How is the eSIM experience of the tenth generation iPad? This article will answer your questions.

What to Expect from the eSIM on the 10th Generation iPad A Comprehensive Review

Last October, Apple launched the tenth generation iPad, which became the first iPad for many users due to its large screen, good performance, and affordable price. And today, one year later, Apple has updated this product again. The cellular version of the iPad now supports eSIM, which means you can enjoy high-speed 5G network even without inserting a physical SIM card.

How is the eSIM experience on the tenth generation iPad? How is the internet speed? How to activate this feature? We have collected many questions about eSIM on the current network and will share the results with you one by one.

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In simple terms, eSIM is an electronic version of a SIM card. It exists in the terminal as a miniaturized chip and can be downloaded directly to the device through the network for use. With eSIM technology, the device can access the internet, make phone calls, and send text messages without the need for a physical SIM card. Compared to traditional SIM cards, eSIM takes up less space and does not suffer from issues such as physical card wear and short lifespan during usage.

Smaller eSIM Size

Similarly, domestic carriers and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology are also gradually promoting the implementation of eSIM. In 2022, when answering questions from netizens, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that it is currently organizing relevant units to study and promote the application of eSIM technology in tablet computers, portable computers, and smartphones. The application scope of eSIM technology will be expanded when conditions are ripe.

Today, in 2023, Apple has also brought the first device with eSIM to the Chinese mainland market. In my opinion, it is more like taking on the role of a “pioneer.” At this time point in 2023, the tenth generation iPad can help Apple become familiar with the process of using eSIM in the Chinese market, thereby paving the way for other devices. In the future, we may see more iPad products with eSIM and even iPhones with eSIM.

The cellular version of the tenth generation iPad also comes with a physical SIM card slot

So far, eSIM only supports China Unicom users. However, Apple does not completely lock out users of other carriers from using cellular networks. You can still use the cellular networks of China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Broadcasting by inserting a physical SIM card. It all depends on your own needs and preferences.

Physical SIM cards and eSIM can coexist, but only one card can be used for network connection

This time, I specifically tested the situation of eSIM and physical SIM coexistence. As you can see, the iPad 10 supports multi-card coexistence, but users can only choose one card’s network to use at a time. You can select the number in Settings > Cellular Data.

Currently, only the cellular version iPad with the model number “A3162” can enjoy eSIM. Therefore, before buying the device, we need to confirm the model we are purchasing. You can find the words “eSIM” and “Model A3162” on the back of the iPad’s packaging box to confirm. In addition, the eSIM functionality of the tenth generation iPad only supports China Unicom, so it is necessary to download the China Unicom App in advance or go to offline China Unicom stores to handle related services.

Search for “eSIM section” in the China Unicom App, then click on the service in the lower right corner and select “iPad”

eSIM has the advantage of being able to complete activation and authentication online, making the experience of using the China Unicom App more convenient and user-friendly. Just search for “eSIM section” in the China Unicom App, then click on the service in the lower right corner and select “iPad” to activate eSIM. Similarly, activating eSIM is equivalent to opening an additional SIM card, so the activation/authentication process is no different from a physical SIM card.

General > About” src=”//phoneauto.miximages.com/img.cnmo.com/2173_600x1000/2172063.gif” title=”You can find EID, IMEI, and other information in Settings > General > About”/> You can find EID, IMEI, and other information in Settings > General > About

On the iPad, you can find the device’s EID and IMEI in Settings > General > About, and activate the barcode of EID and IMEI by long-pressing, and then fill in the barcode by scanning it. Next, just choose the corresponding plan, enter personal authentication information, and select a new number to complete.

After completing all the operations, you will get a QR code of your own. At this time, find Cellular Data in the iPad’s settings, and scan the QR code to activate it.

The price of the eSIM iPad annual package is 300 yuan/year and 500 yuan/year

The price of the eSIM iPad exclusive secondary card package is 30 yuan, 50 yuan, and 80 yuan/month

To meet the needs of different users, China Unicom has prepared two eSIM plans. One is the annual package for independent eSIM activation, and the other is the monthly package for eSIM secondary cards. The price of the eSIM iPad annual package is 300 yuan/year and 500 yuan/year, with 300GB and 500GB of nationwide data respectively. The additional data fee outside the package is 1 yuan per 1GB. The secondary card packages are 30 yuan, 50 yuan, and 80 yuan/month, with 15GB, 30GB, and 50GB of data respectively. After using up the data in the secondary card package, you can still use the data in the primary card, making it very suitable for users who already have China Unicom plans.

It is important to note that the newly activated eSIM only supports 4G/5G networks and does not include voice, SMS, or other services. In addition, when applying for an eSIM plan, you need to ensure that you can still apply for a China Unicom number. If you already have five China Unicom numbers, you need to cancel one of them in order to apply for the eSIM plan.

In terms of price, China Unicom’s eSIM plan for iPad is reasonably priced. Opening a new eSIM is equivalent to 1 yuan per GB of data. After the plan’s data is used up, the daily rental rate remains at 1 yuan per GB. This plan is very suitable for people who do not have a China Unicom number or for users whose data usage is not fixed. It is available as an “annual package” and ensures network availability for one year. As for exclusive dual SIM cards, they are more suitable for China Unicom users who still have data in their plan. After using up the data in the dual SIM card plan, the data from the primary SIM card can also be shared with the iPad, maximizing the use of the remaining plan data.

eSIM is a major new feature of the tenth-generation iPad. According to the official description, in order to use eSIM services, you must be located within mainland China. However, when traveling overseas, we can also enjoy local eSIM network plans by enabling location services.

Based on my actual testing, the iPad can quickly connect to 5G signals and achieve download speeds of 513Mbps and upload speeds of 29.6Mbps, meeting the standards of China Unicom’s 5G network.

iPad supports China Unicom’s 5G network

When it comes to data usage inquiries, since the eSIM within the iPad does not support sending SMS, we need to check the data usage of each app in the “Cellular Data” settings.

Data usage can be seen in the “Cellular Data” settings tab

If you have subscribed to a monthly package for a dual SIM card, you can also click “Reset Statistics” on the 1st of each month to obtain the data usage information for each month. Of course, the China Unicom app also provides a way to check data usage. In the “Package Balance,” you can directly view the data usage of the dual SIM card.

In terms of actual experience, the eSIM of the tenth-generation iPad is quite well-developed. As the first operator to provide eSIM network support for iPad, China Unicom also provides convenient services during the activation process and offers various plans to cater to all users. Of course, I also believe that this is just the beginning since previously, China Telecom and China Mobile have also provided eSIM services for Apple Watch. It is only a matter of time before eSIM services are introduced for iPad.

Looking back, Apple chose to promote eSIM services on the tenth generation iPad, which allows more users to enjoy the convenience of eSIM. After all, as the most affordable device in the iPad family, the cellular board of the tenth generation iPad still has the most cost-effective price. Personally, I also recommend choosing the 256GB version because the larger storage capacity can provide more sustainable usage time.

In addition, we can also speculate whether Apple’s decision to introduce eSIM on the tenth generation iPad means that products such as the iPad Air and iPad Pro will soon undergo major updates. At that time, in addition to eSIM, technologies such as the latest M3 chip will further enhance the flagship iPad experience, and I also look forward to eSIM landing on more devices, which will further expand the usage scenarios of the iPad.

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