Apple iPad with an eSIM (electronic simulation card)

Apple's iPad with eSIM Causes a Buzz on Chinese Social Media

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17 October 2023

The release of the new Apple iPad and its support for an electronic SIM (eSIM) has sparked widespread discussion among tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike on Chinese social media platforms. The introduction of eSIM on the iPad marks a significant milestone in the technology's development, offering both advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional physical SIM cards.

The main advantage of eSIM is its convenience, as it cannot be removed once activated. However, critics have pointed out that eSIM might not be suitable for everyone due to its constant online state once activated. This could potentially lead to increased data usage and higher phone bills if left unmonitored.

On Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, netizens have shared mixed reactions towards the new iPad with eSIM. Some users expressed their excitement about the potential for future Apple devices to support eSIM, while others voiced concerns about the technology's widespread adoption in China.

One user shared a post expressing skepticism about eSIM being widely adopted in China, stating that while some watches already support this technology, it is still too niche for most consumers. The post read, "I think it won't be widespread in China for now, and some watches support eSIM while others don't use it? It's still too niche."

Another netizen expressed confusion about the difference between the new Apple Pencil and the second-generation version, saying that they would wait until watching a video to decide if it is worthwhile to buy. "The former [Apple Pencil] is more affordable than the second-generation Apple Pencil, while the latter is easier to access the internet with, but it might be a small detail like authorizing it like an Apple Watch."

Aside from the discussion on eSIM and its potential impact, netizens have also shared their excitement about the new iPad's colorful options. One user shared a post highlighting that "Apple secretly released the iPad 10 with colorful colors, which are quite nice to look at."

The launch of the iPad eSIM in China has sparked debates about the maturity of this technology and its potential applications on tablets and smartphones. While it is mainly used in smartwatches for now, some users have expressed hope that it will become more prevalent in other devices.

As the new iPad 10 with eSIM support hits Chinese shelves on October 25th, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike are eagerly awaiting to see how this technology will be integrated into future Apple products. Some netizens have also speculated about the possibility of iPhone Pro models removing SIM slots in the coming year, citing that the eSIM on iPad 10 is a step towards this direction.

Overall, the release of the new Apple iPad with eSIM has sparked intrigue and curiosity among Chinese social media users, highlighting the unique features and potential implications of this technology.