eSIM

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on eSIM:

Get $50 worth of data for just $18.97 with this international eSIM

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Secure a mobile dat a plan for $19 with this Black Friday deal.
Get an aloSIM eSIM for just $19 with this pre-Black Friday deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

International travel data can be quite expensive if you stick with your normal carrier. eSIM plans are often more affordable, and that’s especially true during a limited-time sale.

After a Black Friday price drop, you can get an aloSIM lifetime eSIM for just $18.97 — and it comes with a $50 credit toward data plan(s) of your choice. However, this deal lasts through November 27 only.

Great ways to find the movies, songs, eSIMS and beers you need [Awesome Apps]

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Awesome Apps for the Week: App icons for Untappd, Numero eSIM, Callsheet and BBC Sounds.
These apps will thrill movie buffs, music fans, frequent flyers and beer fanatics.
Image: Cult of Mac
Awesome Apps

If you love movies, TV, music, beer or international travel, the apps in this week’s Awesome Apps roundup will knock your socks off. If you happen to love all those things … well, first off, congratulations on being a person of many and varied interests.

Secondly, you’d better get downloading so you don’t spend another precious moment without these apps.

This discount eSIM makes international data easy and affordable

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Ditch roaming charges on your iPhone with aloSIM, now only $21.97.
This $22 eSIM comes with $50 of data credits to keep your iPhone connected abroad.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

When you travel to another country, you definitely want to leave roaming charges behind. They can prove shockingly expensive, and sometimes the data you get doesn’t quite cut it.

Fortunately, you can get more reliable international data with the aloSIM eSIM. Through September 24, you can get it for life for only $21.97, and your purchase even comes with $50 of data credits.

Get an eSim card for global data plus $50 credit for less than $22

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Get an eSim card for global data use plus $50 credit for under $25.
Say goodbye to roaming data abroad with this $22 eSim card.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Most of us know to double-check for the physical necessities before we travel outside the country. That includes (but isn’t limited to) passports, phone chargers, swimsuits, etc. What less experienced travelers don’t know is that it’s just as important to prep your smartphone for the trip. Once you cross international borders, you might not be taking your mobile plan with you, and that can mean expensive roaming charges for text messaging and internet use. That is unless you’re prepared with an eSim card from aloSIM.

Just in time for upcoming trips, you can now score the aloSIM Lifetime eSIM Plan for only $21.99 (regularly $50) and even get an additional $50 of data credit with your purchase. You’ll have to act fast since this deal only lasts until July 23 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

Get a deal on Instabridge eSIM and avoid internet charges when traveling

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Don't wait for Prime Day to grab the Instabridge eSIM to avoid internet charges when your traveling again.
Get a lifetime of internet access when you travel with Instabridge, now only $130 ahead of Prime Day.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

How much will using data in another country cost you on your next trip? If the answer is anything more than “nothing” (and it’s likely to be, given that receiving an unexpectedly large bill from your mobile provider even has its own name: “bill shock”), then it’s time to set yourself up with reliable international internet connectivity that won’t break the bank.

The Instabridge eSim has a perfect 5-star rating from fellow travelers, and during Deal Days, our own epic version of Prime Day, you can grab a Lifetime Plan for only $129.97 (regularly $1,000), the lowest price you’ll find for it anywhere on the web. But you’ll have to act fast since this offer expires July 14 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific!

This $25 travel eSIM comes with $50 worth of international data

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Cut travel costs with this eSIM and $50 worth of data for just $25.
Pay just $25 and get a lifetime eSIM and $50 worth of data for your next trip.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Globetrotters know the struggle of preparing for an international trip. Packing bags and booking flights and hotels is stressful enough without worrying about the always-dreaded SIM card purchase.

For your next trip, consider trying an eSIM card instead. For instance, you can snag a digital SIM card for life, plus $50 worth of data, for only $24.99 (regularly $50) with this offer.

Save on a lifetime eSIM that gives you 2GB of data every month

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Get Memorial Day savings on a lifetime eSIM that gives you 2GB of data every month.
This eSIM will make sure you always stay connected, anywhere in the United States.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Why pay a monthly fee for cellphone data? For a limited time, you can get an eSIM that gives you a lifetime of cellular data, one month at a time, with no recurring subscription costs. Instabridge eSIM’s Lifetime Plan gives you 2GB of data every month for life, and it’s only $139.97 in our Memorial Day Sale.

If you don’t need much data, you can use it as your primary connection. Or, if you’re on a limited data plan, you can use it as a backup for those times when you burn through your monthly allotment. Jump to it, though. This sale ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.

How to easily manage eSIMs on your iPhone with Holafly’s app

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The Holafly app makes managing eSIMs easy.
The Holafly app makes managing eSIMs easy.
Photo: Holafly

If you own an iPhone XS or newer, your device comes with eSIM built in. That means you can skip physical SIM cards and simply set up cellular plans for international travel right on your phone, avoiding roaming charges wherever you go.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
You can do that using one of the best apps out there — the Holafly: International eSIM app. With the free app, you can activate and manage eSIMs for different countries from your iPhone. And that means you can enjoy reliable, affordable internet on all your international travels.

Get a reloadable eSIM with $50 in credit for less than $25

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Get a reloadable eSim card with $50 in credit for under $25.
Ditch the roaming charges with this eSIM, which works in more than 120 countries.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

It’s easy to underestimate how much we rely on our smartphones — until we can’t use them. One time you definitely don’t want that to happen is when you’re in an unfamiliar country. But that’s precisely what awaits travelers who don’t plan ahead. The aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler plan is a cheap and easy way for vacationers to ensure they don’t get cut off from their data.

For a limited time, you can get aloSIM for only $24.99 (regularly $50). And on top of that, you’ll also get $50 of credits for international data. Staying in touch while abroad — whether that’s through social media, email or any other online communication method — has never been easier.

Get 2GB of data every month for life with this Instabridge eSIM deal

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Instabridge can give you up to 2GB of storage every month, now only $149.
Enjoy global internet access in over 190 countries with Instabridge, now $149.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With a subscription to Instabridge, you can enjoy 2GB of fast, reliable cellular data per month for the rest of your days. This deal comes without roaming fees, and gets you fast 5G coverage at a fraction of the normal price.

Best of all, a lifetime subscription to Instabridge is on sale during our Spring Digital Blowout Sale for only $149 (regularly $1,000). That’s the best price you’ll find on the web.

Travel without roaming charges when you get $50 of eSIM data for only $20

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Avoid international roaming charges when you get $50 of eSIM travel data for only $19.97.
This $50 eSIM credit is a budget traveler's dream, and is on sale for just $20.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Planning a vacation isn’t cheap. If you’re already searching for cheap flights and lodging, you might be able to save some additional cash by avoiding extra data charges when you try to use your phone in another country.

With aloSIM, you can evade roaming charges (which can be a costly addition when traveling) and use your phone in more than 120 different countries. During our Spring Digital Blowout through April 3, you can get $50 of eSIM credit for just $19.97.

Keep iPhone connected abroad with Holafly’s eSIM unlimited data plans

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A man sits in an airport terminal with his feet resting on his suitcase and an iPhone with eSIM for international data in his hand. A plane is taking off outside the window.
Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, you can rest assured your iPhone can get online.
Photo: Jeshoots.com/Unsplash License

You may already know about SIM cards for cellular data, those little microchips that slide on trays in or out of smartphones. But the future of connectivity is eSIM cards, and that future is now.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
iPhones and other smart gadgets already come with eSIM built in. And one of the best ways to use this convenient new technology is to enjoy international travel with unlimited eSIM data from Holafly.

Holafly’s eSIM unlimited data plans cover you when you travel. They’re tailored to your destinations. And they keep your iPhone connected in many countries, hassle-free, while also keeping costs down.

Expand your iPhone data options with this affordable eSIM

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Expand your phone's data capabilities by picking up this affordable eSIM solution.
Spend only $99 for a three-year plan that gives you options for connectivity.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

For most of us, smartphones have become a basic necessity to fulfill daily needs and tasks. So why would you settle for an underwhelming cellular network or data plan, particularly when there are some innovative eSim plans available?

For a limited time, you can gain three years of access to Instabridge eSIM for only $99 (regularly $200) with no coupon required. You’ll slash the cost in half and benefit from reliable connectivity, no matter where the day takes you.

Avoid outrageous data roaming charges for life with this international eSIM

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Avoid excessive data roaming charges for life with this top-rated eSIM and get $50 of credit for only $25.
Grab a lifetime eSIM so you can use your iPhone without fear of excessive fees on every trip.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Traveling internationally is a great way to immerse yourself in other cultures, cross off bucket-list items, and even learn a new language. However, dealing with data-roaming charges while exploring a new country can be a huge inconvenience.

You can avoid excessive roaming fees with the aloSIM. This lifetime eSIM credit is on sale now for $25. And with this deal, you can also get $50 of eSIM credit for your next trip.

Evolving eSIM technology is a huge boon to iPhone users

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An iPhone with the Holafly website and the U.S. Capitol in the background and the phrase,
The United States is one of 164 countries where you can travel with Holafly eSIM. You can enjoy unlimited data at a low price.
Image: Holafly

You’re probably familiar with SIM cards, the little microchip cards that you can slide into your cellular device via a tiny tray on the side. But do you know that virtual SIM card technology — eSIM — has evolved to replace the clumsy SIM card? eSIM makes changing up your data plan for travel and other needs easier than ever before.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
It’s no exaggeration to say eSIM is the future of cellular. And one reason that’s especially clear is that Apple released iPhone 14 models in some countries without a SIM card tray. The leading smartphone maker is “all in” on eSIM. And you should be, too.

Holafly eSIM gives iPhone users international data without barriers

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With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
With Holafly eSIM you can stay connected wherever you go, all over the world.
Photo: Holafly

An eSIM in your iPhone can keep you connected wherever you go internationally while avoiding expensive roaming charges. It’s super-easy to set up an eSIM. Plus, you can create different profiles for different countries or regions, so you never have to worry about getting hit with surprise charges.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
You can even use your regular SIM card alongside an eSIM. Find out more about how companies like Holafly provide eSIM service in this guide for international travelers.

eSIM explained: Keep your iPhone connected anywhere without a physical SIM card

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Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, rest assured your iPhone will work.
Traveling to another country? With an eSIM, rest assured your iPhone will work.
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio@Pexels.com

Can you imagine switching to another cellular provider for your smartphone without having to go to a shop or wait for your physical SIM card to be shipped? Or traveling abroad knowing your phone will work and you won’t face data-roaming charges? Or using the same phone number on your smartphone, watch, car and even your refrigerator?

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Holafly.
Well, modern eSIM technology — the future of data connectivity — makes all of that possible and even easy. The “e” stands for “embedded,” and it’s probably already on your devices. Let’s look at how you can benefit from it, especially with international travel.

Apple video explains how to activate an iPhone 14 eSIM

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Apple video explains how to activate an iPhone 14 eSIM
Setting up an iPhone 14 with an eSIM should be simple.
Graphic: Apple

iPhone 14 models require eSIM rather than physical SIM cards. That means those getting Apple’s latest handsets have to activate them via eSIM – they can’t simply plug in a SIM card to get connected to a wireless network.

It’s new to many iPhone users, but Apple released a video that explains how to activate an eSIM on an iPhone.

iOS 16 will make transferring an eSIM between iPhones easier

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Apple watch
eSIMs are about to get even easier to move from one iPhone to another.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iOS 16 will make it easier to transfer an eSIM between iPhones using Bluetooth.

As spotted by @carsonwaldrop on Twitter, iOS 16 adds an option to import an eSIM from another iPhone in the “Set up eSIM” menu. Apple requires that the other iPhone is nearby, unlocked, has Bluetooth turned on, and is running iOS 16 during the process.

T-Mobile’s Test Drive program gets eSIM support for easy setup on iPhone

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T-Mobile Test Drive
No additional hardware required.
Photo: T-Mobile

The Test Drive program that allows smartphone users to try out T-Mobile’s network free for 30 days now supports iPhone’s built-in eSIM.

You previously needed to use a mobile hotspot and a physical T-Mobile SIM card to take advantage of the trial. Now, you simply need to download an app on iPhone XS or later.

Apple Watch finally gets cellular support in New Zealand

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Apple Watch Series 5 California Face
It could be one of many new faces.
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

Apple Watch users in New Zealand can now take advantage of cellular connectivity on compatible devices.

Local carrier Spark has become the first to roll out eSIM support and a new plan aimed specifically at wearables. It only serves Apple Watch Series 5 for now — but support for other devices will come later.

This eSIM lets you roam in Europe and the US

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Finally, your can leave your travel SIMs at home.
Finally, your can leave your travel SIMs at home.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

KnowRoaming’s new eSIM lets travelers in the United States and Europe add a new roaming SIM to their late-model iPhone or iPad, just by scanning a barcode. So, if you’re already on vacation, and you can’t bring yourself to speak to the locals, you can easily sign up and get started — all without a physical SIM card.

iPad Air vs. Pro vs. mini: Which one’s right for you?

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The complete iPad lineup now includes Apple Pencil support, best-in-class performance, advanced displays and all-day battery life, Apple says.
There's an iPad for everyone.
Photo: Apple

Apple today added two new iPads to its lineup while dropping the 10.5-inch iPad Pro released in 2017. It now offers five different tablets, each of which has its own advantages. So how do you choose the right one?

Which iPad is best for unparalleled performance? Which one offers more bang for your buck? Which is starting to look a little long in the tooth?

Our in-depth comparison shows you exactly how all five of Apple’s current iPads stack up — and helps you decide which one is worth your hard-earned cash.