Query - Sim for iPad in Ireland

First, do you have a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad - or a WiFi Only model?

A WiFi Only model of iPad cannot directly connect to Cellular networks - but can use a Mobile Broadband Router (often know as MiFi) to connect to Cellular networks. Broadband Routers are readily available from good computer retailers and Cellular operators (e.g., in the UK, try Currys).

For a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad you can add a DataSIM from your chosen Cellular Carrier. If using a UK Carrier, ensure that “roaming” is both included in your tariff and activated before travelling to a third-country. Depending upon your iPad model, you may also be able to activate a Cellular plan directly from the iPad using its built-in eSIM or AppleSIM:

Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad - Apple Support

Short-term eSIM plans are available and are ideal for travelling - but when compared with an airtime contract with a Cellular provider, the short-term plans are relatively expensive.

If recollection serves me correctly, O2 offer Cellular contracts that include EU Roaming at no additional cost - exactly as was the case before the UK left the European Union. Other Operators (such as EE and Vodafone) may offer something similar.

All models of iPad are offered as either WiFi (i.e., WiFi Only) or WiFi+Cellular - with a variety of internal storage options. For maximum flexibility, you should choose a WiFi+Cellular model - regardless of whether or not you intend to use built-in Cellular connectivity.

Perhaps also consider that WiFi Only models do not have any GNSS/GPS positioning capabilities. If you need precision location (such as mapping Apps), this may be important to you. GNSS/GPS is a component of the iPad Cellular chipset, but is not reliant upon Cellular service to operate.

Be aware that iPads purchased through a Cellular carrier may have some functionality disabled. All iPads purchased directly from Apple are fully functional.

These webpages link directly to Apple’s Irish website:

iPad + Mobile Data - Apple (IE)

Set up cellular data service on your Wi-Fi + Cellular model iPad - Apple Support (IE)

iPad - Coverage - Apple

iPad - Compare Models - Apple (IE)

From your photo, you have an eighth generation iPad (i.e., an iPad8) - model number MYMH2B/A. This corresponds with:

• Apple iPad8 Cellular 32GB 10.2 Inch Tablet - Space Grey

The iPad “name” (this being free text that can be anything that choose) has been set to “iPad (4)”. Perhaps you have (or have had) four iPads?

With iPadOS 15.4.1 installed, you certainly don’t have an iPad4. An iPad4 cannot be updated beyond iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only) or iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi+Cellular).

Perhaps you instead have an iPad Air4?

Not sure which iPad you have? Identify your iPad model.

As for relative merit of purchasing an iPad Pro instead of a current model iPad Air or basic iPad… current iPad Pro and iPad Air WiFi+Cellular models offer 5G Cellular. Otherwise, differences are largely model features and performance.

You can directly compare all models of iPad here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple (IE)

No, you do not have an iPad Air. To reiterate:

You have an eighth generation iPad (i.e., an iPad8) - model number MYMH2B/A.

This corresponds with an Apple iPad8 WiFi+Cellular 32GB 10.2 Inch Tablet - Space Grey