What the Apple SIM, many heard, but few have delved into the essence of this thing. Because initially it was reported that in Russia is not working, so the subject was on the periphery of attention.
With the release of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in Apple devices appeared not just support the Apple SIM, and a full electronic SIM card that works in Russia. Resource Ixbt found specifics of this technology.
The idea of Apple SIM is that you can buy a SIM card for the tablet, which will allow access to different carriers and choose the most suitable online rate. Supported models iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro. Apple SIM looks the same as regular Nano-SIM.
On the Apple website has a separate page devoted to the Apple SIM. There is quite clearly set out all the main aspects, but not the most important thing: the button “Buy”. Why? Those who read the link and pay attention to the fine print, will find the answer to this question.
“The Apple SIM card can be purchased at Apple retail stores in Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, USA, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Sweden and Japan.” Russia is not on the list.
Does this mean that we will not be able to take advantage of this interesting offer? Now — no, because the 9.7 inch iPad Pro is a virtual SIM-card. Simply put, no need to buy the plastic and insert it into the slot. Simply go to “Settings”, select “Cellular data” and tap “Set up cellular data”.
Displays a list of available mobile operators. In Russia only two: AlwaysOnline and GigSky. This is the global operators operating in many countries and, apparently, using the infrastructure of local operators. As a result their services are significantly more expensive.
Selecting the operator, you can start to choose the tariff plan. Provided screenshots note one detail: in the upper left corner we see an icon of mobile communication, although no physical SIM cards at this point in the tablet was not inserted. However, once you have selected one of the operators, you will need Wi-Fi to select the tariff and further action.
The use of purchased data plan only in the country where you purchased it. That is to buy tariff plan, to come to a new country and start to use it — will not work. However, you can try to do it on the operator’s website. So, GigSky, you can specify both the host country and the country of destination. The prices are as follows:
$50 for 3 GB in Spain (the other options are less gigabytes — agree, this is not serious). For comparison, in Spain you can buy a SIM card Orange for 20 euros with 2 GB of 4G Internet, free incoming within the country and some international calls (on calls/SMS from those 20 euros was given 5 euros). That is, GigSky considerably more expensive, but not five times and approximately two times.
If you do not want to bother with searching for salons operators and have the opportunity to overpay — this is a good option. Of course, to use in Russia, it absolutely makes no sense. But — for now. Interestingly, the breakdown of the Apple SIM, operators have already a very large local players — for example, T-Mobile and Japanese AU (KDDI). Therefore, it is possible that in the foreseeable future and will be the operators of the big three, and popular European carriers. And then and prices will be lower, and the meaningfulness of using the Apple SIM will be undeniable. Because you, relatively speaking, right in the airport or in the hotel select the desired rate from several operators and immediately start to use it.
And here essentially it is the presence of Apple virtual SIM. Because physical Apple SIM, in fact, devalues the idea: what’s the point in it if you still need to go somewhere and buy? However, if the Apple SIM were sold in Russia, one would pre-buy it and to go abroad, but still it is less convenient. But the virtual SIM-card — is another matter. There is no doubt that the future belongs to such format.
