th and 8th generation) and iPad mini (5th generation). Apple SIM works with iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad (5th and 6th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and iPad mini 4.
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