iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 and the Newest Apple SIM

Hi guys, it's been more than a week since my previous post. I'm sure you are fine. And to those who are celebrating Deepavali, "Happy Diwali" to you! :)

Apple has recently launched the latest series of the iPad and I must say, I'm rather looking forward to it. Well, mainly because I am working in an Apple Enterprise Partner. Hence, I have to be keeping up with the latest mobile technology trend.

I've been keeping mum on the latest gadgets because I want to see what experts have to say about it. Even though the design is still what we have been really familiar with, then again, what can you expect from Apple?

iPad Air 2

Before the launch, I read through some of the speculations on the new iPad. I have already expected it to feature the TouchID. Why wouldn't they? Especially when the new iPad Air includes the Apple Pay NFC technology. It makes sense for Apple to include the TouchID.

The new iPad Air 2 is slimmer than the first iPad Air. Only 6.1mm, which is 18% thinner than its predecessor. And it now comes only with 16GB, 64GB and 128GB. But here's the interesting part, the 64GB is the exact same price as the previous 32GB iPad Air model. Hey, you pay less for more eh?

Apple's chipset, now called the A8X. It has 40% faster CPU over the previous generation chipset and now with a 2.5x faster GPU. Pretty powerful, I must say.

A more detailed overview of the new iPad Air 2 can be read on TechCrunch.

iPad Mini 3

IMAGE: CHRISTINA ASCANI/MASHABLE

And here's one of my favourites, iPad Mini 3. I always prefer the iPad Mini because, well, it's smaller. But I've been contemplating on getting one because I'm hoping it packs the same powerful processors like the iPad Air. Well, I guess Apple has sort of disappointed me again.

However, the latest iPad Mini 3. Apple retains the A7 chip, which, pretty much didn't change much from the iPad Mini 2. Of course, it comes with Retina display. The only difference they did introduce this time, is the TouchID, which is just the only main feature.

Rather disappointing, I must say. Read more on TechCrunch's review.

Apple SIM

Now, my main agenda of the post: the all-new Apple SIM. SIM cards, traditionally, are a pain in the arse. Especially when you're traveling. The first thing every traveler has in mind when they reached the airport, is to get a local SIM card. Else, you will have the potential to bear the ridiculous roaming cost Telcos charge. And sometimes, you don't even realize the huge spike in your data usage until you see it on your bill.

And yes, most of the time, I recommend my enterprise clients to consider a roaming tracking solution. I'll cover that topic next time.

The Apple SIM. It could change the whole telco landscape. Apple didn't make much grand introduction on the the newest innovation during the launch. Mainly because they don't want to "hurt" their telco partnerships. But you and I know that this new innovation can definitely change the whole game.

The Apple SIM allows users to switch between telco carriers whenever they are in the new region. Say, you've just landed in Malaysia from US. And there's no carrier booths around, what do you do next? Simple, just go to your iPad Carrier settings, then choose between the telcos, only if they agreed to be part of this Apple SIM plan, and get the connection. Simple as that. This is also advised by my sources at Apple. However, the full technical specifications of Apple SIM has yet to be given to the public. And currently, it is only available in the US and UK.

In my honest opinion, a SIM card which support multi-carrier, well, it's not a new technology. But what Apple just did on the new iPad, especially when it comes with it, will definitely ease consumers whenever they travel anywhere or not willing to be bound by telco contracts for 24 months.

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the new Apple SIM in action.