“While the debut of upgraded iPad models and other new hardware were the headlining news at Apple’s recent media event, the most important news may have been the introduction of two potentially industry disrupting innovations. The first was the activation of Apple Pay, which went live on October 20. The mobile payments system will allow owners of Apple’s latest mobile gadgets to use their devices as digital wallets. For iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners, this means the ability to make purchases in brick-and-mortar stores via a contactless process enabled by Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. For iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 owners, this means the ability to make in-app purchase with Apple Pay, since those devices lack an NFC antenna.
The second important innovation introduced by Apple did not even garner a mention at its media event. However, like Apple Pay, this innovation also has the potential to change the way people use their mobile devices. For the first time, Apple’s newest cellular-connected iPad models will include an Apple SIM card that will allow users to more easily switch between participating carriers with no long-term commitment. As noted on Apple’s website, participating carriers include AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and the U.K.’s Everything Everywhere (EE). Users should be able to quickly switch between these carriers by simply accessing a menu through iOS, rather than physically removing and replacing a SIM card for each carrier.”
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