Truphone, the provider of a bootstrap connectivity solution, enabling any device to connect straight out of the box, has extended support of its eSIM to iPad to the new iPad mini and iPad Air.
In a surprise announcement, Apple unveiled the new additions to its iPad series on Monday, ahead of a pre-scheduled event set for March 25, 2019.
The new iPad models are the latest in a series of Apple products to offer eSIM to the consumer market. Last Autumn, Apple became the first consumer device manufacturer to enable eSIM services in a flagship smartphone series: the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
Truphone’s eSIM is engineered to make connectivity simple for cellular-enabled Apple iPad mini and iPad Air users. With an eSIM-enabled device, consumers can enjoy out-of-the-box connectivity, without having to buy a SIM card separately. A user can just turn their device on, download the data plan of their choosing, and get online.
Truphone’s eSIM for iPad plan works in over 40 countries and allows Apple iPad users to get connected quickly and easily without the hassle of having to change plans when they travel to a different country. It’s an ideal solution for world travellers, international business jet-setters, or even just individuals curious about simplifying how they connect to their mobile network operator.
Ralph Steffens, Truphone CEO says: “The inclusion of eSIM into the new iPad mini and iPad Air signals a commitment on behalf of Apple to extend this cutting-edge connectivity technology to a much broader customer base. What’s more, it acts as a further cue to the entire industry – not least mobile network operators – that the future of connectivity is in embedded SIM technology. The eSIM is now a staple in connected devices and the expectation for new chipset designs. Within three years, it will become the dominant SIM form on the market.”
With bootstrap, end-users are immediately connected to a cellular network from the moment their devices are turned on.
The bootstrap profile comes pre-installed on the device and connects that device to any available network, wherever it is in the world. Using bootstrap connectivity, the user will then be able to install an operator profile of their choosing over the air—for as long as they need it. The bootstrap profile remains on the device should the user want or need to switch operators later in the lifetime of the device.
For users, the initial experience is easier and more convenient. They won’t have to insert a SIM card or type in a Wi-Fi password to get their device connected—it’s done automatically. Reducing devices’ reliance on Wi-Fi becomes especially prescient in developing markets where fixed-line connectivity is less prevalent.
For the emerging IoT market, bootstrap is essential to activate devices remotely or where no interface is available. This allows devices to be set up and configured by a central administration, without the need to manually interact with them locally.
For device makers, bootstrap provides for a more efficient supply chain—enabling them to confidently manufacture eSIM enabled devices in a single product line, safe in the knowledge it will connect out of the box anywhere in the world.
Truphone bootstrap is already being used in some of the world’s most prominent connected devices. As the only provider in the world that develops and operates its own GSMA compliant eSIM, remote SIM provisioning and global mobile network, Truphone can provide a single solution encompassing the necessary hardware, software, and management platform to enable truly intelligent connectivity.
